The Morongo Valley Fire Department will give away 20 smoke alarms as part of its open house on Saturday, October 11. This week is National Fire Prevention Week, and the theme is Smoke Alarms Save Lives. To be entered in the drawing, pick up an application at the CSD office or fill one out during the open house. Sparky will be on hand to give out prizes for the kids, and there will be popcorn and ice cream sundaes. The open house will be held at the fire station, on Ocotillo from 2 to 4 p.m. Managing editor Tami Roleff says fire fighters throughout the Morongo Basin went to area schools this week as part of Fire Prevention Week…
Area fire fighters have all scheduled presentations at area pre-schools and elementary schools, where they put on their fire fighting gear and discuss fire safety with children. Twentynine Palms Fire Captain Matt Helmkamp says during a fire, children are often frightened by the sight of fire fighters in their protective gear and hide, which makes it more difficult to find and rescue them. Helmkamp said by exposing children to what fire fighters look like in their turnout gear, they learn not to hide from them, and know that even though fire fighters look scary, they’re the good guys. Remember, smoke alarms save lives.
