Cedar Park Elementary School students filled the cafeteria Wednesday afternoon to dance, laugh and, most importantly, learn about fire prevention.

Selma Fire Department’s Capt. James Murphy, Sgt. Terrence Venter and firefighter Da’Ron Waters were on hand to teach the children about fire safety through games and skits.

“I personally know two situations where a child that we’ve talked to actually saved their parents in a house fire situation. They actually found something on fire, and they informed their parents about it and had them to get out of the house. And they actually stated that, ‘I learned from the guys from fire safety,’” Murphy said.

“It makes us feel real good that we’re actually getting across to the kids.”

One week in October is considered Fire Prevention Week around the United States, but the Selma Fire Department expands that week into a whole month.

“It’s very important. You’re never too old to know it. You’re never too old to learn it. Anywhere from 1 year old to 101 years old, everybody needs to know how to stop, drop and roll,” Murphy said. “We make it kind of fun and educational at the same time.”

Murphy said he has been participating with the fire prevention team for 15 years, and throughout his time has noticed the difference the program makes in the lives of the children.

“I personally feel that we make a big difference. We educate the kids about staying away from matches, lighters; stop drop and roll; once out stay out. All those little things make a difference in a child’s life,” Murphy said.

“We start from daycare all the way up to ninth grade. We educate the kids constantly about fire safety. I personally feel that it makes a difference in fire fatalities and causes of fires.”

Waters said it’s always satisfying watching the reactions from the children and how much fun they are having while also learning important life saving tips.

“There’s no better feeling,” Waters said. “It’s a pleasure just to see kids have fun, and you know that they’re learning at the same time.”

The children were full of smiles as the firemen acted out skits like staying close to the ground and crawling out of a house and what to do if they find a lighter or matches around them.

“When we leave the schools, we know that we’ve touched these kids mentally by informing them what to do — the dos and don’ts as far as fire safety,” Waters said. “When we come around, we bring excitement. We bring knowledge. So it’s really fun for us to come due to the vibes that we get back from the kids.”

Waters said teaching the children around the city about fire safety is rewarding and he always has a great time doing it.

“It’s extremely fun,” Waters said. “They love us, and we love them. It’s a very great pleasure going around to the schools and teaching fire safety.”