Published: October 24, 2009 08:58 pm      

Event aimed at home fire safety

The Huntsville Fire Department will host its annual open house and fire safety event Tuesday at Fire Station 2 on Sam Houston Avenue.

The event, which kicks off at 6 p.m., includes a fire prevention demonstration, refreshments and a visit from Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Firedog.

“The demonstration will include setting a building on fire, and a demonstration on how to put out a kitchen fire,” Huntsville Fire Department training captain Jason January said. “It all goes along with a prevention message centered around home fire safety.”

According to January, the National Fire Safety Awareness Month event always tends to draw much support from the community.

“We generally have a big turnout,” January said. “We are always amazed at how many people come out and support us in this.”

In 2008, over 4,000 people died as a result of fire, with 18,000 people injured. Fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined, with property losses due to fire totaling about $15.5 billion annually.

Tuesday’s open house is free and open to all Walker County residents. The Ladies Auxiliary is helping with planning the event.