The Brunswick Fire Department announced that National Fire Prevention Week will be observed this year from Sunday, October 2 through Saturday, October 8. Locally, the fire department conducts fire prevention and safety programs all year to help citizens protect themselves from fire. This concern for public safety is highlighted during Fire Prevention Week. To focus attention on this observance, the department will host its annual Open House on Wednesday the 5th from 4-7 pm. This year "Slugger" the Sea Dog will team up with Sparky to help Strike Out Fire.
National Fire Prevention Week marks the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire which happened on October 9, 1871. On that day, fire killed 250 persons and destroyed 17,430 buildings at a cost of $168 million. This was one of the worst conflagrations in American history. Reported to have been started by the now famous cow of Mrs. O'Leary, the fire swept through the wooden buildings and sidewalks of Chicago. It was not until after the tragedy that fire prevention codes were written requiring safer construction.