Fairfax County Hosts Fire Prevention Week Open Houses

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is getting the word out about Fire Prevention Week culminating with a county-wide fire station open house this week. 

Fire Prevention Week open houses will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, including at Herndon Fire Station 4, Frying Pan Fire Station 36, Fox Mill Fire Station 31 and North Point Fire Station 39. 

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is "Have Two Ways Out!" Each fire station will have displays, information and activities that emphasize fire safety, including preventing fires and fire injuries in the home. 

Fairfax County is encouraging all area residents to visit their local fire station to learn about fire safety. 

Nearly 3,000 people die each year in home fires, according to the US Fire Administration and about two-thirds of those deaths were a result of no smoke alarm or nonworking alarms. Smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires in residential buildings. 

According to a Fairfax County press release, Fire Prevention Week was created to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people. The National Fire Prevention Association has sponsored Fire Prevention Week for 91 years. 

To learn more about fire prevention go to www.firepreventionweek.org.