Lincoln Fire & Rescue has been educating the citizens of Lincoln through the "Learn Not to Burn Day" program since 1983. Learn Not to Burn day is the highlight of Fire Prevention Week, which is a national and internationally recognized event. For the first twelve years this event was held at the Lincoln Fire Training Facility, located at 3rd and South St., at the end of Fire Prevention week, with great success. Starting in 1996, "Learn Not to Bum Day" has been held at the State Fair Grounds, at the beginning of Fire Prevention Week. The State Fair Grounds became the new location to make this a bigger and better educational event by including all Fire Departments from the Lancaster County Mutual Aid Association.

Throughout the day, demonstrations are held live before the families, a rescue alarm demonstration performed by Lincoln Fire & Rescue to extricate victims from a car. Victims are then transported from the area by the Star Care V rescue helicopter. A volunteer Fire Department rescues a person who has become entrapped in a piece of farm equipment, in a farm extrication exercise. Lincoln Fire & Rescue repels off a building, showing the skills of the High Angle Rescue team. An exciting car fire demonstration is performed by a volunteer Fire Department, and the day is rounded off with action - packed water fights, with the participants coming from all the fire departments represented, Fire Explorers, and Southeast Community College Fire Science students.

The families attending are able to become involved in and learn from more than 23 learning skill stations and display tables. Lincoln Fire & Rescue performs a Puppet show, guide children through a childs version of the fire department Agility Activity course, gives out information on Safe Lighter Exchange, Picture Yourself a Firefighter and Kid Care ID is set-up, the Fire Safety House teaches children how to get out of a house safely in case of a fire. The Hazardous Materials Team is on hand to answer questions. Saint Elizabeth Hospital Burn Unit personnel are on site to educate families about burns, while Southeast Community College Fire Science students teach children how to Stop, Drop and Roll, in case their clothes catch on fire, and demonstrate E.D.I.T.H.-Exit Drill in the Home. They also help children, along with Lincoln Fire & RescueExplorer Post, to spray water from a fire hose onto a target. 911 personnel talk about their role in the community and have set-up a phone so people can practice making a 911 call. A Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Bureau Officer and Arson Dog are on-hand to show their skills and knowledge. Star Care V Rescue Helicopter and personnel give tours of the helicopter. A Water Rescue/Dive demonstration is performed by the Volunteer Fire Departments. Local Businesses give hands-on experience to adults on how to put out a grease fire with a fire extinguisher. Red Cross personnel and vehicle are present, and a First Aid station is available if needed. Lincoln Fire & Rescue clowns, along with clowns from the Shrine Sesostris Temple keep smiles on everyones face. Free refreshments are served by representatives of the Fire Departments and Fire Explorers.