News>Vandenberg Fire Department hosts annual Kids Fire Camp
Photos
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Levi Betts uses a fire extinguisher to put out flames during the Kids Fire Camp at Fire Station 2 here Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. The event allowed 36 children the opportunity to be junior firefighters for a day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lael Huss)
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Sage Brady assembles a hose nozzle during the Kids Fire Camp at Fire Station 2 here Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Sage participated in an obstacle course that included shooting water to knock a cone down, assemble and disassemble a hose nozzle, cone weaving, bag run and a dummy drag along with 36 other children who attended this event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lael Huss)
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Kelli Martin reaches to pick up two bags in the bag run portion of an obstacle course during the Kids Fire Camp at Fire Station 2 here Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. This event taught some necessary skills to keep children safe in the event of fire. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lael Huss)
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Senior Airman Chris Cruz, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, shows a group of children the Jaws of Life during the Kids Fire Camp at Fire Station 2 here Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. The event allowed 36 children the opportunity to be junior firefighters for a day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lael Huss)
by Jennifer Green-Lanchoney
30th Space Wing Public Affairs
8/22/2011 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vandenberg children attended the Annual Kids Fire Camp hosted by the Vandenberg Fire Department here Aug. 13.
The event, held in Fire Station Two, taught 36 children from Vandenberg the importance of fire safety.
"If we can teach the children at this young age how to identify some safety issues or concerns around their house then it makes our job easier," said Scott Balatgek, fire inspector and coordinator of the kids camp. "If they learn how to handle those situations, it can prevent an injury or a fire."
Children participated in several stations during the day camp including a fire station tour and how to escape a smoke filled house.
"Every year we try to add something new," said Balatgek. "This year the Red Cross came out and taught the children how to make disaster preparedness kits, and the obstacle course was a bit hit allowing children to wear a makeshift fire fighter outfit complete with hat."
The Vandenberg Fire Department plans to hold a kids fire camp again next year.
"Keep your eyes and ears open; we will be looking forward to putting on another successful event," said Balatgek.
