State Fire Marshal Announces 12 Winners of Annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest

COLUMBUS, Ohio-The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is proud to announce 12 winners of this year’s Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Aimed at promoting fire safety and prevention, the contest engages young minds in creating educational art pieces that spread important messages about fire safety.

This year’s contest theme, “Cooking Safety Starts with YOU,” was chosen to highlight the importance of cooking safely to prevent home fires. The theme aligns with national statistics that indicate cooking as the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries in the United States.

The contest was open to all Ohio elementary school children, divided into two categories: Grades K-3, and Grades 4-6. The following 12 students and their posters were selected for their creativity, message clarity and overall impact.

·        Mary M., Grade 6, Winning Poster
North Spring Christian Academy (Teacher: Mrs. McKee), Westerville

·        Aubrey G., Grade 5, Winning Poster
Willard Elementary School (Teacher: Mr. Casto), Willard

·        Muzhdah K., Grade 5, Winning Poster
Harrison Elementary School (Teacher: Mrs. Day), Lakewood

·        Melanie K., Grade 5, Winning Poster
Kinson Elementary School (Teacher: Mrs. Lozano), Fremont

·        Evie B., Grade 4, Winning Poster
Joshua Dixon Elementary School (Teacher: Mrs. Gorby), Columbiana

·        Lucy M., Grade 4, Winning Poster
North Spring Christian Academy (Teacher: Mrs. Gaggin), Westerville

·        Roseline P., Grade 4, Winning Poster
Willard Elementary School (Teacher: Mr. Casto), Willard

·        Addie W., Grade 3, Winning Poster
Dan Emmett Elementary (Teacher: Mrs. Morris), Mt. Vernon

·        Eliana D., Grade 3, Winning Poster
Gorrell Elementary School (Teacher: Ms. Seifert), Massillon

·        Ella B., Grade 3, Winning Poster
St. Anthony Catholic School (Teacher: Mrs. Etzkorn), Columbus Grove

·        Aurora S., Grade 2, Winning Poster
Suffield Elementary School (Teacher: Mrs. Lowden), Mogadore

·        Mahomoud O., Grade K, Winning Poster
Lincoln Elementary (Teacher: Miss Light), Lakewood

The Division of State Fire Marshal congratulates all the winners and participants who contributed to making this year’s Fire Prevention Week a success. State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon says their efforts play a critical role in educating the community about fire safety practices, particularly the importance of vigilance while cooking.

“Congratulations to all our young artists who have shown exceptional talent and understanding of fire safety through their artwork,” Reardon said. “Their contributions are invaluable in our mission to keep Ohio communities fire safe.”

The Division of State Fire Marshal also thanks the participating fire departments for their support of fire safety education through the poster contest partnership, including the Mt. Vernon Fire Department, Suffield Fire Department, Massillon Fire Department, Willard Fire Department, Lakewood Fire Department, Columbus Grove Fire Department, Westerville Fire Department, Columbiana Fire Department, and Fremont Fire Department.

For additional fire prevention resources, visit the State Fire Marshal’s website at com.ohio.gov/fire.