Ironically, this is National Fire Prevention Week. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. Fire Prevention Week is this week and was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire which occurred October 8 and 9, 1871. Wilkes Assistant Fire Marshal Nikki Hamby reminds us that this week is a good time to change those batteries in your smoke alarms, be sure smoke alarms are working properly, and clean those chimneys. And Hamby says to use caution with portable heaters and candles. Get more information on fire safety and fire prevention from the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org