CHENANGO COUNTY – It’s the longest running public health and safety observance on record in the United States – established in 1925, according to the National Fire Protection Association – and fire departments across Chenango County will recognize Fire Prevention Week with open houses throughout the week and month.

Fire Prevention Week officially kicked-off on Sunday and will run through Oct. 13, said Michael Beckwith, deputy fire coordinator for Chenango County, with the Smithville Fire Department hosting its annual pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at its station on State Highway 41, Smithville Flats, over the weekend. A number of other departments, he added, will hold open houses over the course of the week, including:

• Oxford Fire Department, Open House, 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oxford FD, 20 Main St.

• Sherburne Fire Department, Open House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sherburne FD, 15 West State St.

• Norwich Fire Department, Open House, 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Norwich FD, 31 East Main St.

• North Norwich Fire Department, Open House and pancake breakfast, 7 to 11 a.m., Saturday, North Norwich.