Firefighters at Station #1 in Decatur are teaching kids preventative and safety tips during National Fire Prevention Week.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - This week is National Fire Prevention Week, and firefighters at Station #1 in Decatur are teaching kids preventative and safety tips.  

"Fire safety is not something that happens all the time regularly. So, it's something that needs to be discussed because when it does happen, it can be tragic," said fire inspector Matt Jones.  

Fire Prevention Week became a nationally observed week more than 100 years ago. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the week-long event raised awareness about fire safety and preventative measures. In August, a three-year-old boy died in a Decatur house fire. Jones said it is never too early to learn safety and prevention.  

"Ages from zero to four, they're at higher risk of sustaining an injury in a house fire or having a fatality in a house fire," Jones explained. 

This year, Fire Prevention Week is focusing on lithium-ion batteries, which are inside many common, everyday electronics. People overcharge these batteries, which start fires that spread rapidly. Additionally, these fires are more challenging to put out, according to Lieutenant Blake Johnson.  

"People are charging them, on their bed, on the couch, underneath a pillow, and they're overheating," Johnson said.  

Johnson urges parents to always watch their kids, and unsupervised cooking causes a lot of house fires. 

"It causes anywhere from 150 to 160,000 fires," Johnson said.  

Decatur Fire Station #1 will welcome children all week for safety and prevention lessons. 

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