City of SeaTac, Wash. October 8, 2012 – This week is National Fire Prevention Week and recognizes the importance of fire safety in this country.

Fire Prevention Week was established in 1920 when President Woodrow Wilson issued the first Fire Prevention Day proclamation. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation every year since 1925, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

Fire Prevention Week is always held on the week containing October 8th to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 where 250 died and 100,000 were left homeless. Mrs. O’Leary’s cow supposedly started the fire, though Mrs. O’Leary always denied it. Other possible reasons for the fire include several boys sneaking cigarettes near the barn and a meteorite (several fell in the region that day).

Ironically that fire was not the “greatest” that day. A fire in Northeastern Wisconsin burned 1.2 million acres, killed 1,152 people and destroyed 16 towns. This lesser known fire was caused by railroad workers who accidently started a brush fire while clearing land for tracks.

To help make every week a Fire Prevention Week, click here for some fire safety tips.