FRESNO, CA (March 31, 2008) – Fire safety experts from across the nation convened today to develop a national strategic agenda to reduce the loss of life and property from fire, which claims an average of almost 4,000 lives and $12.7 billion in property damage each year. This meeting is a key part of a year-long project and Chief Bruegman is taking part in this landmark meeting.

Funded through a grant from the Department of Homeland Security Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program awarded to the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) - USA Branch, attendees at the Washington forum will include experts from across the United States as well as IFE representatives from Australia and England which have innovative and cutting-edge programs that have significantly reduced fire deaths up to 50%. Presentations on international practices will be given by the head of community services for
the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Services in the United Kingdom and the chief executive officer for the Country Fire Authority in Australia.

At the conclusion of the Forum, Bonnie Woodruff will speak about the vital importance of improving fire safety across the nation. In 1995, Mrs. Woodruff's only son, Ben, was killed in a fraternity fire at the University of North Carolina on graduation day and Mother's Day. Since that time she has become an outspoken advocate for fire safety, most recently joining with other mothers who have lost children in campus fires in the Common Voices coalition.

Contact: Chief Randy Bruegman (559) 970-4462

To view the Fresno Fire and Police Public Service Announcement, please refer to our website @ www.Fresno.gov/Fire.

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