Greenhill Volunteer Fire Chief Barry Gray said the meaning behind the annual fire prevention week is simple.

“It’s about education. Educating our community about fires and how to prevent them,” Gray said.

Gray said Fire Prevention Week is a time of the year firefighters take seriously.

“We try to get into the schools, and work with the children, teaching them about fire safety and the importance of it,” Gray said. “If we can educate them at an early age, it will carry over into their adult life.”

Fire Prevention Week begins Monday with the annual Fire Safety Parade in downtown Florence at 7 p.m. on North Court Street and ending in Wilson Park.

“It’s open to any fire department,” said organizer Nicky Kavich, of the Waterloo Volunteer Fire Department.

Kavich said the parade annually draws fire trucks from across the region.

On Saturday, Oct. 13, the annual Life Safety Day competition will be at the Lowe’s parking lot on Cox Creek Parkway, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and competition at 9 a.m.