To mark National Fire Prevention Month, Dr. Sherri Young, health officer and executive director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, will join representatives from the West Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office, the American Red Cross, and city and county agencies Thursday to highlight the importance of fire safety and prevention.
In 2017, fires caused 3,645 deaths and 14,670 injuries in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. That same year, the rate of deaths per residential fire in West Virginia was nearly three times higher than the national rate.
As part of the event, Dr. Young will thank first responders and firefighters. A reception for first responders will follow.
The event will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. Media are encouraged to attend.