Columbia parade calls for fire prevention

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Columbia officials are drawing attention to the importance of fire preparedness and prevention with a parade. The city’s 17th Annual Fire Prevention Parade is taking place Monday in downtown Columbia. The Columbia Fire Department invites area schools, day cares, senior centers and members of the general public to show their support of the efforts of firefighters by coming out for the parade. Organizers are bringing awareness to preventing kitchen fires, the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week.