10/06/2026
Why is Fire Prevention Week in October?
The observance is held in October to commemorate the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The Great Chicago Fire
The historic fire began on October 8, 1871.
It killed more than 250 people.
It left 100,000 people homeless and destroyed thousands of buildings.
Another massive fire, the Peshtigo Fire in Wisconsin, also started on October 8, 1871, and was the deadliest forest fire in U.S. history.
How the Observance Started
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) began sponsoring Fire Prevention Week in 1922.
President Calvin Coolidge made it an official national observance in 1925.
It is the longest-running public health and safety observance in the United States.
When It Happens
The week is always scheduled during the Sunday-to-Saturday period that includes October 9.
Fire departments use this time to teach adults and children important home fire safety rules.
Please join us on October 18th for our Fire Prevention Open House.
