Wayne Goodwin, action marshal

State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is planning to escape a simulated fire at his Raleigh home.

As the top insurance official, Goodwin is also the state fire marshal, and apparently an action hero, by elected-official standards.

Goodwin and his 7-year-old daughter Madison will demonstrate the correct way to escape a house fire. Simulated smoke will provide realistic conditions. The fake fire will start Monday and reporters are encouraged to attend and film the action.

The idea is to encourage state residents to develop a plan to escape home fires. Oct. 7 is the annual statewide fire drill. Goodwin seems to have learned a flair for the dramatic from his predecessor, the late Jim Long, who was known for blowing stuff up with fireworks as a way to demonstrate the danger of fireworks.