Fire inspector Janet Kiefler, and Captain Leonard Clark of the ANNAPOLIS FIRE DEPARTMENT are both responsible of the department's public education program.

They are very proud of their new Hazard House simulator. But what touches them most are the circumstances that led to obtaining that great education tool, as they call it.

It all took place following a tragedy that struck the Washburn family: the loss, in a fire, of Kyle Lee, their 11 month child. As the story was published in a local news paper, many people were moved by it and sent the Washburns donations in memory of Kyle Lee. The family was overwhelmed by this show of sympathy and decided they would give back the money to the community as a mark of gratitude and also as a way to bring sense to this otherwise absurd situation. After some reflection, the Washburn, asked the Annapolis Lions Club to accept a donation that would be designated for "educating and protecting the children against fire hazards."

It so happened that during that time, the Annapolis Fire Dept . was actively in search of funds to acquire the Hazard House interactive simulator they had identified as the tool they needed to bring some sparks in their fire safety education program. A demonstration rapidly convinced the Lions Club and the Family that Hazard House was exactly what they were looking for.

Janet, who is involved greatly with outreach activities related to the Annapolis Fire Dept. safety education program, works regularly with the Hazard House. She is saying the tool teaches wonderfully, because it catches the kids attention, keeps them focused for long periods of time and more importantly kids learn and remember better with that tool. Teaching fire safety will never be the same using that very House ...The spirit of Kyle Lee can almost be felt and it sure brings a very profound meaning to what safety education is all about.

April 2001