MEXICO – Fire stations nationwide are to observe Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 3 to 9. During this time, many conduct open house events to teach fire safety.

Mexico firefighters, however, decided to have their open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, at the Main Street fire station.

“It was the only good weekend available, and then we realized it was Sept. 11,” said firefighter Jack Arsenault of the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

“It’s not a bad day to have it,” said Lt. Ed Carey, chairman of the department’s Open House Committee.

Starting at 11 a.m., the terrorist attacks are to be remembered with a special display.

Additionally, Chief Gary Wentzell is to talk briefly about local and state firefighters who have been lost, and the firefighters who died as a result of the 9/11 attacks. A prayer will follow.

The open house will include:

• Free hamburgers and hot dogs, starting at 11 a.m.

• Wentzell’s “world famous” bean-hole beans and a roast supper, starting at 5 p.m. The cost is $6 per plate. Money raised from the supper will go toward the purchase of new equipment.

• The raffle of 50 gallons of heating oil from CN Brown.

• A slope-rescue demonstration at 2 p.m. with new rope gear.

• A smoke building.

• Door prizes donated by local merchants.

• Sparkey the fire dog and Smokey Bear