Fire Prevention Week

October 5 through 11 is Fire Prevention week. The annual event was established to mark the anniversary of the "Great Chicago Fire" that occurred in 1871. This year's theme is "Prevent Home Fires." According to the National Fire Protection Association, public fire departments responded to more than 1.5 million fires in the United States in 2007.

During Fire Prevention Week, safety advocates will educate communities, explaining that with a little extra caution they have the ability to prevent the leading causes of home fires - cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials.

The San Antonio Fire Department will try to stress this message not just a week, but for the entire month of October. As part of this fire prevention celebration, they will hold their annual Health and Safety Fair beginning at noon on Saturday, October 18 at Wolff Stadium. The event is free with donations accepted. The day will be filled with activities for the entire family.

Following the fair, visitors are invited to enjoy the softball game of the year, as the San Antonio Fire Department takes on the San Antonio Police Department. All funds raised from the charity softball game will benefit some 130 San Antonio service agencies that provide help to those in need in our community.

For more information on the "Battle of the Badges" softball game, contact Nora Castro at (210) 207-3542 or by email at nora.castro@sanantonio.gov.

For more information on fire prevention and safety tips for your family, visit www.nfpa.org.

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