Fire Service History & Lore
What is the history of National Fire Prevention Week?
In 1911 the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed in a manner to inform the public about fire prevention and fire safety and Fire Prevention Day was observed on October 11, 1911.
In 1920 President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. In 1925 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first Fire Prevention Week , October 4-10, 1925.
Why are Dalmations considered firehouse dogs?
Dogs were helpful to direct and guard horses during the era of the horse drawn fire engine. Dalmations were favored probably because of their size, friendly nature, ability to train, and ability to care for themselves. Likewise urban and nearby departments gave away puppies as new litters were born thus creating a fire service tradition.
What were the worst fires in the history of the world? (since 1835)
| Date | Location | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| May 1845 | Canton China | 1,670 |
| October 8, 1871 | Peshtigo, WI - forest fire | 1,182 |
| December 8, 1881 | Ring Theater, Vienna | 850 |
| December 30, 1903 | Iroquois Theater, Chicago | 602 |
| December 23, 1995 | Schoolhouse, India | 500+ |
| November 2, 1994 | Burning fuel flood, Egypt | 500 |
| November 28, 1942 | Cocoanut Grove, Boston | 491 |
| October 14, 1913 | Wales, Colliery | 439 |
| August 19, 1978 | Abadan, Iran - movie theater | 425+ |
| September 1, 1894 | Minnesota - forest fire | 413 |
What were the worst fires in the history of the United States? (since 1835)
| Date | Location | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| October 8, 1871 | Peshtigo, WI - forest fire | 1,182 |
| December 30, 1903 | Iriquois Theater, Chicago | 602 |
| November 28, 1942 | Cocoanut Grove, Boston | 491 |
| September 1, 1894 | Minnesota - forest fire | 413 |
| October 12, 1918 | Cloquet, MN - forest fire | 400 |
| June 30, 1900 | Hoboken, NJ - docks | 326 |
| April 21, 1930 | Columbus, OH - penitentiary | 320 |
| December 5, 1876 | Brooklyn, NY - theater | 295 |
| October 8, 1871 | Great Chicago Fire - IL | 250 |
| April 23, 1940 | Natches, MS - dance hall | 198 |
| March 4, 1908 | Collingwood, OH - school | 176 |
| January 13, 1908 | Rhoads Theater, Boyertown, PA | 170 |
| July 6, 1944 | Ringling Circus, Hartford, CT | 168 |
| May 28, 1977 | Southgate, KY - nightclub | 164 |
| March 25, 1911 | Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, NY, NY | 146 |
| December 7, 1946 | Winecoff Hotel, Atlanta, GA | 119 |