Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9-15) will get off to a blazing start in Bellevue this year, with dramatic demonstrations at several fire stations on Saturday, Oct. 8, including trailers that allow visitors to experience a room filling with smoke and witness a fire extinguished by ceiling sprinklers.

As usual during the national awareness week kickoff, all nine of Bellevue's fire stations will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so residents can meet the firefighters who protect their neighborhoods. During the week, firefighters will visit schools and do readings at libraries.

The following stations will feature refreshments and special activities to inform and entertain adults and children:

• Station 1 -- 766 Bellevue Way SE (Downtown/West Bellevue);
• Station 2 -- 2802  148th Ave. SE (Eastgate/Lake Hills/W. Lake Sammamish);
• Station 3 -- 16100 NE Eighth St. (Crossroads/Northeast Bellevue);
• Station 5 -- 9621 NE 24th St. (Clyde Hill);
• Station 8 -- 5701 Lakemont Blvd. SE (Eastgate/Cougar Mountain); and
• Station 9 -- 12412 Newcastle Way (Newcastle/Newport Hills).

Stove-top Fire Road Show
Firefighters and Fire Prevention officers will stop by each of the six stations and provide a real stove-top fire display. 

Sprinkler Trailer (Station 8)
In the State Fire Marshal's Office trailer, marshals will conduct several live-fire displays throughout the day that show how sprinkler systems can save lives as the first line of defense against fire.

Child Safety House Trailer (Station 3)
In Grays Harbor Fire District 5's Child Safety Trailer, built in 2006, children learn about kitchen and home fire safety and awareness. Children can sit inside and experience a room filled with non-toxic smoke (smoke machines use peanut oil).

Fire Extinguisher Awareness
Are you up for the challenge of putting out a "fire?" Each of the six featured stations will have several fire extinguishers available for both the adults and children to handle. No need for gear; these fires are of the painted-wood variety.

Try on Firefighter Gear
Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to wear the helmet and coat and other "bunker" gear firefighters wear when battling a blaze? The six stations with displays will have several sets of real bunker gear for you and your children to try on. Bring a camera!

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