September 30, 2024 – During a special session of the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court held Monday morning, a proclamation was read announcing “Fire Prevention Week” to take place October 6th through October 12th. Fire Prevention Week was established nationally to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire. In 1871. That fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The jGreat Chicago Fire began on October 8th, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.
President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9th falls.
This years theme for Fire Prevention Week in Hopkins County is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You”
Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley stressed to the public the importance of Fire Safety all year, but wanted to highlight the importance during Fire Prevention Week. Endsley said, “this is a great time to be reminded to make sure you have working smoke detectors throughout your home.”
