FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Fort Jackson Fire Department Fire Prevention Kick-off Carnival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. This year's theme is "Protect your family from fire."
"Fire Prevention Week allows for all members of the fire service to be active members of their communities with helping to educate families on key issues in and out of the home that can keep them safe from fire," said Jasper Jones, a fire protection inspector with the Fort Jackson Fire Department. "It's a great responsibility, but one that we take great pride in here at Fort Jackson in ensuring that fire … safety continues to be our top mission."
Fire Prevention Week was established to mark the Great Chicago Fire; the tragic 1871 inferno that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.
Organizers of Fort Jackson's event said the event has grown since it began in 2007.
"The event has grown by leaps and bounds with the help of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Balfour Beatty, who first partnered with us in 2008," said Fire Inspector Aniello Sita.
FMWR is providing a rock wall, slide and other logistical support. Child and Youth Services, which participated last year, will provide face painting and the bounce house.
The fire department and Balfour Beatty Communities distributed fliers and gift bags at each of the on-post schools to generate interest and excitement for this year's event.
Balfour Beatty is also providing food for the event and has donated Razor Scooters to be given away at the event.
Activities for the festival include fire station tours, firetruck tours, bedroom evacuation trainer, smoke detector testing, House Fire! -- a firefighting game, fire safety information, Sparky the Fire Dog, Boots the Clown doing balloon animals and a fire safety house. The 282nd Army Rock Band will provide musical entertainment.
The fire department also gave a homework assignment to all school-age children. Children who bring their assignment to the event will receive a T-shirt.
"Fire Prevention Week is the premier activity we are involved in throughout the year. It allows our firefighters an excellent opportunity to provide in-depth fire safety training to the community, especially school age children," said Fire Chief Bill Forrester, Directorate of Emergency Services, FJFD. "We expect this year's kick-off firehouse carnival and open house to be a huge success, thanks in part to the many different organizations around post who have enthusiastically agreed to partner with us to ensure the vital message of fire safety is provided to the entire community. The fire station doors are always open for assistance or just a visit, and remember this year's theme, 'Protect your family from fire.'"
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