It's National Fire Prevention Week, so the Altus Fire Department (AFD) held its 24th Annual Fire Safety Clown Show on Friday, Oct. 14 at the Altus City Auditorium. One session was held at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 1:15 p.m. to accommodate a number of area school children.

The Clown Show skits incorporated many safety tips for the children including: Halloween Trick-or-Treat safety, safety at home, and in their families' vehicles, buckling up their safety belts.

Capt. Leander Thacker (left) was Master of Ceremonies for the event. He's shown with Sparky the Fire Dog (right), played by Stephen Davis. In the clown hot-rod photo, that's Firefighter Drew George on the left, Firefighter Larry Moody in the middle and Thacker on the right.

This last year there have been several house fires in the Altus area. AFD suggests every family have a fire escape plan. Check smoke detector batteries. Never leave cooking food or burning candles unattended. Like Sparky says, "Learn not to burn."