Each year in the United States, fire takes a heavy toll on the lives of many people. In 2005 alone, there were over 1 ½ million fires directly responsible for killing 3,675 civilians, injuring 17,925 people and causing more than $10 billion worth of property damage. And, believe it or not, 2005 was a good year when compared with similar statistics just 10 years ago. The reason for this improvement is no fluke; it is because of the persistent effort that goes into fire prevention.
October 8 through the 14 marks the 71st annual National Fire Prevention Week, but the history of fire prevention in the United States goes back even further. On October 8, 1871, around 8:30 p.m., a fire started near the O'Leary house (some say their cow kicked over a lamp) that would lead to the death of more than 300 people and the destruction of more than 17,000 structures leaving more than 100,000 people homeless in downtown Chicago.
Thousands of citizens try to flee the fire through the crowded streets of Chicago Copyright © 1996 by the Chicago Historical Society and the Trustees of Northwestern University Last revised 10-8-96 A map published by the R.P. Studley Company shows which part of the city was destroyed. The O'Leary house is located in the upper left hand portion (north) and you can see how the fire traveled south jumping the Chicago River and consuming everything in its path. Copyright © 1996 by the Chicago Historical Society and the Trustees of Northwestern University Last revised 10-8-96The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), established in 1896, decided that the anniversary of the Chicago Fire should be observed with fire safety and education. The first National Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed by President Calvin Coolidge on October 4th, 1925. Coolidge called the fire deaths in 1924 -- numbered somewhere around 15,000 -- startling and declared "It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth." And from that day, the modern fire prevention movement was born.
Nearly every fire department in the United States has integrated some component of fire safety and prevention into their mission. From fire code compliance to juvenile fire starter programs to "stop, drop and roll" programs, the number of fire related deaths and injuries are steadily declining because these programs work.
San Diego County is fortunate to be the home of one of the most active burn prevention organizations in the nation, the Burn Institute. Founded in 1972 by surgeon Hugh Frank, the center was developed to provide specialized care to burn patients. In fact, it was the Burn Institute that was responsible for the establishment of the regional Burn Center at UCSD hospital in 1973. UCSD is where all serious or complicated burn patients are sent for treatment and rehabilitation. Whereas the Burn Center specializes in treating patients, the Burn Institute concentrates on promoting burn prevention and education, burn survivor support, research and treatment and community services. One of the Burn Institute's most successful programs is Camp Beyond the Scars, a burn survivor support program that allows burn-injured children between the ages of 5 and 16 attend a camp with other burn injured children in a setting that provides both support and counseling. Camp staff is often supplemented by off-duty firefighters and paramedics who say the experience is amazing.
The Burn Institute offers age appropriate fire safety curriculum, puppet shows, and resources for schools, daycare facilities and homes; often free of charge. The Burn institute is also a designated authorized agency to provide Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Programs to children at risk.
The Burn Institute provides free smoke detectors for seniors and has a working partnership with more than 30 local Fire Department to provide free smoke detectors to high risk populations. I recommend you check out the Burn Institute's Web site at
BurnInstitute.org or call them at 858-541-2277 for more information.
San Diego also has other organizations that provide fire safety and burn prevention education including EPIC Medics (
EpicMedics.org), the Safe Kids Coalition (858-576-1700 ext.(5704) of San Diego and the Injury Free Coalition for Kids (
InjuryFree.org). Many local fire departments have fire safety trailers, "stop, drop and roll" programs, and education programs that are available throughout their communities. One of the best is Santee Fire Department's L.A.F.S. (Life and Fire Safety) program (
CI.Santee.CA.US). You haven't experienced fire safety unless you have seen done by Snorkel, Sgt. Safety, Trucker and Fireman Gus.
Members of the Santee Fire Department's L.A.F.S. program discuss fire safety with Capt. Beeler of the La Mesa Fire Department during a safety show at the grand opening of La Mesa fire station 11. Fire Safety Tips: Make sure every member of your family knows what to do in case of a fire in the home. Create an escape plan and practice fire drills in the home. The Burn Institute offers an online program to build your family fire escape plan. It is interactive and the kids will love it. Check it out at BurnInstitute.org/fbp/factsheets/plan.html Determine a pre-arranged meeting place outside of your residence if a fire should occur Teach kids that in case of a home fire, roll out of bed, stay low and crawl to the exit Teach kids how to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch on fire Install smoke detectors throughout your house, at least one on every level of the home -- make sure you check it regularly and change the batteries at least once a year Teach kids about when and when not to use 911 Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet from combustible materials. Keep children and pets away from heaters Never smoke in bed Teach children that matches and lighters are dangerous and should only be handled by adults Keep fire extinguishers accessible in the home and garage Fill out a home fire safety check list -- The La Mesa Fire Department offers one free of charge on their Web site here: http://www.ci.la-mesa.ca.us/Departments/Fire/pdf/Home_Fire_Safety_Checklist_1004.pdf
Keep your eyes open for fire safety programs available in your community this month. Stay Safe!
