Base members to observe Fire Prevention Week Published Sept. 25, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Kelly White 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Team Misawa is slated to host its annual Fire Prevention Week with a kick-off ceremony at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 in the base exchange parking lot. "Fire Prevention Week is an avenue that gives the base community an opportunity to participate in some fun events and, in the process, helps us achieve our goal of fire prevention education," said Master Sgt. LLoyd Stinson, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services assistant chief for fire prevention. "This year has been a remarkable year for the base's fire prevention program," Sergeant Stinson added. "We only had six fires. Of course, our goal is to continue reducing that number to zero. Fire Prevention Week participation is a key to achieving that goal." The kick-off event will include a barbeque, an auto extrication demonstration, a smoke trailer, and appearances by National Fire Prevention Association mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog, and Pluggie. "Pluggie is our energetic fire hydrant that loves to interact with the children," Sergeant Stinson said. "He loves fire prevention week because it gives him a chance to see how well the children are preventing fire. Pluggie is an invaluable tool to the fire prevention program with his two-way communication. The inspectors can interact with the children in a way the children can relate to," Sergeant Stinson added. Also scheduled during the kick-off is Misawa's second annual fire muster, starting at 2:30, followed by three firefighter combat challenge events: commander's challenge, a 4-man team competition and a firefighter competition. "The muster is a culmination of fun events designed to bring the community and firefighters together to promote prevention of fire mishaps through education," Sergeant Stinson said. "The firefighter challenge first came about many years ago to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate to the public the profession demands a firefighter endures. "The challenge, usually reserved for firefighters, has been opened up to any team who feels they have what it takes to compete," Sergeant Stinson said. Misawa member who want to participate in the commander's challenge and 4-man team competition should call Tech. Sgt. Larry Goodwin or Master Sgt. Lloyd Stinson at 226-3218 by Oct. 1, he added. Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health and safety observance on record, according to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center. "Fire Prevention Week has been observed every year since 1920 as a nationwide event commemorating the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 blaze that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres," Sergeant Stinson said. Throughout the week, Misawa's fire department personnel will present numerous fire prevention demonstrations and activities for base members to participate in. A full schedule of Misawa Fire Prevention Week activities follows. Oct. 5 Base exchange parking lot: Fire Prevention Week Kick-off Ceremony, 2 p.m. Fire Muster, 2:30 p.m. Firefighter Combat Challenge Events, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 8 Fire pit located between North housing area and Misawa Aviation and Science Museum Night Pit-Fire Demonstration, 7-8 p.m. Oct. 11 Fire Prevention Week Parades - At 10 a.m., a parade will start at the high school and proceed through main base housing - At 11 a.m., a parade will proceed through the North area housing. Fire Station 1 (Bldg. 3003) Activities, 12:30-3 p.m. -Fire Truck Display and Fire Station Tours -Interactive Events -Sparky -Smoke Trailer -Free Food and Door Prizes