Fire trends prompt increased awareness Published June 5, 2008 By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz 18th Public Affairs KADENA AB, Japan -- Recent fires and risky trends on base have prompted the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire and Emergency Services Department to increase education and awareness to thwart any potential tragedies. The 18th CES initiative also comes at a time when the Air Force is monitoring safety more closely as part of the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign. One trend found in workplaces is unapproved work permits. "We're seeing instances where folks are modifying their facilities without having the modifications approved by the appropriate agencies first," said Master Sgt. Stephen Fairbanks, 18th CES Fire Prevention Office assistant chief. "When we inspect these facilities, we're noticing new walls and furniture blocking access to smoke and heat detectors, so some rooms go unprotected." Unsafe practices like this cause a great expense for the 18th CES whenever technicians are sent back to repair facilities, taking away money and resources from other priorities, said Sergeant Fairbanks. A growing concern for Kadena's firefighters is the practice of disabling smoke detectors in dormitories. "If a fire starts in a room with a disabled detector, there's a chance the smoke can pass through the ventilation system into the next room," said Sergeant Fairbanks. "If the smoke detector is disabled in the second room as well, then that's two Airmen who could die from smoke inhalation." Another fire hazard deals with the use of fluorescent lights. Sergeant Fairbanks explained that when these lights burn out and turn black, they continue to heat up and eventually melt the light fixture. The lights then become brittle, increasing the chances for a fire. Kitchen fires in base housing continue to be a problem, said Sergeant Fairbanks. Two fires have occurred so far this year, matching last year's total. In 2006, the number was six. "Luckily the smoke detector activated in both cases and alerted the occupants in the house when the fire occurred," Sergeant Fairbanks said. "The smoke detectors were instrumental in preventing the fires from growing to the free-burning and smoldering phases where most injuries, destruction of property and loss of life occur." Another problem area both at work and at home is overloaded outlets and surge protectors. Plugging multiple computers, appliances and holiday lights is a recipe for disaster. "The number one thing we're finding across the board is surge protectors being connected to each other and overloaded outlets," said Sergeant Fairbanks. "If this problem is left uncorrected, eventually the circuit breaker won't work, fuses won't go off and you've got yourself a fire before you know it." Education is the key to fire prevention, said Sergeant Fairbanks. "The base fire department uses education and training as a deterrence to fires and as a primary method to protect the base populace," he said. "We're educating dormitory residents, conducting briefings at the base theater and training new facility managers every month. We want to make sure everyone knows what to look for and eliminate any potential fire hazards at home and at work." Before leaving home on a long vacation, residents should unplug appliances such as televisions, coffee makers, microwave ovens and computers. "Folks should also have a friend check up on their home once a week," Sergeant Fairbanks said. "Or leave keys to your office with a co-worker and request they walk through periodically." Fire prevention is everybody's business and residents can call the fire prevention office at 634- 4500 with questions or concerns. "The fire department is here to help Kadena residents, not destroy a career if someone fails one of our fire safety inspections," said Sergeant Fairbanks. "Folks need to get out of the inspection mindset. It's not a matter of pass or fail, it's about protecting everybody."