Fri Oct 04 21:42:00 UTC 2024: ## Hastings Fire Rescue Hosts Fire Prevention Week Events
**Hastings, NE** – October 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week, and Hastings Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to host a series of events to promote fire safety awareness.
The highlight of the week will be an open house at the Highland Park fire station on October 12th from 9am to 11am. Visitors can tour the station, participate in activities, and enjoy a free pancake breakfast courtesy of Hastings Firefighters Local 675.
This year’s campaign focuses on smoke alarm safety. Hastings Fire Rescue emphasizes the importance of smoke alarms, stating they reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54%. Shockingly, three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or non-functional ones.
The department will be sharing guidelines and safety tips for smoke alarms, cooking, and child safety throughout the week. You can find more information on the upcoming events and safety tips on the website http://www.fpw.org.
**Water Buffalo Escapes in Des Moines**
Meanwhile, in Des Moines, Iowa, the owner of a water buffalo that escaped in August and roamed the streets of Pleasant Hill for days pleaded guilty to having an animal at large. The owner was fined $105 and court costs.
The animal, named PHill by local fans, was being taken to slaughter when it escaped. Police spent days searching for the animal, even shooting at it on one occasion, before it was eventually tranquilized with the help of zoo and animal rescue workers.
The former owner surrendered custody of PHill and two other water buffaloes, now named Sal and Jane, to an animal shelter.
First Piper 