The Columbus Fire Department is partnering with the National Fire Safety Council for an effort aimed at fundraising and fire safety.

Capt. Mike Wilson, fire department spokesman, says that the Columbus Fire Department is committed to providing fire prevention education to

the community. As a part of this mission, he says that local firefighters utilize fire safety and prevention materials to educate children and adults about fire safety. These topics cover things like smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, alternative heating sources, campfire safety and home fire escape planning.

Wilson says that purchasing these items can be expensive to fire departments. To aid local departments in making this program work, he says that the National Fire Safety Council contacts businesses and organizations in the area to ask for donations to offset these costs. Wilson says that contact comes via a letter from Columbus Fire Department explaining the program. This letter will include suggested sponsorship levels.

Wilson says that businesses and organizations that choose to help will mail their tax-deductible contribution, in the form of a check, directly to the Columbus Fire Department. He adds that the contribution check will be made out to the National Fire Safety Council. Wilson notes that by sending the contribution directly to the Columbus Fire Department, this assures businesses of the legitimacy of the program and helps the department keep track of donated funds. Wilson stresses that local donations will be used only for the Columbus Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau.

If you would like more information about the National Fire Safety Council, visit the group’s website at www.nfsc.org.