Leeds, Al.
Fire Prevention week began in 1871 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. This fire killed 250
people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed 17,400 structures and burned 2,000 acres. This fire began on
October 8, 1871 and ended on October 9, 1871. Legend has it that Mrs. O’Leary’s cow turned over a
lamp in the barn which eventually burned the whole city to the ground. (see photos)
The Great Chicago Fire was not the only deadly fire that day, the Peshtigo Fire was started
by some railroad workers clearing some debris and setting it on fire. The Peshtigo fire killed 1,152 and
destroyed 1.2 million acres. (see photos)
In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson initiated Fire Prevention Week. The week runs from Sunday through
Saturday in which October 9 falls. In 1925, a proclamation was signed proclaiming national observation
of Fire Prevention Week every year in October. This has been the longest running public health and
safety observance on the record.
Leeds Fire Prevention Department was able to educate several daycares, Leeds Elementary ( 2nd Grade
and Kindergarten), as well as the senior citizens. The theme of 2008 was preventing home fires. This
went over with a great success. In 2009, the Fire Prevention Department plans to take Fire Prevention
Week and turn it into Fire Prevention Month and incorporating the Middle and High Schools also.
The Great Chicago Fire 1871 The Peshtigo Fire 1871
