FORSYTH COUNTY — The Forsyth County Fire Department is holding its fifth annual Fire Safety Poster Contest for local third-graders.

“We target third graders because they’re at such a critical age when our fire safety message seems to be absorbed the most,” said Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers. “They’re all very creative and they all have a keen interest in helping us spread the words of fire safety through their artistic talents.”

Entrees, which will be accepted until March 31, should show home fire drills, checking doors for heat, getting down low and crawling under smoke and that firefighters are friends to the community.

“There are themes that we as a fire safety service stress during our fire safety presentations in the schools,” Shivers said.

He added that some things that may seem like common sense for adults, such as heat and smoke rising, are new concepts to children.

“In our everyday environment, as we are teaching children or as they’re visiting fire stations, we’re like any other uniformed officer,” Shivers said. “But in the fire environment, when we are in our turnout gear and protective equipment, we don’t look or sound like a normal person. We can be quite scary to a child.”

Posters must be original creations on paper, with minimum dimensions of 8.5 inches by 11 inches and maximum dimensions of 18 inches by 24 inches. Entries will not be accepted if they are on poster board or contain copyrighted material or clip art.

Three winners will receive a pizza party with their class and firefighters. They and three runners-up will have their art displayed in county buildings.

The contest is open to all county third-graders, including those private school and home schooled students.

The release form and contest information is available at the fire department’s page on the county website, forsythco.com, and further information can be found at publiceducation@forsythco.com or (770) 781-2180.