Metro Fire - Fire Prevention Week 2019

So, did Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kick over the lamp that started the Great Chicago Fire?

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 fire that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow - belonging to Mrs. Catherine O'Leary - kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. Chances are you've heard some version of this story yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O'Leary, for more than 130 years.

As a result of this fire, Fire Prevention Week was declared. Every year, Fire Prevention Week is observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. In support of Fire Prevention Week, Metro Fire is making every effort to remind our community to take everyday steps to create heroic results. One of the best ways to do that is to plan and practice your escape.


Don’t forget to share this information with your family and friends because when it comes to keeping families safe, we’re all in this together.

---

Welcome to Metro Fire

On December 1, 2000, two local fire districts came together and formed the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. From public education and training to firefighting, emergency services, search and rescue and more, your Metro Fire professionals stand ready to serve the greater Sacramento region.

We invite you to visit this site often and let us know what we can do to improve our partnerships with you, our community.