In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire caused the destruction of nearly 3.3 square miles of the metropolitan Chicago area, the loss of 100,000+ resident homes, and the deaths of over 300 people. In commemoration of this devastating event, National Fire Prevention Week was established to act as an annual reminder of the importance of fire safety education and awareness.

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since 1871. Our fire departments have massive fire trucks replacing horse-drawn steam engines and emergency responder teams are highly trained and equipped with state-of-the-art gear to battle intense heat, flames, and prevent smoke inhalation. In the event of a fire, we have a solid infrastructure in place to quickly and more efficiently react. This week, however, emphasizes that the best way to reduce the risk of loss of life and property by taking the right steps to avoid a fire in the first place.