Tragedy is a four letter word – “FIRE”

  • Published
  • 1st SOCES Fire and Emergency Services
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Over the last several weeks the Hurlburt Fire Emergency Service Flight has responded to several wild land fires with a similar cause, children playing with matches. 

The first fire incident occurred last month, scorching more than 25 acres near the back gate of Hurlburt Field. This stubborn blaze tasked Hurlburt and Okaloosa County firefighting resources for more than three days. 

Just last week, another fire occurred in the woods adjacent to Live Oaks in the military family housing area. Upon arrival, firefighters rapidly deployed hose lines, extinguishing the blaze without incident. During the post-fire investigation, the senior fire official determined a child playing with matches was, once again, the cause of the fire. 

This time of year, it is very important to remember that rainfall is usually minimal, increasing the fire danger condition. 

The national statistics show that each year about 150 people are killed and more than $200 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with matches. Often what begins as a natural exploration of the unknown can lead to tragedy. 

· Children of all ages set more than 35,000 fires annually. Approximately 8,000 of those fires are set in homes. 

· Children make up 15-20 percent of all fire deaths. 

· At home, children usually play with fire in bedrooms, in closets and under beds. These are "secret" places where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily. 

·Too often, child fire setters are not given proper guidance and supervision by parents and teachers. Consequently, they repeat their fire setting behavior 

Fire safety begins at home and it's easier with these tips: 

· Supervise young children closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods of time. 

· Keep matches and lighters in a secured drawer or cabinet. 

· Have your children tell you when they find matches and lighters. 

· Check under beds and in closets for burned matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire. 

· Develop a home fire escape plan, practice it with your children and designate a meeting place outside. 

· Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy. 

· Teach children the nature of fire. It's FAST, HOT, DARK and DEADLY! 

· Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call 911 from another location. 

· Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out in the case of fire. 

· Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground and roll if their clothes catch fire. 

· Install and test the smoke alarms in your home. 

· Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm.
Having an operational smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. 

And remember, practice a home escape plan frequently with your family and dial 911 for all emergencies.