U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Dozens of local children mixed and mingled with firefighters, learned about fire prevention and managed to have a little fun June 22at the Air Force Academy’s Youth Fire Safety Camp.
Hosted by the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services Flight, the annual camp teaches 8-12-year olds about fire prevention, said Steve Gonzales, a Defense Department fire inspector assigned to Fire Station 1.
“Every year, we dedicate a day in June to teach children to use fire extinguishers and other fire prevention skills, such as using a fire extinguisher to put out a barrel fire,” he said. “The day consists of public education, lunch, a fire truck display and water events simulating firefighting tactics.”
Firefighters put on their full protective gear during the event.
“The goal is to alleviate any fears children might have if a firefighter shows up at their house,” Gonzales said. “We also show the kids a safety video in the station.”
Along with a “bucket brigade” and a lesson in how to use a fire hose, the camp featured a Youth Firefighter Combat Challenge, a kid-friendly version of the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a national competition deemed by firefighters to be the toughest two minutes in sports that challenges firefighters’ fitness and agility.
“The kids knock down a small structure to simulate knocking down a door, run with a hose over their shoulder, zigzag through an obstacle course and drag a dummy,” Gonzales said.
Nearly 80 children and their parents and family members attended.
“This was our most successful year,” said Ken Helgerson, the Academy’s fire chief. “We were able to teach fire safety concepts in a fun and dynamic environment. There were smiles all around.”