Teaching children fire awareness and prevention by means of fun, is a highlight of the vacation care program which will be conducted by Community One during the school holidays.

On October 1 children will enjoy a ride with Firefighter Rob in his veteran fire truck. Then they will enjoy colouring books and other material which will illustrate fire prevention.

After lunch, they will visit the Mount Martha CFA Fire Station, where the modern equipment will be explained and demonstrated.

They will be given fire prevention material to take home to their parents.

Aimee Paterson, Co-ordinator of Community One, said the Fire Awareness Day was in keeping with the intense public interest in bush fires, particularly in regard to the approaching summer season and the warnings the Victorian Government had made about the acute danger.

"We hope that, while they enjoy their ride, the children will understand that fires are certainly not fun", she added.

Community One's Vacation Care program is for a fortnight, starting on Monday September 21. Half the activity will be based on Mount Martha and the balance will feature interesting excursions.

Activities include the Star Wars Exhibition at Science Works, Luna Park, an Aquatic Centre, craft and cooking and sports.

For all in - house days there will be a parallel program of activities suitable for children aged over 10 years and for children less than 10 years.

Bookings can be made by phoning 5974 2966.