The bells of local fire stations are ringing for young artists to participate in a unique contest hosted by the Turlock Fire Department.

The week of Oct. 6 marks National Fire Prevention Week. To celebrate and spread awareness, children ages 5 to 13 are encouraged to submit artwork based on fire safety.

The contest will begin on Aug. 26, with submissions accepted through Sept. 20. Artwork must be drawn on an 8.5x11 paper and submitted either in person or by email. In-person submissions can be dropped off at the fire department offices at 244 N. Broadway, Second Floor. Email submissions must include a photo of the artwork and sent to FirePrevention@Turlock.CA.US.

Themes should include cooking safety, testing smoke alarms, planning escapes, and the classic “stop, drop and roll” technique, among other messages encouraging safe practices. Artwork must include a tagline of “Fire Safety 2024” with the name, age and school of the participant. The information can be included anywhere on the drawing.

Examples or ideas for artwork can be found at www.NFPA.org.

Entries will be judged by Turlock’s fire personnel based on message and creativity. The firefighters and staff will select 10 semifinalists. The deputy fire chiefs will then choose a handful of finalists. A winner will be announced on Oct. 2.

Finalists will have their artwork printed onto 8.5x11 magnets that will be displayed on all fire engines during Fire Prevention Week. Meanwhile, all entries will be displayed in the department’s administration office for all to admire.

Community members should direct any questions about the contest to (209) 668-5580. The department offices on Broadway are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.