WHALE COVE - A group of daycare and preschool kids had a funfilled day with their local fire chief and volunteer firefighters in Whale Cove earlier this month.

The kids spent time with the firefighters as part of an annual daycare project held during Fire Prevention Week.

No one was left out of the fun and learning, as the kids ranged in age from about 11 months to five years.

The five staff members at the Akulliriit Day Care make a big deal out of Fire Prevention Week every year.

They plan activities to ensure the kids have fun with members of the local volunteer fire department, while, at the same time, learning safety tips such as how to stop, drop and roll that could save a life one day.

Staff member Mary Jones-Kriterdluk said the kids really look forward to the activities every year.

She said the local station wasn't clean enough to have the kids visit this year, so Fire Chief Colin Kabloona brought the fire truck to them.

"Our volunteer firefighters enjoy spending time with the kids and they have a lot of fun with them," said Jones-Kriterdluk.

"The kids want to try everything and the guys can have their hands full protecting their masks and stuff.

"They love it when they get the chance to wear the helmets and put the face shields down."

Jones-Kriterdluk said another benefit of the day care's annual Fire Prevention Week program in Whale is that it shows the kids local firefighters are special people.

"They understand when there's a fire in town, these are the people who put it out and that makes them pretty special in the kid's eyes.

"They recognize the fire truck and understand what it is when they see it.

"The kids get really excited when they know the firefighters are coming, and they're so proud when they get to wear the helmets.

"And, even though they're really young, they learn some good tips about fire prevention during the week."