The Story Behind Fire Prevention Week

The history of National Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9, 1871. This tragic conflagration killed 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,000 structures and burned more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. While the origin of the fire has never been determined, there has been much speculation over how it began. One popular legend is that Mrs. Catherine O'Leary was milking her cow when the animal kicked over a lamp, setting the O'Leary's barn on fire and starting the spectacular blaze.

On the Great Chicago Fire's 40th anniversary, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA) sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day as a way to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. And every year since 1925, the President of the United States has signed a proclamation pronouncing a national observance on the Sunday through Saturday period in Which October 9 falls.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 70 years.

Each year, Fire Prevention Week's success grows, allowing life-saving fire safety messages to reach more people and help them avoid the tragedy of fire. NFPA is dedicated to providing fire and life safety advocates like you with the tools you need to help make your community a safer place. You are the vital link. Without your work year-round, the people in your community would be at greater risk from fire.

1996 marked the centennial anniversary of NFPA - an exciting benchmark for the association. NFPA reached this milestone with the participation of tons of thousands of fire and life safety professionals and volunteers, and other individuals working to make the world safer from fire during Fire Prevention Week and every day! We thank you for your commitment to a safer world.