Instead of holding out their hats, North End firefighters put out their old, rubber boots Saturday in an effort to help burn victims.

Posted at businesses in Kingston and Poulsbo, crews from North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and the Poulsbo Fire Department accepted spare change, loose bills and warm smiles to show their support for the Northwest Burn Foundation.

The firefighters were also out in force in hopes of dousing future fires, helping to kick off National Fire Prevention Week, which runs through Oct. 14.

“It’s been going really well,” said NKF&R firefighter Jack Meikle as he stood outside the Kingston Alberstons with other NKF&R officials. “Kids have been saying that they have their escape plans done. There are a lot of grandparents who don’t really think about it who are now. You know, they might not think it’s necessary, but it is if your grandchildren are visiting you.”

“Some people think we’re selling something, but we’re just trying to be really friendly, and the kids love it,” said NKF&R firefighter Tammy Coulter as she held her boot out to a couple of passersby.

“This is a good foundation we’re supporting,” Meikle said.

Many residents were not put off by having rubber footwear put out for the collection, in fact the opposite was true. NKF&R public information officer Michele Laboda said firefighters and their trusty boots brought in more than $700 after just one day outside Alberstons.

Their Poulsbo counterparts were also successful in encouraging donations, said Poulsbo Fire Department public information officer Jody Matson.

“We’re still tallying right now,” she said. “We’ve come in over $3,000 so far though.”

Poulsbo firefighters and their boots were scattered throughout Little Norway, heading up tables at The Home Depot, Central Market and in the downtown area, Matson said. PFD volunteer firefighter Joe Vlach Sr. also placed donation cans at businesses around town to raise additional money for the NWBF.

“There were a lot of us out there, and we did pretty well,” he said. “We can always do better though. We love doing this, and there are lots of people doing it.”

“There’s a lot of support in this community so far for this cause,” said NKF&R firefighter Todd Baily.

“It’s important that we are visible in the community, and promote fire safety,” added NKF&R firefighter Michael Mock.

As the week progresses, both NKF&R and PFD will be promoting fire prevention and safety, especially with younger North Kitsap residents, Laboda said.

Elementary school students across the county will have the chance to participate in turning in fire escape plans. The class with the most plans will earn an ice cream party, she said.

“And (the firefighters) are paying for it themselves,” Laboda added. “It’s coming from union money.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat,” and will focus on preventing fires in the kitchen, Laboda said.

For more information about National Fire Prevention Week, go to www.firepreventionweek.org.