Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week was originally Fire Prevention Day, created in 1920 by President Woodrow Wilson to honor the lives lost during the Great Chicago Fire in October 1871 .  That fire consumed 17,500 buildings and an estimated 300 lives were lost.  In 1922 Fire Prevention Day was expanded to Fire Prevention Week.  Generally, the week of October 9th is recognized as National Fire Prevention Week.

Though not as well known, there was a much deadlier fire that occurred during that same time, destroying the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin and a dozen smaller villages nearby.  As many as 2,500 lives were lost and over 1 million acres were burned.

The 2020 Fire Prevention Week Theme

This year’s FPW campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen.

Did you know?
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.