Fire Prevention week Oct. 4-10 Published Oct. 2, 2009 By Carl Bergquist Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The week of Oct. 4-10 marks the 2009 Fire Prevention Week at Maxwell-Gunter, and this year's theme is: "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned," said James Smith, Maxwell's assistant chief for fire prevention. The chief said the event concentrates this year on preventing burns, not just from structural fires, but also from contact with objects like stove burners, barbecues and other items, such as incandescent light bulbs and hot water, that may be hotter than they might appear. "When people arrive at Maxwell-Gunter and are moving in, our base housing briefings stress information about cooking to include keeping children away from stoves when in use and keeping pot handles turned toward the rear of the stove to prevent pots from being turned over or knocked off the stove because the handles were accidentally bumped. We also recommend parents be careful not to let children play with matches or lighted candles," he said. "These are things people sometimes don't think about but can cause burn-related problems. Attention here can prevent those problems." Chief Smith said the good news is that Maxwell-Gunter did not have a single burn injury over the last year. He said the base had four structural fires, but none of them resulted in burn injuries or serious damage. "We have had a good year, and we want to keep it that way for the coming year," the chief said. "We did have a few incidents, and that's why we dedicate an entire week to fire prevention in an effort to help people avoid fire mishaps." According to the National Fire Protection Association Web site the leading cause of fire in kitchens is unattended cooking. The NFPA recommends that those doing the cooking stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food; and if they have to leave, even for a moment, turn the stove off. They also recommend keeping children and pets out of the kitchen while cooking is being done, but if that is not possible keep them at least three feet from the stove. The American Burn Association says on its Web site that, on average, there are about 4,000 burn deaths each year, and about 40,000 people are hospitalized due to burn accidents. Additionally, they estimate about 500,000 people receive medical treatment each year for burns. The ABA says 46 percent of burns are from fire or flame, 32 percent from hot water scalding, 8 percent from contact with hot object, and 7 percent from electrical or chemical contact. As in past years, this Fire Prevention Week will include tours of the Maxwell and Gunter Fire Departments, the Maxwell Elementary School poster contest, Fire Prevention Week displays at the Maxwell Base Exchange and Gunter Shoppette. Sparky and the Fire Safety House will visit the MES, the Maxwell Youth Center and the Gunter After-School Program. The grand finale will be Sparky leading fire-vehicle parades through base housing areas at both Maxwell and Gunter Oct. 9. For more information about Fire Prevention Week, contact Chief Smith at 953-7470, or by e-mail at james.smith@maxwell.af.mil.