October is Fire Prevention Month

As part of fire prevention month, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year in October to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which caused devastating damage and loss of life. It killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15.

The goal of Fire Prevention Week (and month) is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family are protected.

This year’s campaign theme, “Fire won't wait. Plan your escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires​.