<![CDATA[Background: Residential fires pose a serious threat to public safety and health, especially in densely populated areas, such as Pemulung Pulosari Village, Malang City. The increased risk of loss of life and property demands increased fire preparedness at the community level. Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of firefighting education and simulations using conventional and modern methods in improving community knowledge, behavior, and skills in fire-prone areas. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental approach with a pre-test and post-test design without a control group, involving 36 participants. The intervention was carried out in the form of interactive digital media-based education and live firefighting simulations using conventional (burlap sacks, sand, soil) and modern (fire extinguishers, hydrants, fire blankets) methods in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health (K3) principles. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results: The majority of residents still have insufficient knowledge of modern methods (52.8%), while knowledge of conventional methods is more balanced. Community behavior is evenly divided between appropriate and inappropriate. Simulation skills varied, with 38.8% of participants not participating in any simulations at all. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant relationship between knowledge and simulation skills, using either modern or conventional methods. Conclusion: These findings suggest that knowledge alone is not sufficient; practical skills require repeated practice and hands-on experience. This study emphasizes the importance of ongoing community-based education programs, emphasizing practice and active participation, to build effective and safe fire preparedness. Keywords: Comparative Study; Behavior; Community Skills; Firefighters; Knowledge; Scavengers. Pendahuluan: Kebakaran pemukiman merupakan ancaman serius bagi keselamatan dan kesehatan masyarakat, terutama di kawasan padat penduduk, seperti Kampung Pemulung Pulosari, Kota Malang. Meningkatnya risiko kerugian jiwa dan material menuntut peningkatan kesiapsiagaan kebakaran di tingkat komunitas. Tujuan: Untuk membandingkan efektivitas edukasi dan simulasi pemadaman kebakaran menggunakan metode konvensional dan modern dalam meningkatkan pengetahuan, perilaku, serta keterampilan masyarakat di wilayah rawan kebakaran. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuasi-eksperimen dengan desain pre-test dan post-test tanpa kelompok kontrol, melibatkan 36 peserta. Intervensi dilakukan dalam bentuk edukasi interaktif berbasis media digital dan simulasi langsung pemadaman api menggunakan metode konvensional (karung goni, pasir, tanah) dan modern (APAR, hydrant, fire blanket) sesuai prinsip Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja (K3). Analisis data dilakukan dengan uji Chi-Square. Hasil: Mayoritas masyarakat masih memiliki pengetahuan buruk tentang metode modern (52.8%), sedangkan pengetahuan tentang metode konvensional lebih seimbang. Perilaku masyarakat terbagi rata antara baik dan kurang tepat. Keterampilan simulasi bervariasi, dengan 38.8% peserta tidak mengikuti simulasi sama sekali. Analisis Chi-Square mengungkapkan tidak terdapat hubungan signifikan antara pengetahuan dan keterampilan simulasi, baik metode modern maupun konvensional. Simpulan: Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa pengetahuan saja tidak cukup, keterampilan praktis memerlukan latihan berulang dan pengalaman langsung. Penelitian ini menekankan pentingnya program edukasi berbasis komunitas yang berkelanjutan, mengutamakan praktik dan partisipasi aktif, untuk membangun kesiapsiagaan kebakaran yang efektif dan aman. Kata Kunci: Keterampilan Masyarakat; Pemadaman Kebakaran; Pengetahuan; Perilaku; Pekerja Pemulung; Studi Komparasi.]]>
