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 The idea for a “Fire Prevention Week” originated from the Great Chicago Fire of October 9th, 1871. Within 27 hours, the fire claimed over 250 souls, leveled more than 17,000 structures leaving more than 100,000 people homeless.
Rumors and speculation attribute the fire’s origins after one of Mrs. O’Leary’s cows kicked over a lamp in her barn. It was a fire so immense that it affected over 2,000 acres.
In 1916, the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council of Ontario proclaimed the “Fire Prevention Week” and later, in 1923, the Governor-General made the same proclamation.
In 1977, the Governor-General incorporated the “Fire Prevention Day”. This day is the last Saturday of the “Fire Prevention Week” and serves to recognize the efforts of all Canadian service personnel.
The theme of “Fire Prevention Week” in 2006 was “Prevent Cooking Fires - Watch What You Heat”.
Unfortunately, the main source of preventable home fires in Ontario is from cooking. Between 2000 and 2004 there was an average of 1,492 fires, 31% less than between 1995 and 1999.
By following safe cooking practices, we can furthur reduce the incidence of kitchen fires and major property damages. After all, most of the reported injuries do come from cooking fires, while fatalities still rank in a close second.
Here a just few common sense safety points to follow:
- never leave cooking unattended
- do not cook when under the influence of alcohol
- run cool water over a burn
- wear tight fitting sleeves when cooking
On Wednesday, October 11, 2006, between 10 AM - 3:00 PM the World’s Largest School Fire Drill was under way. It was an opportunity for schools to participate by helping to increase fire safety awareness.
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