U.S. and Spanish sailors, assigned to various command located throughout Naval Station Rota, gathered at the Fire and Emergency Services headquarters to kick-off the 7th annual Fire Prevention Week Fire Muster, Oct. 6.

The Fire Prevention Week festivities began with Capt. Michael MacNicholl, NAVSTA Rota commanding officer, signing the Fire Prevention Week Proclamation. The day's event included various fire response challenges with 17 teams participating to win first place.

"To promote Fire Prevention Week," said Nick Dmytrus, a base fire inspector, "folks get to see and experience what firefighters go through because some of this is fun, and other parts of it are really strenuous. The competition is based on different firefighting events or things that we do during the course of firefighting. It's good physical exercise."

The event included various challenges involving a dummy carry, rolling hoses, bowling with hoses, carrying hoses and water pails. Some activities involved strenuous physical activities even for the toughest of competitors.

"I thought it was fantastic," said Wendy Sprools, the base sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) civilian advocate. "It was a great learning experience; it was a great community and team-building experience. We had a lot of fun doing it. I think I need to start lifting weights now for next year."

The week will continue with other events such as firefighters visiting children and students throughout the base to demonstrate home fire safety evacuation and educate them on smoke detectors, grease fires and fire extinguishers.

The events will focus around this year's theme for Fire Prevention Week of "Don't Wait, Check the Date."

Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter, and family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

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For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit www.navy.mil/.