Michael Campbell, Fort Leonard Wood fire inspector, teaches children how to feel if their bedroom door is hot in the event of a house fire in the Fire Safety Trailer at a previous Fire Fest.
Michael Campbell, Fort Leonard Wood fire inspector, teaches children how to feel if their bedroom door is hot in the event of a house fire in the Fire Safety Trailer at a previous Fire Fest.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army Photo) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 9 through 15, the Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department is scheduled to host Fire Fest 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Main Exchange parking lot.

During this family-friendly event, attendees of all ages will have the opportunity to meet firefighters, see fire trucks, tour the Fire Safety Trailer, meet Sparky the Fire Dog, see live performances of the 399th Army Band’s rock band, and enjoy food and refreshments courtesy of the USO, according to Kevin Curtis, Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department assistant fire chief.

Most importantly though, Curtis said, the Fire Department will be able to educate the community about fire prevention and response.

“The Fort Leonard Wood community’s education in fire safety is the priority of the Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department,” he said. “Every interaction is an educational opportunity for the community and us. The significance of Fire Fest allows us to reach parts of the public that we would not normally interact with.”

Curtis, who has worked for the Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department for nearly 15 years, said prevention and education are the key elements to keeping the Fort Leonard Wood community safe, and Fire Fest plays a big role in those efforts, especially during National Fire Prevention Week.

“Fire Fest is important because it allows us to help protect the Fort Leonard Wood community through education,” Curtis said. “It allows us to interact with our community in fun, educational ways so that the Fort Leonard Wood community can be prepared in preventing a fire incident from occurring.”

Last month, Col. Anthony Pollio, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander, signed a proclamation acknowledging Fort Leonard Wood’s role in National Fire Prevention Week.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the observance, and the 2022 theme – “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.” – highlights the critical importance of developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly, Curtis said.

Fire Fest is open to those who have access to Fort Leonard Wood. For more information, call 573.596.0886.