Fire Prevention Week 100th anniversary held at Dover AFB Published Oct. 18, 2022 By Senior Airman Cydney Lee 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week Oct. 9-15, 2022, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. “[Fire Prevention Week] provided all fire departments an opportunity to celebrate all we’ve accomplished in reducing the risk of fires,” said Howard Smith, 436th CES assistant chief for fire prevention. “This year's theme, [“Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape”], promoted establishing evacuation plans, which could be the difference between life or death during a fire emergency.” Community events during the week included an open house at the fire department, a parade, fire muster physical training and special appearances from Sparky, the National Fire Prevention Agency mascot. Fire Prevention Week, which started in 1922, commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The week focuses on educating the community and building confidence in fire extinguishing methods. “You don’t always need to rely on 911,” said Staff Sgt. Everett Williams, 436th CES fire inspector. “You can stop the fire at your own means, in your own home.”