To mark Fire Prevention and Safety Week, members of the Demopolis Fire and Rescue Department and the Alabama Forestry Commission came to Westside Elementary School on Tuesday to talk to young students about fire safety.

Westside students were in for a treat, as special guest Smokey the Bear made an appearance, courtesy of the Alabama Forestry Commission.

Firefighter Maurice Martin, Lt. Justin King and forest ranger Billy Carlisle of AFC helped teach safety rules to the students in an assembly held in the school’s auditorium.

“We’re here to help educate kids about safety at home,” said Martin.

“We really enjoyed it! The students were great, and they learned a lot.”

Martin told the students how to react when there is a fire, when to change batteries in a smoke detector and what to do when your clothes catch fire.

Members of the Demopolis Fire and Rescue Department will have a fire safety program at the Demopolis Civic Center on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.