CHENANGO – Area fire departments are opening their doors to the public starting this weekend to recognize National Fire Prevention Week, aimed at increasing fire safety awareness and community participation.

Fire Prevention Week officially begins Sunday and will end Saturday, October 9. This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With.”

The public is encouraged to attend open house events this weekend at the Genegantslet, Edmeston and South Otselic Fire Departments.

The South Otselic FD will have an open house Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the Life Net of New York helicopter landing at the station at about noon, weather permitting. There will also be a fire extinguisher demonstration and an automobile extrication demonstration at 10 a.m. The department’s new pumper truck will also be on display.

The Edmeston Fire Department will also hold its open house on Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m.

On Sunday, the Genegantslet Fire Company will host a pancake breakfast and open house from 7 to 11 a.m. at its fire station in Smithville Flats. The Chenango County Fire Coordinator staff will also attend with a fire extinguisher demonstration. There will be door prizes and fire prevention hand outs.