The character of Drago the Dragon has been created to support the service's 365 Alive safety initiative, and will be introduced to school children in a special launch on Friday 18 November at Woodstock CE Primary School at 9.15am.

Educational and fun

Drago stars in a new book which tells the story of a young dragon who runs in to trouble when he is led astray by his brother and causes a fire after playing with matches. The book aims to teach children causes and consequences of their actions, while providing important safety advice in a fun, colourful and attractive way.

Launch event

Firefighters will visit Woodstock Primary School and read the book out to around 100 children, as part of the school's safety awareness day. Pupils will also be taught about why it is important to have a working smoke alarm and will be encouraged to become a 'Test it Tuesday Champion' by making sure the smoke alarms in their home are tested by a grown up every Tuesday. They will then be given the opportunity to have a look at a fire engine.

Lisa Rowe, Headteacher at Woodstock CE Primary School, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the launch of Drago the Dragon at Woodstock Primary School during our annual safety day. This year's theme is 'Safety in the Home' and fire safety is a key aspect of this. The lovely story of Drago and his unfortunate encounter with matches will be enjoyed by the children and help them learn important messages about fire safety, and like all fairy tales it has a happy ending!"

Drago's safety messages

Drago's story book will be made available to schools across Oxfordshire and given out at events and talks organised by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Along with the story book, there are also lots of other Drago activities for children to take part in on the 365 alive website. The special webpage dedicated to Drago contains fire safety advice for children, colouring sheets, games, masks and lots more activities.

Stuart Garner, Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service Risk Reduction Manager, said: "This innovative idea created by members of my Risk Reduction Team, further demonstrates their commitment and dedication to provide user friendly resources which will assist in the education of the young people of Oxfordshire.

"By taking an existing national theme and adapting it to suit a more local audience has proved a cost effective way for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to warn children of the dangers created when playing with fire. Utilising their existing skills, my team have been able to develop a character which will now hopefully be recognised by local children and immediately associated with fire prevention and community safety.”

Educating children

Julie Jordan, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service Risk Reduction Co-ordinator & Safety Centre Manager said: "As a team we felt it would be great to have a fire safety education book based in Oxford so local children would relate to it. I also wanted a story where children could use their imaginations and would give us the opportunity to write future safety message books.  I am extremely proud of the book, our associated webpages and the hard work put in by all the members of the Risk Reduction Team."

Gemma Hefferon, Community Liaison Support for the Risk Reduction Team, used her specific graphic design skills to illustrate the book. She said: “I've really enjoyed designing and illustrating Drago the Dragon. I'm honoured to be involved with such a rewarding and fulfilling project that will help to educate children on the importance of being fire safe.”

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, added: "Drago is an excellent idea to help children learn important safety messages and is part of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's continuing campaign to promote fire prevention and community safety within the county. It is vitally important to educate all children over the risks associated with fire and how to avoid the dangers, as the knowledge, skills and attitudes learnt during the early years tend to influence future activities and decisions. Early fire prevention and community safety education is vital in making Oxfordshire a safer County in which to live and grow up."

For more information about Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s 365 Alive initiative, visit www.365alive.co.uk.