All Fired Up: Kids Win For Prevention Posters

Winners of the Fire Prevention Month Poster Contest were recognized by City Council Wednesday for their artistic expression of this year’s theme, entitled “Protect Your Family From Fire.”

Members of the reviewed more than 500 entries from 11 elementary schools and presented 12 first place winners.

“On the surface it seems simple,” said Fire Chief Phil White. “But there’s some real science at work and some serious education.”

The winners are:

• Kaili Gutierrez, Hillside Christian Academy, kindergarten
• Zainab Noor, Buri Buri Elementary School, kindergarten
• Ethan Bordner, Monte Verde Elementary School, first grade
• Diya Mittal, Mills Montessori, first grade
• Omar Rashid, Buri Buri Elementary School, second grade
• Dorothey Burton, Spruce Elementary School, second grade
• Olivia Williams, All Souls, third grade
• Fernando Rodriguez, Sunshine Gardens Elementary School, third grade
• Bronwyn Miguel, St. Veronica, fourth grade
• Leilana Jara, Ponderosa Elementary School, fourth grade
• Melissa Lopez, Los Cerritos Elementary School, fifth grade
• Marco Morales, St. Veronica, fifth grade

Each artist was recognized with his or her own plaque.

The contest is part of an annual educational series provided by the fire department to increase awareness and promote children’s fire safety.

“Youth is an at-risk population,” White said.

The program, which White said is unique and unlike any other in the United States, includes fire safety techniques, a simulated obstacle course and a simulated smoke trailer so that students can experience and understand the warning signs of a house fire.

“This is very serious education,” White said. “We use a well-proven teaching method.”

Mayor Kevin Mullin and the city council congratulated the student artists on their work to the applause of the audience of family, friends and fellow fire safety advocates.