Mayor Dorothy Hubbard proclaims Fire Prevention Week in Albany

ALBANY — Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard read a proclamation Tuesday morning declaring the week of Oct. 5-11 Fire Prevention Week in the city.

Gathered with Albany Fire Department Chief Ron Rowe, Assistant Chief Sebon Burns and other members of the AFD, Hubbard read the proclamation in front of the city’s newly functioning fountain in the courtyard of the downtown Government Center with one of the fire department’s trucks parked nearby.

“As mayor of the city of Albany, I declare this week Fire Prevention Week and encourage citizens to install smoke detectors throughout their homes,” Hubbard said after reading the proclamation. “I thank you all for all you do for our community.”

Rowe said that while the focus of fire prevention is more intense during October, which is national Fire Prevention Month, it is the focus of his department year-round.

“We’ve designated this as Fire Prevention Week, and we have some events planned that will put more focus on what we’re doing than usual,” Rowe said. “We have the big Fire Safety Show (for students) at the Civic Center tomorrow (Wednesday), and the Firefighter of the Year will be named at the Exchange Club meeting Friday.

“But fire prevention is important to us 52 weeks a year.”

Burns agreed.

“Over the course of the 52 weeks of a year, we probably average five fire prevention programs a week,” the assistant chief said. “October was named Fire Prevention Month because it coincides with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. We’ll be extra-busy this month, and that will increase awareness. But we’ll continue to educate our community about fire safety throughout the year.”