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FFD Kicks Off New Program After Recent Fires

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The Fresno Fire Department kicked off a new program Tuesday called Project FIRRE that's aimed at savings lives after a series of recent fires. FIRRE stands for Firefighter Intervention to Reduce Risk to the Elderly.
 
Since mid-February, at least two senior citizens have died and another was seriously burned in three separate fires. One of the latest happened early last month at a senior living community off Willow and Butler in Southeast Fresno.

On Tuesday, fire department leaders held an important meeting at the complex to kick off their new program and talk to seniors about safety.
 
Crews will go through each apartment at the complex next month to show seniors any hazards that could potentially lead to a fire in their homes. Firefighters will use what they learn during the exercise as a model for other high-risk areas around the city.
 
From the very start of Tuesday's meeting, it was clear residents at the senior living community in Southeast Fresno were concerned. Some were still mourning the loss of the man who died in a fire back on March 1st that ripped through his home.

Firefighters hope education will help prevent future tragedies. OMay 3rd, they'll go door-to-door to point out any potential hazards.

"In some cases, we will address some safety concerns right there on the spot. And that way there's just no response at all. We stop the fire before it happens," said Interim Fresno Fire Chief Micheal Despain.

Sharon Retz, a three-and-a-half year resident at the complex, has three laptops in her home. She tries to take precautions but knows she's at the mercy of her neighbors, too.

"I thank the awareness of what's going on right now. It's just sad that we had to lose a person to do that," said Retz.

Hours after the fire on March 1st, another senior suffered severe burns in a separate fire near the Chandler Airport. On February 17th, a woman lost her life after flames tore through a mobile home near Parkway and Shields, firefighters said.

Firefighters know seniors here are still a bit scared. But they realize knowledge is power and can help save lives going forward.  

"I think people are more aware of fire safety," said resident Carla Heal. "I learned some things that I think will be helpful for us," she added.  


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