Fire Prevention Week Relates to Public with Live Burn Demo

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Since 1922, Americans have observed National Fire Prevention Week in October, with fire departments promoting public awareness about a variety of fire safety topics, ranging from the use of smoke detectors to having a fire escape plan. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, which marks the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

This year Fire Prevention Week is observed from October 5-11, and its theme is "It's Fire Prevention Week - Prevent Home Fires". In the United States, eight out of ten fire fatalities occur in residential fires. The NFPA reports that cooking and heating equipment are the two leading causes of home fires, and more than 2,500 people were killed in the nearly 400,000 residential fires that occurred in 2006. 12,500 injuries and $7 billion in property damage were also attributed to these fires.

This week, fire departments across the United States and Canada are holding various training events and open houses aimed at educating citizens about how to protect themselves and their homes. FDNNtv.com reporter Barbara Brooks takes an inside look at the Ontario Fire Department's Fire Prevention Week Open House, focusing on their live burn training.