By Kate Miller, Staff Writer
Even under the right conditions, something unexpected can start a big fire.What’s more is that it can be something a person has done safely time and again, but this time, that something just went wrong.“The top causes for fires here are smoking, unattended appliances, cooking, leaf burning and something electrical, like loading up extension cords,” said Chief Ron MacKnight with the Wright City Fire Protection District.MacKnight said many fires are preventable by just paying closer attention and being aware of fire risks. He said resident should be careful not to overload electrical outlets, watch cooking foods and look for fire hazards and avoid them.Firefighters train to put fires out, he said, but they prefer to keep people from the heartache of fire damage and personal injury. They want to educate the public about safety and prevention.He said firefighters from most fire departments will help residents with fire safety checks that can include smoke detector checks, carbon monoxide checks and a recommended fire exit.And then, every October, fire districts across the country go full-on Fire Prevention Week. It’s observed each year during the week where Oct. 9 falls.Fire Prevention Week began in the 1920s and commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which started at a barn on Oct. 8 and spread quickly. Most of the damage was done Oct. 9, 1871. By the end, 250 people were killed, 100,000 were left homeless, and 17,400 structures across 2,000 acres were burned.The tragic event taught many lessons about fire safety and made fire safety a public health concern.During Fire Prevention Week 2016, firefighters throughout Warren County visited local schools to talk kids about fire safety.“We try to get the message out every day, but especially during fire prevention week,” MacKnight said.“We go to schools and the kids are engaged. We hope parents capitalize on this and talk to their kids about the messages they bring home.”MacKnight said every family should be prepared, as a matter of being safety conscious.“The first thing everyone can do is check their smoke detectors. Replace them if they’re more than 10 years old. Make sure the battery is good,” he said. “Purchase a home fire extinguisher and learn how to use it before you need it.”He said people should keep clear exit pathways into and out of their homes.“If there is a fire, smoke and fire has chemicals that get people disoriented. It doesn’t matter how well you know your house, this will make it harder for you get out. If pathways are blocked, it will make it harder,” he said.One of the best things families can do is create an emergency plan.“Everyone should know what to do. Create a plan, have exit drills, know your address and important phone numbers,” MacKnight said.Most of all, he said, get out and don’t go back in.“Everybody has things they cherish, but you can replace things,” MacKnight said. “You can’t replace your life.”Members of the Warrenton Fire Protection District visited area schools this week to promote Fire Prevention Week. Pictured, Firefighter Teddie Anderson explains the equipment used on the fire truck to students at Warrior Ridge Elementary. Derrick Forsythe photo.
Maddie Hellebusch from St. Ignatius Catholic School gears up with a little help from Marthasville Volunteer Fire Auxiliary member Cindy Faust. Hellebusch is preparing to learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly. Cindy Gladden photo.
