The first meeting of the Jackson County 4-H Fire Safety SPARK Club is from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department, 6905 N. County Road 400E, Cortland.

Donald Schnitker, chief of the fire department, will lead this session and the other two, set for 6 to 8 p.m. April 9 and 23. He will be assisted by 4-H volunteer Doug Borcherding and various community members, who will serve as guest speakers.

The classes are designed to teach participants how to handle emergencies to keep themselves and others safe now and in the future.

This activity is open to all Jackson County youth in grades 3 through 12, regardless of their current involvement in Jackson County 4-H.

During the first session, participants will develop a fire exit strategy plan, identify common fire hazards and learn how to place an emergency 911 call.

During the April 9 session, youth will identify three different types of fires and practice extinguishing these types of fires properly. Those attending this class are asked to wear closed-toe shoes, a coat and a snug pair of gloves. Long hair must be pulled back. Attendees will extinguish a controlled fire at this session with the help of a volunteer firefighter.

Participants will learn about different careers in the emergency field, meet various service workers and ask questions during the final session April 23.

To register, call the Purdue Extension Jackson County office at 812-358-6101 or email Heather VonDielingen at [email protected].

The cost is free to current 4-H members who have paid their program fees. For youth not currently enrolled in 4-H, there is a $20 program fee that provides access to all Jackson County 4-H activities throughout the year. The registration deadline is Friday.

For information about Jackson County 4-H, visit extension.purdue.edu/jackson or “like” Purdue Extension Jackson County on Facebook.