The history of National Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9, 1871. This tragic conflagration killed some 300 people, left some 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures (above). The origin of the fire has long generated speculation since its occurrence, with the fact and fiction becoming blurred over the years. One popular legend has it that Mrs. Catherine O'Leary was milking her cow when the animal kicked over a lamp, setting the O'Leary's barn on fire, starting the spectacular blaze. However the massive fire began, it swiftly took its toll, burning more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. The City of Chicago quickly rebuilt, however, and within a couple of years residents began celebrating their successful restoration by memorializing the anniversary of the fire with festivities.

Intending to observe the fire's anniversary with a more serious commemoration, the Fire Marshal's Association of North America, the oldest membership section of the National Fire Protection Association, decided that the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. So on October 9, 1911, FMANA sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. Every year since 1925, the President of the Untied States has signed a proclamation pronouncing the Sunday-through-Saturday period in which October 9 falls, a national observance. For 73 years the non-profit NFPA has officially sponsored and selected the theme for the national commemoration of Fire Prevention Week, honoring the Anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and using the event to increase awareness of the dangers of fire. Fire Prevention Week is usually held in early October.

The Kirksville Fire Department was organized by the City Council in 1879, and then just as now, fire prevention is a top priority. The nationwide smoke detector campaign, various building codes, and NFPA standards have all evolved from the Great Chicago Fire. The Kirksville Fire Department has served the citizens of Kirksville for more than 120 years, and as times have changed over the years, we are still dedicated to the safety of life and property from the devastating effects of fire.