Learn about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week
October 8, 2008
We’ve all heard the urban legend of Mrs. O’Leary, who carelessly left a kerosene lantern in the barn on October8, 1871 after an evening milking. A cow kicked it over and ignited the hay on the floor. Due to dry conditions and a strong dry southwesterly wind the fire quickly spread throughout the city of Chicago, and burned for two days. When The Great Chicago Fire finally died out thanks to soaking rains, a path four miles long and two-thirds of a mile wide had been burned through the city. To commemorate this historical event, Fire Prevention Week was established during the Sunday through Saturday of week where October 9th falls.
This year’s fire prevention theme is “Prevent Home Fires.” As you work with your local fire department and plan activities for your students, don’t neglect to visit the Davis Fire Department. Here you will find some great interactive activities for your students. They can take a virtual Firefighter Protective Clothing Tour or a virtual tour of a Fire Engine complete with sirens.
Whether you believe in the legend of Mrs. O’Leary and her cow or not, let’s not let history repeat itself. Help prevent future fires through fire prevention education.-MONIQUE ST.LOUIS
Davis, California Fire Department
