We wanted to tell you about Fire Prevention Week coming up October 8-14, 2023! Did you know that Fire Prevention week was a direct result of a large fire in Chicago? The Great Chicago Fire burned between October 8th to October 10th, with most of the damage done on October 9th. The fire caused roughly $200 million in damages, killing around 300 people, and destroying over 17,000 buildings and structures. The consequences were more than just fire damage itself, as martial law had to be declared after an outbreak of looting and lawlessness. The fire was said to have started when a cow kicked over a lantern in the O’Leary barn in the southwest side of the city. Fortunately, in 1997, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution exonerating Catherine O’Leary, as well as her cow. Today, the Chicago Fire Department Training Academy is located on the site of the O’Leary property where the fire started.

If your school, daycare, scout group, or any other group would like to schedule an event with us please complete our Fire Prevention Request Form or email us to schedule your visit!