Firefighters conduct an assembly at Piñon Hills Elementary

by Lisa Welch

Last week, East Fork Fire District sent a fire engine, a rescue truck and tenders to Piñon Hills Elementary School for an assembly. Fire Marshal Steve Eisele spoke to the students about the fire precautions we need to take in our homes. He sited the "Great Chicago Fire" that was "according to legend" started by Catherine O'Leary's cow who kicked over a lantern and ignited the hay in the barn.

This fire left 250 people dead and 100,000 people homeless way back in 1871. Eisele also told the children that in Nevada last year, 289 house fires started in the kitchen. Eisele had tips for safety in the kitchen, somethings we may have forgotten about; if a pan is on the stove the handle should be turned in. No potholders, dish towels or any other flammable things should be on the stove (like the macaroni and cheese box). Don't wear loose clothing when cooking on the stove and no metal should go in the microwave.

There was a short play with some of our students as the actors where the "Hazard Family" was busy with day-to-day life. The mom was cooking and got distracted by the children who were fighting. Dad was sitting in the chair, not really helping. Fire broke out on the stove and the family evacuated. Well, the parents did. Chief Elaine Pace, Chief Dave Drew and firefighter Dave Oksnee came in with their air packs on and put the fire out with silly string. The kids loved that. Then the firefighters crawled on their hands and knees until they found the three children hiding in the house. Great acting guys!

Eisele went on to inform the students about more fire safety, like checking your smoke detector every month and how to have a family plan for evacuation in case of a fire. Sparkey, the fire dog, showed up and then the children got to go outside and look at all the neat fire engines. Thank you so much East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts, what a great assembly.

It sure feels like fall now that the temperature at night has dipped down to the low 20s. I was so happy to see that open burn was now on. I have piles of garden waste, tree trimmings and weeds and I can't wait to set them a blaze. One thing I learned a few years ago was to make sure my hoses were drained the night before I plan to burn. I went out one morning to burn a pile, turned on the hose, it was frozen solid. Remember to be safe and cautious when it comes to any fire risks.

-- Lisa Welch is a Johnson Lane resident and can be reached at 267-9350.