Years of fire safety efforts ranging from education programs for toddlers to strict enforcement of building codes have paid off with fewer fires in Cape Girardeau.

The city has seen a steady decrease in the number of fires over the past four years and a dramatic decrease in the last two years.

At the same time, the number of emergency medical service calls has steadily increased.

"I think the reduced numbers in Cape Girardeau have been due to several factors that have been evolving for many years," said Fire Chief Dan White.

He said mild winters, ongoing public education programs, development and implementation of code enforcement programs, along with efforts of the building inspectors, have led to this short-term trend.

"It is an interesting thing to notice, but it's the long-term trend we need to watch closer," White said.

However, he said, a long-term trend is harder to maintain. "Long-term trends require long-term efforts," White said. "The fire department has been very interested for years in quality fire education."

After a high fire count of 266 in 1994, the numbers have been declining. From 1996 to 1997, the number of fire calls dropped from 233 to 160. The number went up to 168 last year.

"I feel this is a direct result of many years of ongoing educational programs provided by our fire department personnel," White said.

Educational programs range from presentations at area elementary schools to advanced training for firefighters.

Business and industry have received training in fire prevention and sprinkler use. The city fire marshal works with building inspectors to enforce building codes.

"Over the course of time," White said, "we feel that all this is having an impact on what we're seeing."

While the number of fires is down, firefighters aren't spending their days sitting in the fire station. The total number of calls is up, primarily due to emergency medical service calls.

The fire department began responding to requests for medical assistance in 1993, and the number of those calls has grown at a steady rate.

"One reason for this growth is our growing community," White said. "More people generally mean more calls for EMS.

All fire department personnel have medical training. Most are trained at the emergency medical technician level. Some are trained as paramedics.

"We respond with an ambulance to all 911 ambulance calls," White explained.

Because fire stations are situated across the city, firefighters often have a quicker response time than the ambulance.

"We do carry lifesaving equipment, and we are there to render aid quickly," the chief said. In addition, firefighters can provide extra manpower to assist the ambulance crew when it arrives.

A decrease in the number of fires doesn't mean the effort for fire prevention can be lessened, White said..

"Though we have had a short-term drop in the number of fire calls, we cannot allow ourselves to become complacent or any less prepared to combat fires when they occur," he said. "We have got to keep our protection up."