The Imperial Volunteer Fire Department wants fire prevention to start early, so members spend many hours visiting with some of Imperial’s youngest community members during Fire Prevention Week, observed this year Oct. 7-13. At right, firefighter Duane Todd encourages youngsters at Rainbow Promise Preschool not to be scared when they see him in his mask. The loud sounds from a smoke alarm caused Jayden Gomez, below left, and Jack Ambrosek to cover their ears. (Republican photos)