Photo from ehsinsight.com
By: Avery Ruggiero
Fire Prevention Week is an annual week dedicated to teaching individuals how to prevent fires and educating them on what to do in order to stay safe if a fire does occur. It is held on the week of October 4 – October 10. This week centers around the date of October 9 in the remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Promoted by the National Fire Protection Association and other local fire departments, some activities during this week include fire drills and safety practices in schools, open houses at local fire stations, and even firefighter-led safety education programs in schools.
Caelin Kooistra, a member of the Protective Services program and volunteer firefighter, said “People learn about smoke alarms, escape plans, and the prevention of fires during this week. In 2026, the focus is teaching the safe charging of lithium-ion batteries.” The NFPA has sponsored this week annually since 1922, and since then local fire departments along with schools and safety programs have worked together to teach students about fire safety and prevention.
