GB Packers
MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A new Packers running back has joined a safety campaign educating the public on how to prevent home fires ahead of the 4th of July.
Josh Jacobs, who signed with Green Bay in March after five seasons in Las Vegas, teamed up Tuesday with USAA and the Milwaukee Fire Department in the Huddle Up for Home Fire Prevention & Safety campaign. The focus of Tuesday’s event was the dangers of grill fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 10,600 home fires started by grills each year. During the summer — particularly in the Midwest region — data shows a large increase in homeowner insurance claims for fires caused by grilling.
“As we head into these holiday and summer months, it is very, very crucial that we pay attention to how we’re using our grills. Fire is a good thing when we control it. So we keep the grills away from the homes. We don’t leave the grills unattended. We have a garden hose at the ready. Simple, basic things,” said Fire Chief Aaron Lipski. “We understand people want to celebrate. We want to celebrate, too. We just want to prevent the injuries and the fire.”
Officials executed a controlled fire of a charcoal grill to spread awareness about how to stay safe and avoid grill fires throughout the holiday week, when grilling is an especially popular activity.
Jacobs, dressed in a fire-protective gear, extinguished the flames.
“I’ve experienced a lot of fires due to grilling or fireworks or whatever. We’re here to talk about the prevention of fires and how to go about having fun and having a good time but doing it safely,” Jacobs said.
After the demonstration, Jacobs met with Milwaukee first responders and military guests from the United States Marine Corps.
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