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It’s Fire Prevention Week. Each year, the Pella Fire Department makes the rounds to area schools to help educate first grade classes on fire safety tips like how to stop, drop and roll and when to call 9-1-1. Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkom says they also introduce the students to one of the Firefighters dressed in full gear and breathing apparatus, so that in case of a fire, the children are familiar with what can be a scary sight. Van Gorkom reminds residents that a burn ban is currently in effect in Marion County.

The Knoxville Fire Department will be out and about all week to help promote National Fire Prevention Safety week as well. Knoxville Fire Chief Mike Roberts says that they will visit with local elementary and preschools to show them how firefighters put on their gear and help teach them fire prevention tips. Roberts says that most of the children already know important information, such as dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency and stop, drop, and roll. He adds that something all families should go over during this month is where their meeting place will be in case of a fire.