The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department kicked off Fire Prevention Week by celebrating some talented young artists and writers in our community!

During its annual Fire Prevention Week Opening Ceremony, on Tuesday, October 6, the Department recognized local students who participated in this year’s Fire Prevention Essay and Poster Contests. Students from public, private, and home schools across Macon-Bibb County were invited to get creative while learning important lessons about fire safety.

This year’s theme, “Charging into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower,” focuses on the importance of safely charging electronic devices and preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.

“It’s exciting to see our young people take what they’ve learned about fire safety and turn it into something creative,” said Fire and Life Safety Educator Lt. Jeremy Webb. “Our goal is for these students to take those lessons home, share them with their families, and help us make Macon-Bibb a safer place for everyone.”

The essay contest was open to students in 5th, 8th, and 12th grades, while students in kindergarten through 5th grade participated in the poster contest. Winners received cash prizes, including two $500 scholarships for graduating seniors.

Congratulations to our 2026 Fire Prevention Week Contest Winners!

Poster Contest Winners

• 1st Place: Camille Wilson, 4th Grade, Vineville Academy of the Arts
• 2nd Place: Maddie Kate Ross, Homeschool
• 3rd Place: Isabella Prince, 5th Grade, Heard Elementary School
• Honorable Mention: Luna Archer, 3rd Grade, Vineville Academy of the Arts
• Honorable Mention: Jrue Davis, 3rd Grade, Vineville Academy of the Arts
• Honorable Mention: Addison Respress, 5th Grade, Rosa Taylor Elementary School

Essay Contest Winners

5th Grade

• 1st Place: Cali Card, Sonny Carter Elementary School
• 2nd Place: Michael Ballard, Martin Luther King Elementary School
• 3rd Place: Lauryn Leary, Covenant Academy
• Honorable Mention: Caiden Webb, Union Elementary School

8th Grade

• 1st Place: Caitlyn Frawley, Mount de Sales Academy
• 2nd Place: Christopher Evans, Ballard-Hudson Middle School
• 3rd Place: Terence Dixon Jr., Rutland Middle School
• Honorable Mention: Kiara Cardenas Garcia, St. Peter Claver Catholic School

12th Grade Scholarship Winners

• Devin Reaves, Southwest High School
• Mary “Ellie” Thompson, First Presbyterian Day School

Fire Prevention Week is recognized October 4-10 and serves as an important reminder that fire safety starts at home. This year’s campaign encourages families to practice safe charging habits, use manufacturer-approved charging equipment, and recognize potential fire hazards.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and thank you to every student who participated in helping spread the message of fire safety throughout our community!