San Luis Obispo County students learn the importance of fire safety during annual Burn Relay

Local firefighters traveled across San Luis Obispo County Thursday to teach students about the importance of fire safety in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.

Several departments participated in the day-long relay, including Morro Bay Fire Department, Five Cities Fire Authority and San Luis Obispo City Fire. KSBY’s Dustin Klemann and Christina Favuzzi also helped put on presentations throughout the day to bring the message to thousands of students across North and South County.

The parade showcases the fire equipment crews use to extinguish brush fires that might pop up across the Central Coast as well as show them the safe ways to protect themselves if a fire does break out. Some of the skills discussed during the relay include “stop, drop and roll” and crawling strategically to get out of a burning building.

"What we're trying to teach the kids today is first of all, how important it is to remember the numbers [like] 9-1-1, how important it is to have a plan with their parents for a safe escape more than one way out of their home, how to leave the home and stay out of the home and if your clothes were to catch fire, we're teaching them how to stop, drop and roll," said Five Cities Fire Chief Steve Lieberman.

Firefighters also show their support for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, which focuses on the mission of preventing burn injuries by educating the public on the tactics needed to stay safe during a fire event.

If you want to donate to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, you can do so by clicking here.