Two Vienna-area fire stations will throw open their doors Saturday, Oct. 10, as Fairfax County Fire and Rescue hosts free open houses at all 39 of its stations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department at 400 Center St. SW is hosting its annual open house with fire demonstrations, hands-on activities, food and a chance to meet local firefighters, according to the VVFD. Because the open houses cover all Fairfax County stations, Wolftrap Station 42 at 1315 Beulah Road is also included.

The event caps Fire Prevention Week, which runs Sunday, Oct. 4, through Saturday, Oct. 10. This year's national theme is "Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," putting lithium-ion battery hazards front and center.

The batteries power everyday devices: phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and power tools. They can ignite quickly if damaged or overheated, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. The department advises charging devices on hard surfaces, never on beds or couches. Use only the charger that came with the device. Unplug once fully charged. Stop using any battery that feels hot, looks swollen or smells odd.

E-bikes and scooters should be charged outside or near an exit, not in a hallway, the department said.

Fairfax County firefighters responded to a blaze at the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road after a lithium-ion battery tossed in the trash ignited, FFXnow reported Sept. 11.

Beyond batteries, the department is urging families to practice home escape drills. Modern furniture burns faster than older furniture, meaning smoke and heat build up quicker than most people expect. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says every household should be able to get out in two minutes or less.

The department recommends every room have two exits, typically a door and a window. Families should pick an outdoor meeting spot such as a mailbox or a neighbor's driveway. Run the drill at least twice a year, once during the day and once after dark with the lights off.

Closing bedroom doors at night can also slow the spread of smoke and heat by several minutes, the department said.

Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. Replace batteries at least once a year and replace the entire alarm every 10 years.

Residents who need smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms can get them installed free by calling 703-246-3801 or emailing [email protected].

Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, whose district includes parts of Vienna, promoted the open houses on X on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Saturday's open houses are at all Fairfax County fire stations. No registration is required.