RACHAEL RAY EXPRESSES IMPORTANCE OF FIRE SAFETY

It was quite surprising to turn on the television to the “Rachael Ray Show” this morning, which depicted the cuisine queen and her lawyer/musician husband, John, sitting near the fireplace in the remains of their roofless mansion in upstate New York, which had been gutted by fire.

The two were calmly, stoically describing events that led up to the Au. 9 fire and sharing their experience with viewers in a distanced interview with comedian Denis Leary.

Having previously taken a one-day class in firefighting safety, Ray and her husband explained that, thanks to Leary, they were quite savvy about fire safety and prevention. Although they had their chimney cleaned every six months, one or more sparks escaped from the chimney, causing the fire.

Living now in the midst of heavy, hazardous smoke emanating from the local, treacherous Oregon wildfires, feeling close to death’s door, and contemplating the unknown peril of fire that may or may not come closer to my home, has left me feeling rather loopy. So, I was somewhat amazed by the feeling of calm and tranquilness viewing the show gave me.

The lesson of Ray’s show today was not about cooking. Instead, she, her husband John and Denis Leary taught viewers that one can never be too careful when it comes to fire safety and that fires can occur, despite preventive measures. Be prepared (if that is possible) and stay alert. Thanks to a kind neighbor who alerted the couple, who were unaware their roof was burning, their lives were spared. John was able to salvage his precious guitar and some other possessions from the now-gutted house.

It was an appropriate, opportune time to share the horrific experience and alert the public to the wonderful work of the Leary Firefighters Foundation.

According to Guidestar.org, the Leary Firefighters Foundation provides funding and resources for fire departments to acquire the best available equipment, technology and training necessary for the health and safety of firefighters and in turn, the public they serve. Since its founding in 2001, the organization has raised over $13 million for fire departments and individual firefighters in Massachusetts, New York and New Orleans.

Leary started the foundation after the tragic death of six firefighters in a Worcester, Massachusetts warehouse fire. One of those killed was a cousin, and another, a close friend of Leary’s.

Thank you, Rachael Ray, John Cusimano and Denis Leary for sharing and airing your stories. It is hoped the episode that aired today (Monday, Sept. 14) had the same effect on other viewers distraught by fire, as it did on me. It could have been worse.

Viewers may see Dennis Leary’s 2004-11 comedy-drama television show about firefighters, “Rescue Me,” on FX television.