Fire Prevention Week commemorates one of the worst fires in American history - the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. On October 9th, 250 people died and over 17,000 buildings were destroyed in a fire where the property damage was estimated at $169 million dollars. The Fire Marshal's Association established Fire Prevention Day in 1911 to publicize the fire problem. In 1922, President Harding proclaimed National Fire Prevention Week and since that time the National Fire Protection Association has been the official sponsor of Prevention Week activities throughout the nation.

However, The Canton Fire Prevention Bureau wants you to remember that fire safety should be practiced every day, and offers the following suggestions:

• Install and maintain smoke detectors on every level of your home.
• Have a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the hands of children.
• Have home heating systems and chimneys inspected by a professional.
• Store flammable liquids in safety cans and outside the house.