MOORPARK PUPILS ALL FIRED UP ABOUT FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM.

Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer

Sporting their new red firefighter hats, 380 youngsters were given certificates and cheers Tuesday at Campus Canyon School for being the first graduates of the school district's ``Learn Not to Burn'' program.

``When they leave here, if there's an emergency, they'll know what to do,'' said Sandi Wells, public relations officer for the Ventura County Fire Department. ``This is a celebration of their accomplishments, and what they have learned.''

The youngsters, from kindergarten through third grade, were treated to music and entertainment by ``Spanner and Friends,'' a group of firefighters who perform magic and music to convey their fire prevention message.

Earlier this school year, the fire-safety tactics were brought to several Moorpark Unified School District elementary classrooms to help prevent dangerous, fire-setting behavior.

Chris Kelley, program coordinator at Campus Canyon, said ``Learn Not to Burn'' has been successful because it teaches children fire safety in a fun way.

``The message is positive,'' Kelley said. ``It's not a `don't' message, but a `What you should do' message. There are activities and songs that go along with the lessons, and it's not real time-intensive. Kids enjoy it, and when they enjoy something, they're going to learn.''

With assistance from the county Fire Department, Moorpark teachers began learning in February how to heighten fire-safety awareness inside and outside the classroom.

For the past six months, teachers have incorporated fire-safety lessons into different subjects, including math, science and language arts classes.

Fire Department officials pointed out that some children play with fire out of curiosity, without realizing the dangers, and some play with fire to get attention or to oppose authority.

Youngsters playing with a heat source - stove, matches, lighters - is the leading cause of fire deaths for children 5 and younger, fire officials said.

``Most kids who play with matches are in kindergarten, first, second and third grade,'' said captain Mark Acevedo of Fire Station 42 in Moorpark. ``By teaching them early, we help intercept that behavior.''

The nationwide program was first launched at Campus Canyon Elementary School and the Early Childhood Development Center. Next year, it is expected to be implemented in schools throughout Moorpark, Wells said.

The program is being funded by a $20,000 grant the county Fire Department received from the National Fire Protection Administration.

The grant was one of 10 awarded nationwide to launch the program.

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3 Photos

Photo: (1--CONEJO and SIMI editions--color in SIMI) Spor ting a red fire helmet, Michael Donabedian, 8, laughs at a firefighters' skit at Tuesday's graduation.

(2--CONEJO only) Sideshow Slim, a k a firefighter Mike Lindbery, listens for the smoke detector as he pushes the button on Drew Duncan's nose, as classmate Elena Villalobos, similarly equipped, looks on.

(3--SIMI and CONEJO) Campus Canyon youngsters master the ABCs of fire prevention in the ``Learn Not to Burn'' program.

Andy Holzman/Special to the Daily News