Fire Prevention Day is a holiday that’s observed on October 9th, during National Fire Prevention Week. This day, as well as the entire week, is dedicated to helping people become more aware of their fire so they can take the steps to keep themselves and their families safe.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 3,515 people died in fire deaths in the United States. Although that’s a decrease of 10.7 people per million from the 2018 figure of 11.7 people per million, this number can still be improved. That’s why all of us should take the time to observe this day and the entire week around it.

The History Of Fire Prevention Day

Fire Prevention Day is a holiday that goes back over 100 years in North America. Shortly after WWI, resolutions were passed that urged Canada and the U.S. to support a campaign for an annual holiday dedicated to preventing fires.

The day was made a holiday in both countries in 1919. In 1920, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson created National Fire Prevention Week. This holiday day and week has been observed ever since.

Nowadays, the international sponsor of both of these holidays is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), although fire departments all across Canada and the U.S. also throw their support behind them every year. Every year, the NFPA also selects a theme for the celebration of this day and week to emphasize certain aspects of fire safety.

In 2001, the theme was “Cover the Bases and Strike Out Fire,” in 2020 it was “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” in 2021 it was “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety,” and in 2022 the theme was “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.”

Important Facts About Fire Safety

Below are just a few of the basic facts about fire safety that we feel everyone should know about. We hope that the following facts will help people keep their homes as safe as possible. Not only as they observe Fire Prevention Day, but all year round.

• Approximately 30% of fires start in the kitchen.
• In 1997, 1.8 million fires happened in the United States.
• Smoking inhalation is the primary cause of fatal fires in the United States.

Observing Fire Prevention Day

Fire Prevention Day is an important day for people to observe to keep themselves and their families safe. On this day, people are encouraged to learn more about fire safety, create a fire escape plan for their family, and make sure that their home is safe.

This means installing smoke alarms and testing them regularly, keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, and knowing what to do to prevent fires in the first place. We encourage people to spread the word about this holiday by using the hashtag #FirePreventionDay on social media.