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Available for educational functions

Fire Chief Ronald Peebles reminded Atmore Rotary Club members Tuesday that the department is available for any educational needs.

Peebles was the guest speaker at the club’s weekly meeting, and he said the biggest news that happened for the AFD was the city council voting to purchase 24 self contained breathing apparatuses. The decision was made during the council’s regular meeting Monday night.

Peebles said the current apparatuses are certified for use, but needed to be upgraded.

At present, the AFD is going through its busiest time of year, he said.

However, Peebles said compared to last year’s 16 structure fires, the AFD has only responded to two this year.

“And both of them were caused due to space heaters,” he said.

Peebles said that space heaters need to have a three-foot clearance around them, and to make sure anything flammable need not be near them. Additionally, space heaters need to be plugged straight into the wall outlet.

Peebles said even though the department is busy this time of year, it is available to go to schools, churches and other functions to educate participants about fire safety.

Additionally, Peebles said in a few months, the AFD will be doing its yearly checks on businesses so they know where to shut off power and where employees work mainly during the day.

Call the AFD at 251-368-9156 for more information.