Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14, 2023. What better way to learn about fire safety and how fire departments work to prevent fires and educate the public than to discuss the issue with a Fire Department Chief?
Marseilles Fire Protection District Fire Chief Dave Parrott has his opinions on how to prevent fires and how to educate adults and children on ways to stay safe and prevent fires. Parrott took time to talk about what he and his department do during Fire Prevention Safety Week and throughout the year.
Q. What do you see as the biggest problem for house fires? Are people doing enough to prevent them?
A. I think the biggest issue is carelessness with what they are doing around their home, not paying attention to their surroundings, forgetting what’s cooking or burning outside during dry or windy conditions. Space heaters are always an issue if they aren’t maintained or put too close to combustible materials. Overall, I think most communities have gotten better with fire safety over the years, getting into the schools and talking to kids when they are young to understand the importance of fire safety has helped, so continually maintaining that focus is extremely important.
Q. Do you have any plans for showing elementary school students the importance of fire safety?
A. We go to the schools annually and complete their fire drills and then have time with the younger kids going through the trucks and talking to them about fire-related things, you have to talk to them early that way they see us for several years.
Q. Any plans for the adults? Any gatherings at the fire station or Knudson Park?
A. We have our open house scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 14th, with activities for the entire family to attend, meet their fire and ambulance personnel, and get information about volunteering if interested.
Q. How many fire trucks do you have? Any special equipment you’ve purchased for bigger chemical and/or regular fires?
A. We have at our station 3 Engines, a 100’ Ladder truck, 1 Heavy Rescue, two water tenders, two brush trucks, two boats, two utility pick-ups, and a six-wheeler. The fire department is well equipped to meet and pretty much deal with most needs of the community. We are also part of MABAS Division 25, which gives us additional resources, if needed, from special response teams, equipment, and manpower throughout La Salle County.
Q. What is the best advice you could give people on fire safety?
A. Make sure you have a plan. If you have an emergency, have two ways out (of the home or building). Talk about a meeting place once you exit your house. Parents, talk to your kids about fire dangers from playing with matches and lighters. Make sure they (kids) know the dangers around the stove. If you are burning outside, make sure you do it when it’s not windy or really dry. Burning leaves and brush has caused many structures fires because they (the fires) have gotten out of hand. Being prepared and knowledgeable about fire safety is one of the best defenses.