Humphreys launches Fire Prevention Week

By Maria GallegosSeptember 29, 2020

Humphreys launches Fire Prevention Week
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – United States Army Garrison Humphreys Commander Col. Michael Tremblay and Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon combat a fire in a training exercise at Humphreys Fire Station 1, Sept. 29. This year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” as cooking is the leading cause of house fires nationwide. (Photo Credit: Pfc. Nickson Schenk, Visual Information Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL
Humphreys launches Fire Prevention Week
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – United States Army Garrison Humphreys Commander Col. Michael Tremblay signs the Fire Prevention Proclamation to officially commence the annual National Fire Prevention Week at Humphreys Fire Station 1, Sept. 29, as Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon looks on. This year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” as cooking is the leading cause of house fires nationwide. (Photo Credit: Pfc. Nickson Schenk, Visual Information Photographer) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea -- United States Army Garrison Humphreys Commander Col. Michael Tremblay and Humphreys Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon officially kicked off the National Fire Prevention Week, at Humphreys Fire Station 1, Sept. 29.

This year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” as cooking is the leading cause of house fires nationwide.

“Thank you so much for all that you do every single day,” Tremblay said. “You make our job really easy when it comes to emergency services, and specifically fire prevention and fire safety. Chief, to you and your whole team, you guys are phenomenal. Thank you.”

According to the USAG Humphrey Fire Inspector Supervisor Yi, Sang-chol, unattended cooking and illegal smoking are the two most common fire hazards here at Humphreys.

From January 1 through August 31, Humphreys had 83 unattended cooking incidents, 38 cases of smoke detector tampering, and 26 false alarms due to E-cigarette use in the barracks.

“We get a lot of calls for unattended cooking and smoke caused by E-cigarettes,” Yi said. “Smoking, including E-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited in all U.S. Army buildings. People must go 50 feet beyond public entrances or residences to smoke, but many do not.”

Fires in the kitchen can be prevented if you “Stand by your Pan.” The Directorate of Emergency Services’ slogan helps remind the community to never leave their cooking unattended.

“People tend to forget what’s on the stove, especially if they have other distractions,” Yi said. “Watching TV, taking a shower, or being medicated while cooking can distract you from cooking, which can lead to home fires and injuries. Please be mindful to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors by being responsible when you cook.”

In recognition of the NFPW, October 5-8, DES has several events scheduled around the installation to help educate the community on proper fire safety. They will also have food, games, giveaways, and interactive activities for everyone.

A few of these events will be held at Humphreys West Elementary School (Oct. 5-6) and Humphreys Central Elementary School (Oct. 7-8), from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., to directly discuss the importance of fire prevention with students.

“It is important for us [fire inspectors] to educate young kids on fire hazards and prevention,” Yi said. “Showing them some common fire hazards and how to safely avoid them can possibly prevent deadly or serious outcomes in the future.”

On Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., DES will continue to educate the community on fire prevention at Humphreys Downtown Plaza.

“We invite everyone to come join us,” Yi said. “Just having awareness of what can cause a fire and knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can save a life, or lives.”

USAG Humphreys has four fire stations with 24/7 emergency dispatch, and two bilingual dispatchers who can translate 119 calls. They can also be reached at 911.

For more photos, please visit USAG Humphreys Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usaghumphreys/albums/72157716175467927/with/50396000238/