Macon-Bibb Fire Department opens 2026 fire safety contests for students
This year's theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower”.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department is inviting local students to put their creativity and writing skills to work while learning about fire safety.
The department announced its 2026 Fire Safety Essay & Poster Contest, held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 4-10.
This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” with students focusing on safe charging practices and ways to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
The poster contest is open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade who attend public, private or home schools in Macon-Bibb County.
Posters must focus on fire prevention in the home and include at least one safe-charging message. Each student must create original artwork. Posters should measure 17 by 11 inches in landscape orientation.
First-, second- and third-place winners will receive $100, $75 and $50, respectively. Three students will also receive $25 honorable mention awards.
The essay contest is open to students in fifth, eighth and 12th grades attending public, private or home schools in Macon-Bibb County.
Essay length requirements vary by grade level. Fifth graders must submit 125 to 250 words, eighth graders must submit 200 to 700 words and 12th graders must submit 400 to 1,200 words.
First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected from each participating grade level. Fifth-grade winners can receive up to $100, while eighth-grade winners can receive up to $150. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded to 12th-grade winners.
All entries must be submitted by September 11. Late entries will not be accepted.
Poster entries should be submitted to the Macon-Bibb County Fire Prevention Office at 1111 First St. in Macon.
Essay entries should be emailed to jwebb@maconbibb.us with “2026 Fire Prevention Essay Contest” in the subject line.
Entries must include the student’s first and last name, a parent or guardian’s name and phone number, and the student’s school name.
Winners will be recognized in October during the department’s annual Fire Prevention Week opening ceremony.