Tsinghua International School (THIS) welcomed on Friday, April 3, 2026, some special "big friends" – a tall fire engine with an aerial ladder, a team of smart firefighters, a mysterious inflated escape tent, and electronic fire extinguishers.
This was no tech show, but a fun and hands-on fire safety lesson.
Lecture on Fire Safety Basics
The event kicked off with Mr. Luo from Tsinghua University's Security Department. He brought fire safety knowledge to THIS Primary students in a lively and engaging way.
"How do fires start?" "What fire hazards are at home?" "What should we do if there's a fire?" Starting with the main causes of fire, Mr. Luo shared daily fire prevention tips, basic extinguishing skills, escape techniques, and even introduced different types of fire extinguishers and how to use them.
The most exciting part was the Q&A session. Every time Mr. Luo asked a question, a sea of little hands shot up. Some students even stood up and shouted out the answers in excitement. Those who answered correctly received a small gift from the university’s Security Department – pride written all over their faces. Those who missed a chance just raised their hands even higher for the next question.
The lecture was co-moderated by Rachel Rudisaile (Mrs. R) and Helen Luo, Head and Associate Head of Primary Division at THIS, respectively.
Principal's Words: Lessons That Last
In her closing remarks, THIS Executive Principal Renee Zhu highlighted the importance of fire safety and thanked Tsinghua's Security Department for their training.
"Mr. Luo just talked about the three elements of combustion – who still remembers them?" Principal Zhu quizzed the students on the spot.
Before she finished, hands shot up and answers came out loud and clear – "Combustible material, oxygen (oxidizer), and ignition source!" Clearly, they had been listening attentively. Principal Zhu smiled and nodded, encouraging the students to put what they learned into practice and keep safe.
This lecture taught them one thing: Safety is not luck, but a skill.
Hands-on Experience: Three Awesome Activities!
After the fire safety lecture came the real highlight – three immersive fire safety activities that brought the event to its peak.
1 The Fire Engine –Here Come the Heroes!
"Look! A fire engine!"
When the aerial ladder truck from Beijing Haidian Bajia Fire and Rescue Station pulled onto THIS campus, the students’ eyes lit up. The "firefighting heroes" and their "battle machine" – usually seen only on screens or in books – were now right next to them. The heroes truly arrived.
"Did you know this fire engine can do more than just raise its ladder? It also has a huge foam tank and can hook up a water cannon to put out fires!"
Hearing this, the students' eyes grew even wider. This nine-meter-long mega machine can not only reach high places to rescue people but also turn into a "mobile fire station" spraying water! Another wave of amazed cheers erupted.
Then came the most exciting moment – the aerial ladder slowly rose into the air! As the long arm extended toward the sky, the crowd burst into continuous "wow"s. The students looked up, eyes full of wonder.
Even more touching was the Q&A."Mr. Firefighter, have you ever rescued someone?" "Mr. Firefighter, have you ever put out a real fire?"
Facing these sincere questions, the firefighters answered each one seriously and patiently, sharing their own real-life stories.
In that moment, admiration grew quietly in the students' hearts. Heroes are not far away – they are right beside us, at the fire station near our school, ready to go for the rescue anytime.
Not surprisingly, this “Meeting Firefighting Heroes” became the most popular activity of the day.
2 Escape Tent –A Dark Challenge
If the fire engine was "awesome," the escape tent was "thrilling." An inflatable mystery fortress – but inside was a completely different world.
Students filed in one after another and soon found out: It was pitch dark inside! Only emergency evacuation lights and guiding strips on the walls glowed faintly. The passages were winding and complex. In some sections, they even had to crouch low and crawl.
"Much harder than I thought!" many kids exclaimed after coming out. But this "dark journey" gave them a real taste of how chaotic a fire scene can be. Only by remembering escape methods and staying calm can you find the way out and stay safe.
3 Electronic Extinguisher Simulator
The last stop was a high-tech electronic fire extinguishing simulation. Students held electronic simulators, aimed the "nozzle" at the base of the simulated flames in front of them, and pressed hard – the fire went out!
It was not real fire, but the thrill of "putting out a fire with their own hands" excited every student. Practice is always the best teacher. Through repeated simulations, fire safety awareness and skills quietly took root.
From the fire safety lecture to field hands-on practice, from the amazing fire engine to the dark escape tent, and then to the fun electronic extinguisher – this fire safety lesson was neither boring nor preachy. It was filled with exclamations, laughter, and pairs of shining eyes.
Safety matters. Prevention is key. This day will surely remain an unforgettable lesson in many students’ hearts. Thanks to the full support of Tsinghua University's Security Department and Bajia Fire and Rescue Station, the seeds of safety have been firmly planted in the students' hearts.
May every student carry these fire safety knowledge and skills with them and grow up safe and sound.
