Team Osan Participates in Fire Prevention week Published April 9, 2009 By 1st Lt. Naomi Evangelista 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Members of the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base are conducting fire prevention training this week in response to recent fires across Pacific Air Force bases. The out of cycle Fire Prevention week was initiated by Gen. Howie Chandler, Pacific Air Forces commander, to increase fire prevention awareness and to ensure Airmen are conducting proper inspections in both their work centers and home areas. "We have accepted risk in infrastructure for many years in this command and in the Air Force," said General Chandler. "However, we will not accept risk in [the] health and safety of our people." PACAF has experienced fire losses both at work and in homes on and off base. Col. Thomas Deale, 51st Fighter Wing commander, directed this week as Osan's Fire Prevention Week and requested Osan commanders train their units and team up with their first sergeants to conduct dormitory inspections. "These inspections emphasize the need for all of us to remain safety conscious regardless of where we are at or what we are doing," said Master Sgt. Jim Segebarth, 51st Mission Support Squadron first sergeant. "Sure, we want to protect Air Force equipment and facilities but even more important is for us to take the simple steps necessary to protect our people." Master Sgt. Clyde Lathon, Superintendent of wing safety, said the safety office conducts annual safety inspections to identify electrical and fire safety issues on the base. "Fire safety is everyone's responsibility at Osan," said Sergeant Lathon. "The wing safety office and the fire department are educators and inspectors. "It takes everyone's efforts to police their own work centers and homes for any deficiencies or discrepancies," he said. Fire Prevention Week is normally conducted during the first week of October but this year, Osan will have two designated Fire Prevention Weeks. The top three causes of fires in PACAF are cooking related, electrical malfunctions and improper disposals of smoking materials and candles.