Firefighters hold training, educational events across Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There are more fires in the winter than during any other season. On Wednesday, Bay Area fire departments fanned out to train themselves and educate the public.

A fatal fire on Christmas Day in 2013 in San Francisco is a prime example of a winter fire. The source was determined to be the space heater.

It's timely that San Francisco's fire department held a public safety fair in Chinatown. This is the first of many such events planned across the city this year.

The firefighters Periscoped the fair. In the live stream, firefighters were seen teaching community members how to use fire extinguishers, perform CPR and install smoke detectors.

"If you're a San Francisco resident and you have ID to show that, you can get one of these for free. We've already given out about 60 of these in the last hour and a half," SFFD Lt. Jonathan Baxter said.

Meantime, in the South Bay, the Santa Clara County Fire Department held a survival course for 22 firefighters. They learned how to save themselves and fellow firefighters if they become trapped or lost in a burning building.

They'll take what they've learned and share it with their colleagues.

You can get more tips on how to keep your family safe by visiting our Prepare Norcal page.