CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Morning storytime at Camp Foster’s library was interrupted Tuesday when Bert and Ernie — the beloved "Sesame Street" characters — dropped by to teach preschoolers about fire safety.

The Marine Corps Bases Japan Fire Department put on a puppet show for the youngsters using the characters to talk about fire drills and demonstrate "stop, drop and roll," a safety technique.

Excited youngsters immediately tuned in when they saw the vibrant comic duo hit the stage, joined by friends Oscar the Grouch, the Cookie Monster and newcomer Sparky the fire dog (who lives in the Camp Foster fire department).

Tuesday’s performance marked the puppets’ debut.

Stevie Frisby, who brought her 4-year-old daughter Bryton and her buddy, Peyton Luig, 3, to see the show, said the safety tips were informative for the youngsters.

"I thought it was really good. It’s amazing what they’re capable of learning at such a young age," said Frisby, whose husband is in the Air Force.

The puppet show was a rehearsal for upcoming performances at elementary and middle schools at Okinawa Marine bases during National Fire Prevention Week, said MCBJ assistant fire chief Larry Beal.

Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 5-11. This year’s theme is "Prevent Home Fires."

Beal said kids can identify with the popular TV characters, which makes it easier for them to learn.

"The puppets speak up, and they seem to listen," he said.

Beal said it’s important to teach kids early about what firefighters do and the protective gear they wear, because children often become scared in emergency situations and tend to run and hide.

"A firefighter looks like a monster with all this stuff on, so we breathe through the mask and show them it’s OK," he said.