President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week in 1925 to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and over 250 people who died in it. In those early days, city firefighting units were more concerned with being able to extinguish fires efficiently, but soon recognized that it is better to prevent a fire than having to fight one. National Fire Prevention Week helps to highlight everyday safety and fire prevention. Now the nation's longest running public health and safety observance, it is held every year during the Saturday - Sunday period around October 9, marking the worst day of the Great Chicago Fire.
The Museum's student volunteer Jeremy Gilley selected these photographs and documents from the High Point Fire Department Collection to show some of our Fire Department's Prevention Week activities of the past.
