Fire Prevention Week Includes Demonstrations, Bucket Brigade

Public displays, demonstrations and the ever-popular “bucket brigade” will be among the highlights at next week’s observance of West Hawaii Fire Prevention Week of 2013.

The Hawaii Fire Department is inviting the public to the event scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kona Walmart parking lot.

This week’s theme is “Prevent Kitchen Fires!” and focuses on one of the leading causes of home fires.

“By educating the public on fire safety we hope to prevent some of the suffering and tragedy caused by fire,” a department spokesman said.

A kitchen fire was the cause of a blaze that heavily damaged a home in Hilo earlier this month.

The HFD is also challenging businesses and organizations to enter a team in the bucket-brigade event.

Beginning at 11 a.m., it involves five-person teams passing buckets of water from person-to-person to see which one can transport the most water to the “fire.”

Call Capt. Kazuo Todd at 323-4761 to sign up. There is no entry fee, but the number of teams is limited.

Demonstrations include extrication of a “victim” by firefighters using the Jaws of Life.

The event will include fire safety and prevention programs for all ages.

“Every fire safety team begins with firefighters and other first responders,” the spokesman said. “But the Fire Department can’t do it alone – we need the community and the public to become involved and educated about your role in effective fire safety.”

“Please come and bring the keiki to participate in being fire safe!” he said.