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Just because school’s out for the summer—or for good!—doesn’t mean we stop learning. This is especially true for practical, universal information like fire safety. Whether you’re planning a camping trip with s’mores, a backyard bonfire, or winter fireplace wrangling, the Olympia Fire Department (OFD) is here to help.

meconis logoFor more than 150 years, the OFD helps keep us safe; in 2014 alone they responded to almost 10,000 calls. On July 2 they’re holding a fun, family-friendly Fire Safety Movie Spectacular to educate, answer questions, and meet the community.

OFD’s Peter Bergford says they’re excited for this potentially annual event. “Summer is such a fun time; kids are out of school, the weather is nice, and it’s time to get out and enjoy our beautiful Northwest. Our goal is to minimize the potential for people to experience an emergency by educating them on fire and life safety. Campfires, outdoor stoves, BBQ pits, and fireworks significantly increase the risk of fire related injury or loss. Remember kids: hot things burn, cool it with water, and call for help.”

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For more than 150 years, the Olympia Fire Department keeps us safe and educated on fire safety. Photo courtesy: Olympia Fire Department.

This type of fun educational interaction isn’t unique for the department. “Every spring OFD makes rounds to Olympia elementary schools and specifically visits 1st grade and 5th grade classes with a fun message on fire safety,” continues Bergford. “We also meet on request with businesses, state agencies, and care facilities to discuss important safety matters like emergency preparedness and fire extinguisher training.

“The first full week in October every year is National Fire Prevention week so last fall we opened the doors to Station 1 and invited the community for a fun open house,” adds Bergford. “And of course, OFD always sends an Engine to the parades.”

The Fire Safety Movie Spectacular runs from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the downtown Capitol Theater. For a $1 or a canned food donation, attendees can watch the Disney movie ‘Planes,’ tour a fire truck, meet Sparky the Fire Dog and Smokey the Bear, be entered in prize drawings, and—best yet—enjoy free ice cream thanks to Captain Little.

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The OFD visits elementary schools, businesses, government offices, and groups across the city. Photo courtesy: Olympia Fire Department.

Washington’s Department of Natural Resources reports that “in 2015, 70 percent of Washington State’s wildfires were human-caused.” Educating families on easy, preventative steps can keep vacations and staycations safe for everyone.

But some fires aren’t caused by people; “many scientists point to global warming creating bigger thunderstorms to explain more frequent lightning strikes.” Recent turbulent springtime storms show that Mother Nature’s light-show can be dangerous.

Indoors or out, whatever the season, the Olympia Fire Department is always ready to help. And while an ounce of prevention is proverbially worth a pound of cure, a scoop if ice cream is always motivational. So bring family, friends, and neighbors to eat, greet, and meet our city’s heroes.

As Bergford admits, “Sometimes we refer to the place where we live, the City of Olympia, as an entity. Maybe we need to think of it more as our town. It feels good to do things that make our town a better place to be – things like eating ice cream on the bumper of a fire truck, watching movies together and giving Sparky a hug. So get out there and enjoy an awesome summer and remember that we—Fire and Police—are here for you when you need us!”

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At the July 2 Summer Fire Safety Movie Spectacular, meet the OFD crew, enjoy movies and ice cream, and high-five Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog. Photo courtesy: Olympia Fire Department.

Learn more about the Olympia Fire Department’s mission, events, and recruitment online or by calling 360-753-8348.

Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding area, visit our complete event calendar.

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