October 7-13, 2012
“Have Two Ways Out”
This annual October event showcases the essential services provided by the Calgary Fire Department. Numerous public activities include fire station open houses, a community smoke-alarm blitz and various fire safety lectures and presentations.
Safety information this year will focus on the 2012 theme of "Have Two Ways Out".
Fire Prevention Week's History
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the devastating Chicago fire on Oct. 9, 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.
The fire changed the way that firefighters and public officials in Canada and the U.S. think about fire safety. The Fire Marshals Association of North America (today known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided that the anniversary of the Chicago fire should be observed in a way to educate the public about the importance of fire prevention.
Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed in Canada in 1919 to commemorate the Chicago blaze, as well as the major fire that destroyed the Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa on February 3, 1916.
