The month of October has been titled "Fire Prevention Month" since 1922 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8th, 1871, and caused devastating damage.

This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. See the attached video.

Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country.

During Fire Prevention Week*, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
*Fire Prevention Month in the Fire Service since it's difficult to schedule all of the Fire Prevention requests in 1 Week.

Check out our photos attached, highlighting our visits to Sacred Heart School and Creative Beginnings Children's Center.