This Sunday will mark the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week, a week of fire education and safety.

National Fire Prevention Week began in 1922 as an observance and in commemoration of The Great Chicago Fire which started on Oct. 8th, 1871.

Okotoks Fire Chief, Ken Thevenot says this years theme revolves around practice and preparation.

"This year's theme is 'Every Second Counts, Plan Two Ways Out.' What that means is making sure that our smoke detectors are working properly at home, and that we're planning and practicing escaping two different way from our residence."

The Fire Department will be making school visits this week, and Thevenot says they're heading into schools prepared.

"We have about 1000 Community Safety Net books. We partnered with Community Safety Net and they went into the community and partnered with the businesses who support us to bring in some Junior Fire Safety and kids programs."

The biggest event that Fire Services holds annually during Fire Prevention Week, is the Fire Services Open House.

An Open House of Fire House #1 on Milligan Dr. offers residents the chance to tour through the station, explore the trucks and equipment that first responders use regularly and learn how we can do our part in keeping our community safe.

Chief Ken Thevenot says there will be two demonstrations that are always hit attractions.

"The Open House is 11am - 2pm on the 14th of October, and we have a lot of good things happening that day." Thevenot adds "We have two vehicle extrication demonstrations using the Jaws of Life. One demonstration will take place at 11:30 AM, and the other is at 12:45 PM. That's all happening at Station #1, on 132 Milligan Dr."

You can find out more about fire prevention and safety tips by heading to Fire Services' webpage.

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