Flapjack flipping will take center stage at fire stations in Tracy and Mountain House as the Tracy Firefighters Association Local 3355 hosts its annual pancake breakfasts in early October.

Benefiting local charities, the breakfasts are hosted during National Fire Prevention Week and are a chance for community members to meet the folks who fight fires and respond to medical emergencies. And vice versa.

“One of the best parts of the breakfast is meeting people — getting the guys close to say thanks to the community,” said firefighter/paramedic Andy Sansaver, who is organizing this year’s breakfasts.

Station 91 on 11th Street will host the Tracy breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 1. Off-duty firefighters will swap their turnouts for aprons as they man the griddles to cook pancakes and sausages. Fruit, juice and coffee will round out the breakfast, which will be served from 6 to 11 a.m.

Along with the breakfast, the fire crews will have a variety of activities for children through the morning, including a kids’ firefighter combat challenge, coloring and a visit from Sparky the fire dog. The morning’s events at Station 91 will also include a demonstration of a vehicle extrication, as crews use the Jaws of Life to cut apart a car donated from local tow company.

Breakfast activities continue the next week on Oct. 8 at Mountain House’s Station 98 at 911 Traditions Way. Crews will be on hand from 6 to 11 a.m. to serve the breakfast and run the activities for children. Proceeds from the Mountain House breakfast have gone to help fund community groups, including Mountain House Little League.

Organizers are preparing for a big crowd this year. More than 350 pounds of batter will hit the griddles, only to be topped by 20 gallons of syrup and served alongside nearly 1,000 sausages.

While it takes a lot of work to organize, the crews are happy to get out and meet the public, Sansaver said.

“I think it is cool to see all the families — been to a few myself before. It is different to be (working) on the other side. I’m happy the people in the community that come out to the breakfast are having a good time,” he said.

Tickets for both breakfasts are $5 for adults and $4 for children younger than 12 and seniors.

Tickets for the Tracy breakfast can be purchased at Station 91 the morning of the event or in advance at the Fire Administration building on Central Avenue.

Tickets for the Mountain House breakfast can be bought at Station 98 or from Mountain House Little League members.