What: Photo opportunity in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week

Where: Grounds of the Ohio Fire Academy located at the State Fire Marshal's Office, 8895 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

When: Monday, October 6th, 1997 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Notes: Members of the media will have the opportunity to view two

different, simultaneous firefighter exercises on the grounds of the

Ohio Fire Academy. The first is a "pump operations" class which is

a part of the Academy's Firefighter I and II classes. There will be

three stations with 24 basic firefighter students participating. They

will be practicing the use of hoselines and simulating their employment. The second class will include 11 experienced firefighters going through a makeshift search and rescue operation in a mockup of a smoke-filled, obstacle-ridden house.

This event is being held in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11th). We encourage all Ohioans

to ponder their own fire safety during this week of education and

insight. Last year alone, there were 14,400 residential fires in Ohio,

killing 125 people, injuring 950 individuals, and causing nearly $129 million in damage. While Ohio's fire service community does

an exemplary job in protecting people's lives and property, citizens

should realize that they can significantly decrease their risk of injury, death or property damage if more of them knew two ways out; had a home fire escape plan; knew the risks associated with cooking, heating, smoking, and other household hazards; and had smoke detectors present and in working order.

Director Owens, Chief Weber, members of the Ohio Fire Academy