City Recognizes National Fire Prevention Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2006

For more information, contact:
Jeff Barlow, Chief, City of Bloomington Fire Department, 349-3894
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569

  Bloomington, IN - Mayor Mark Kruzan officially proclaimed the week of October 8 through 14, 2006, to be Fire Prevention Week in Bloomington. The City of Bloomington Fire Department will promote this year's theme, "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat," with community outreach and education.

"Cooking fires are a serious concern both locally and nationally," said Jeff Barlow, Chief, City of Bloomington Fire Department. "These fires result in thousands of serious injuries and hundreds of deaths annually and these tragedies are preventable. We encourage everyone to follow the theme and Watch What You Heat; stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep the cooking as your primary focus."

The City of Bloomington Fire Department responded to 47 cooking-related fires in 2005 and 35 cooking-related fires to date this year.

In light of these statistics, the Fire Department is stepping up its fire safety education efforts especially related to the week's theme. Speakers are available free to community groups and organizations, literature is available for cooking fire safety tips, and fire station tours are offered throughout the week by appointment.

While the department concentrates on fire safety during the month of October, these services are available throughout the year.

Fire Prevention Week is held each year in response to the "Great Chicago Fire" of 1871 in which 250 people were killed, 100,000 were left homeless, and more than 74,000 buildings were destroyed.

For additional information about fire safety or Fire Department services, contact the City of Bloomington Fire Department at 332-9763 or e-mail [fire@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:fire@bloomington.in.gov].

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