Countywide : Firefighters Promote Safety and Prevention

In observation of national Fire Prevention Week, which began Sunday, open houses will be held at all Orange County Fire Department stations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Saturday.

The theme of Fire Prevention Week is “Test Your Detector for Life!” Fire officials are encouraging residents to check their smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries annually.

Events are planned at the following locations:

* Station 11, 259 Emerald Drive, Emerald Bay: ropes and rigging demonstration, ladder demonstration and simulated rescue using the “Jaws of Life.”

* Station 54, 19811 Pauling Ave., Foothill Ranch: display of paramedic and firefighting equipment, and “Plan to Get Out Alive” video presentation.

* Station 4, 2 California Ave., Irvine: hazardous materials equipment display.

* Station 26, 4691 Walnut Ave., Irvine: simulated structure fire and medical aid responses, vehicle fire and aerial ladder demonstrations, and “Jaws of Life” demonstration.

* Station 5, 23600 Pacific Island Drive, Laguna Niguel: heart monitor demonstration, video on 1993 firestorm, fire engine demonstration, Smokey Bear video presentation.

* Station 39, 24241 Avila Road, Laguna Niguel: races for children and water squirt contest.

* Station 49, 31461 Street of the Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel: rescue helicopter display, demonstrations of vehicle fire, rappelling and “Jaws of Life.”

* Station 16, 28891 Modjeska Canyon Road, Modjeska: cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid demonstration, community barbecue and games.

* Station 45, 30131 Aventura, Rancho Santa Margarita: simulated structure fire response, aerial rescue demonstration, smoke detector testing.

* Station 7, 31865 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano: demonstrations of automatic defibrillator, “Jaws of Life” and vehicle fire, and races for children.

* Station 21, 1241 Irvine Blvd., Tustin: “Jaws of Life” demonstration and aerial equipment display.