It’s Fire Prevention Week across the nation, and local fire departments, including the Elk City Fire Department, have been spreading fire awareness at local elementary schools and daycares.

Public Information Officer Brian Pierce says this year’s theme is “Make Smoke Alarms Work for You” and stresses the importance of having working smoke alarms installed in homes.

Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka says that thanks to funds raised at their latest golf tournament and a partnership with Sonic Drive-In, the department is able to provide and install smoke detectors in eligible homes.

Chief Chervenka mentioned that the goal of the program is to expand into other neighboring towns and counties. He also noted that the latest data shows that in the last 5 to 6 years, 98% of structure fires the Elk City Department responded to did not have working smoke detectors.

ECFD presentation at Elk City Schools