Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. --
In 1871, a fire broke out during a dry October evening in Chicago … the fire went on for two days, killing more than 250 people, destroying more than 2,000 acres of the city and leaving thousands without homes.
The exact cause of the fire is up to debate; however, the tragedy sparked a nationally recognized week of safety and fire prevention awareness.
The fire occurred Oct. 8 – Oct. 10. Today, more than a century later, the awareness week is recognized on the Sunday through Saturday in October of which the eighth and ninth fall.
This year’s theme is ‘Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives. Test Yours Every Month,’ said Michelle Bledsoe, fire inspector on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.
“The importance of the theme is to bring awareness and encourage people to test their smoke detectors and ensure their families are safe,” she added.
This year for Fire Prevention Week, MCLB Barstow’s Fire Department visited the Child Development Center and Youth Activity Center to share information and safety tips. The firemen brought a fire engine, ambulance, Sparky the Fire Dog and various activities and games to keep children interested while giving them the information they need, explained Bledsoe.
Today, to conclude Fire Prevention Week here, there will be a safety stand down barbeque at 11 a.m., outside of the base fire department. There will be food, raffles and display tables with fire prevention, crime prevention, and general safety information set up, Bledsoe said.
Those who survived the Chicago fire and other devastating fires during that time never forgot what they saw. The tragic fires in the past changed the way firefighters and public officials treat fire prevention today. It has been a nationally recognized week since 1925, said Bledsoe.
“The MCLB Barstow Fire Prevention Office is very aggressive and promotes fire safety all year round. We are in every building at least twice a year and are talking with employees and the community about fire safety regularly,” concluded Bledsoe.