Local students learn fire safety from Ritzville firefighters

Two vehicles from the Ritzville Fire Department were parked outside of the grade school on the morning of Oct. 19.

Ritzville firefighters were not responding to an emergency at the school, but rather they were visiting students from Kate Gantz’s second grade class.

At the beginning of the department’s presentation, Assistant Fire Chief Joel Bell quizzed students on how to test smoke alarms in their homes, and encouraged them to discuss with their parents about changing the detector’s batteries twice a year.

He also let each of the students have a turn in testing a smoke alarm.

Bell also questioned students about the steps they should take in case of a fire starts in their home.

Some of the answers students provided Bell included touching the door to see if it’s hot, and safely going through a window to escape the building.

Volunteer Firefighter Mark Cameron gave students a homework assignment: to discuss with their parents an evacuation plan.

The plan should include two escape routes and a central meeting area where they can call 911 after everyone is safe outside.

Cameron also told students if they are trapped in a burning building to not hide in a closet during a fire and to stay on the floor so they are not breathing in smoke.

During their visit, the firefighters provided students with information about the equipment they wear when they enter a burning building.

When a firefighter enters a burning house, Cameron said they will keep low and start calling for people.

After Bell and Cameron’s presentation, the second grade students seperated into two groups and listened as firefighters described the equipment they store in the vehicles and use for emergencies.

Students also had the opportunity to watch Justin McKenzie climb on the ladder on the truck, as well as operate one of the fire hoses, with assistance from Bell.