By Billy Davis

Fire Academy for Kids, a fire safety program sponsored by the Batesville Fire Department, starts it ninth year this summer when the “academy” kicks off Monday, July 11.

The Fire Academy accepts up to 50 children, ages 6 to 11, on a first-come basis, said Rip Copeland, public education officer for the fire department.

“Kids who have not been through the Academy have priority,” he said.

The deadline for application is July 8.

Children at the Fire Academy learn stop, drop and roll — and lots more:

•A trailer simulates a smoke-filled home, teaching children how to crawl to safety

• A 911 lesson teaches children how to properly make emergency phone calls.

The Fire Academy, for the first time, will also squeeze in a morning for water and boat safety, Copeland said.

Air Evac is also scheduled to bring its helicopter for Fire Academy students to tour.

Copeland credited Batesville Junior Auxiliary volunteers for helping each year, providing snacks and a lunch during the Friday “graduation.”

The Miss. Department of Health passes out T-shirts, fire hats, and other materials to students.

Applications for the Fire Academy can be picked up at Batesville City Hall or the city’s three fire stations.

Applications can be mailed to the Batesville Fire Department at 105 College Street. A representative of the fire department will notify parents if a child has been accepted.

For more information about the Fire Academy, Copeland can be reached at 563-6612.