Bill Clinton

“ As we strive to make fire prevention a priority in every American community, we also celebrate the dedication of our Nation's fire and emergency workers-champions of fire safety at the local level. Too often, these brave men and women pay the ultimate price for their faithful service. ”

“ This year's safety campaign teaches essential prevention techniques-the necessity of staying in the kitchen while cooking and never leaving a lighted stove unattended; of closely supervising all heating equipment, such as portable and space heaters; and of monitoring all appliances and smoking materials. Most important, no matter how careful we are, we must always be prepared by maintaining working smoke detectors throughout our homes. ”

“ Some 4,000 people in the United States die from fire each year-a number that can be reduced dramatically through prevention measures. Fires in the home take the biggest toll, with 80 percent of fatalities occurring just where we often feel the safest. ”