NORWICH – On Thursday night, the smell of smoke and the flash of sirens in downtown Norwich welcomed families to the Norwich Fire Department's annual open house during Fire Prevention Week.

The NFD put the city's vehicles and equipment on display and a number of fire safety activities and demonstrations were offered.

Each year, the second week of October is designated as Fire Prevention Week and fire departments across Chenango County have been arranging public events, inviting local residents to get to know the men and women serving in the local fire districts.

October is Fire Prevention Month and October 9 to October 15 is Fire Prevention Week. The theme is “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.”