Fire Prevention Week

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Fire Prevention Week:

In partnership with the National Fire Protection Association ® (NFPA®) – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week – the Brantford Fire Department is pleased to celebrate Fire Prevention Week from October 8-14, 2023. This year’s theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention,” effectively serves to remind us of the importance of implementing strong fire prevention practices when we are cooking.

Follow Brantford Fire on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for up to date information on Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Brantford or visit www.fpw.org to start planning your home escape.

Fire Prevention Week's history

The history of Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 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, which was recently refuted by a Chicago historian, is that Mrs. Catherine O'Leary was milking her cow when the animal kicked over a lamp, setting the O'Leary 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, advocating an annual observation as a way to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.

Fire Prevention Week 2023 Activities

We invite you to join us on the following dates as we give our community the necessary tools and knowledge to stay safe from fire!