Fire education programs return to Clovis schools

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fire education programs were burned out of the budget during the recession. Now, after a six year hiatus, they're back.

Daryl Turney is a natural with the kindergartners at Dry Creek Elementary School in Clovis. "Ahhh!!! The fire's getting bigger and bigger and my clothes are burning up is that what I want? No!!."

Turney will be speaking to elementary school students in Clovis this year, giving them a hands-on lesson about fire safety. The students learn things like what to do if you catch on fire, how to react to a smoke alarm, and where you should safely crawl to if a fire breaks out in your house.

"That you crawl and not walk when you get out of your bed," said Delila Wells, Student.

"He really is able to talk to the kids at their level and get them excited -- and they remember because he's having them practice the different things and so it's really hands on," said Wendy Smith, Teacher.

The program is a no-brainer for firefighters trying to prevent fires and save lives, but for the last six years children in Clovis had to go without the fire education because of budget cuts. Now for the first time since 2008, the "Fire Pals" program is back.

"There was an emergent need to make sure our students and our future leaders actually understood fire safety," said Chad Fitzgerald, Clovis Fire Department.

The Clovis Fire Department says in the last three years they've had six fires that were started by children. Investigators said one of them, the fire that ripped through the Scottsmen Apartment complex last year, was started by an 11-year-old playing with a lighter. That fire destroyed 12 apartments and left 40 people without a home.

"So when you look at that, if we reach one student and that student takes that message home, talks to mom and dad, talks to their siblings and that saves one property that saves one life it's a worthwhile investment," said Fitzgerald.

Fire and school officials hope to continue this program for years to come. Dry Creek Elementary is one of 17 schools that firefighters will be visiting this school year.