10/07/2026
Just a little history lesson for anyone who wondered why a particular week in October is designated "Fire Prevention Week "
Fire Prevention Week originated to commemorate the tragic Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which started on October 8 and did most of its devastating damage on October 9.
Historical Timeline
• 1871 (October 8–9): The Great Chicago Fire kills more than 250 people, leaves 100,000 homeless, and destroys over 17,400 structures.
• 1911: On the 40th anniversary, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA) sponsors the first National Fire Prevention Day to focus on education rather than just mourning.
• 1922: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) begins sponsoring the public observance, expanding it from a single day into a full week.
• 1925: President Calvin Coolidge proclaims the first national observance of Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest-running public health and safety observance in the United States.
Why October 9?
Even though the historic fire started on October 8, October 9 was chosen because it was the day when the majority of the catastrophic destruction occurred. Today, the week containing October 9 is observed annually with specific safety themes.