Community Programs

Fire Training for Organizations

Fire extinguisher training, fire warden training, and fire drill observation and evaluation are provided free of charge to schools, businesses, and organizations requesting these services.

If you would like a presentation for your business or organization, please email SAFD Public Information Office.

National Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest

Poster: Don't wait; check the date. Don't forget to replace alarms every 10 years.

Each year just prior to Fire Prevention Week, SAFD and the Bexar County Fire Marshal Office sponsor a poster contest for San Antonio and Bexar County area schools. Children in pre-kindergarten through high school are eligible to create posters that convey fire safety and education messages. The poster contest helps students and their families to learn about fire safety while getting a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses and organizations. Poster contest information is distributed to school districts during the first week of September each year.

Demos, Station Visits & General Presentations

In addition to our many community programs, SAFD personnel are also available for:

  • On-site visits and equipment demonstrations at local schools and other organizations.
  • Station tours for scout troops or other small groups of 10 or less.
  • Presenters for health and safety fairs, or other general fire safety presentations.
  • Presenters for career days and job fairs.

If you would like SAFD to participate at your next program, please email details to SAFD Public Information Office.

Smoke Detector Program

SAFD believes smoke detectors are a key factor in preventing fire-related deaths. Through our Smoke Detector Program we offer free smoke detectors, including installation, to citizens living in single family homes in San Antonio. To date, SAFD has installed tens of thousands of smoke detectors throughout San Antonio, saving countless lives.

If you are in need of a free smoke detector, please contact the United Way Helpline at 2-1-1.

Sparky the Fire Dog

Sparky is the official SAFD mascot, making frequent public appearances at various community events. Children associate Sparky with other programs they have seen at their schools, re-enforcing the lessons of the fire safety presentations. Sparky is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association.

To request an appearance by Sparky, please email SAFD Public Information Office.

Sparky’s website teaches children about fire safety.