Story and photos by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs October 27, 2023
Members of the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron showcase their abilities to put out a fire on a training aircraft while hosting an open house at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 21, 2023. The 86th CES invited the Kaiserslautern Military Community and local partners to the open house to spread awareness of fire safety while cooking this coming holiday season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)
Fire Prevention Week is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about fire safety, and this year, the U.S. Air Force is actively promoting cooking safety.
The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention,” emphasizing the crucial role individuals play in safeguarding their homes this coming holiday season.
Firefighters from the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron cut open a car during an open house at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 21, 2023. The open house was the final event of Fire Prevention Week, a week-long event hosted by the fire department to spread awareness of fire safety and prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)
Cooking fires represent the number one cause of home fires and home injuries, making it vital for Team Ramstein to be well-informed and proactive in preventing kitchen-related fires. To address this issue, the Air Force is urging the community to adopt essential fire safety practices in their kitchens.
“The leading cause of cooking fires is unattended cooking, so we would like to remind people to stay in the kitchen and to set timers,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Leuck, Kaiserslautern Military Community Fire and Emergency Services noncommissioned officer in charge of fire prevention.
In case of a fire in a pot or pan on the stove, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the top and turning off the burner. Should a fire erupt in the oven, Leuck advises to turn off the heat and keep the door closed to contain the flames.
U.S. Air Force Airmen participate in a fire muster competition at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 20, 2023. The competition was part of Fire Prevention Week, a week-long event hosted by the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department to spread awareness about fire safety and prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)
However, safety always takes precedence. If there is any uncertainty about handling a small fire, the KMC Fire and Emergency Services underlines the importance of evacuating the premises immediately and reaching out for professional assistance.
“Safety is our number one concern,” Leuck said. “If you have any doubt about combating a small fire, immediately leave your house and call 06371-47-112 to contact our emergency dispatch center.”
For any further questions involving fire safety, the Air Force recommends visiting the National Fire Protection Agency website for invaluable information offering a wealth of cooking and fire safety tips.
The Ramstein Fire Department hosts an open house as the final event of Fire Prevention Week at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 21, 2023. The open house allowed Kaiserslautern Military Community members and local partners to eat, play games, watch live demonstrations to spread awareness of fire safety while cooking this coming holiday season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)
A U.S. Air Force Airman carries a fire hose up stairs in a fire muster competition at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 20, 2023. The fire muster gave Airmen the opportunity to put their physical skills to the test in activities firefighters do every day. This competition was part of Fire Prevention Week, a week-long event hosted by the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department to spread awareness of fire safety while cooking this coming holiday season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)
Families gather at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center for the Fire Prevention Week parade at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 21, 2023. This parade was part of Fire Prevention Week, a week-long event hosted by the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department to spread awareness of fire safety while cooking this coming holiday season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)
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