RAF Croughton, England -- Every October, people across the U.S. gear up for Fire Prevention Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about fire safety, teaching families how to protect their homes, and highlighting the heroic efforts of firefighters. But how did this fiery tradition begin? Let’s dive into the fascinating history of Fire Prevention Week and explore why it still matters today.
A Scorched Beginning: The Great Chicago Fire
The Great Chicago Fire was a conflagration that burned in the American city of Chicago during October 8–10, 1871. The fire killed approximately 300 people, destroyed roughly 3.3 square miles (9 km2) of the city including over 17,000 structures, and left more than 100,000 residents homeless. The fire began in a neighborhood southwest of the city. A long period of hot, dry, windy conditions, and the wooden construction prevalent in the city, led to the conflagration. The fire leapt the south branch of the Chicago River and destroyed much of central Chicago and then leapt the main stem of the river, consuming the Near North Side.
Help flowed to the city from near and far after the fire. The city government improved building codes to stop the rapid spread of future fires and rebuilt rapidly to those higher standards. A donation from the United Kingdom spurred the establishment of the Chicago Public Library. (Ref- Wikipedia)
Sparking a Tradition: The Birth of Fire Prevention Week
Fast forward to 1925, and President Calvin Coolidge officially proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week. The timing was intentional, coinciding with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. Coolidge recognized that more Americans were dying in fires each year than in World War I, so the need for preventive measures was urgent.
Since then, Fire Prevention Week has been observed during the week of October 9th, aiming to remind people of the dangers of fire, educate them on prevention strategies, and promote the efforts of fire departments nationwide. It’s the longest-running public health observance in the U.S.
Fire Prevention Week Today: A Lifesaving Mission
These days, Fire Prevention Week is more than just a historical commemoration. It’s an opportunity for schools, communities, and fire departments to join forces in teaching critical fire safety skills. Each year, the NFPA picks a theme, focusing on a different aspect of fire prevention. Past themes have included “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” and “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”. This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”
Whether your smoke alarms are mains or battery powered; for them to look after you, you have to look after them:
- Test your smoke alarms every week by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn't sound, check the battery or replace the alarm.
- Clean your smoke alarms every six months to remove any dust and fluff from the detector.
- Change your batteries every year on a date that you can remember easily, like your birthday. Or fit smoke alarms with a 10-year battery in them.
- Change your smoke alarms every 10 years. Like most electrical goods they can stop working at some point, it is better to change them before they stop working
Check your smoke alarm every week. Push the button, not your luck!
Fun, Flames, and Safety: The Mascots and Symbols
No fire safety campaign would be complete without its mascots! Sparky the Fire Dog, created by the NFPA in 1951, is the lovable Dalmatian who has helped teach children about fire safety for decades. Sparky is often seen at events, in classrooms, and even in fire safety video games.
The use of Dalmatians in fire safety education has roots in history, too. Before fire trucks had engines, fire brigades relied on horse-drawn carriages, and Dalmatians, known for their compatibility with horses, ran ahead of the carriages to clear the way. Although they’re no longer needed in this capacity, Dalmatians remain an iconic symbol of fire safety. (Ref- NFPA)
Why Fire Prevention Week Still Matters
In 2022 alone, there were an estimated 1.35 million fires in the United States, resulting in a little over $18 billion in property loss. Even sadder than these statistics is that the vast majority of these fires, could have been prevented with the right safety education & precautions.
Fire Prevention Week serves as a critical reminder that everyone — from kids in elementary school to seasoned homeowners — have a role to play in reducing the risk of fire. Whether it's teaching children how to stop, drop, and roll or encouraging families to create a fire escape plan, the importance of fire safety cannot be overstated.
Conclusion: Staying Cool Under Fire
Fire Prevention Week is more than just a reminder of a historical event like the Great Chicago Fire. It’s an opportunity to learn, practice, and teach fire safety, ensuring that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. From firefighters teaching school kids, to families testing their smoke alarms, Fire Prevention Week has saved countless lives by keeping fire safety at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
So, this October, take a moment to join Sparky the Fire Dog and remember: A little fire safety goes a long way!