Each year National Fire Prevention Week is observed around the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and left Chicago in ruins.

Though there have been many changes in building practices and city planning since the Great Chicago Fire to prevent that kind of widespread devastation from happening again, individual homes and structures are still routinely destroyed by fires that all too often could have been prevented. And though these fires don’t cause widespread misery, losing a home to fire can be devastating to an individual family.

To help prevent needless tragedies, the Melbourne Fire Department is joining with the National Fire Prevention Association and communities all across the country to educate residents about things that they can do to prevent fires in their homes — and how to safely escape a fire should one happen.

Learn More:

• Check this page each day during Fire Prevention Week for a new fire safety tip. Or you can follow us on Facebook or X (Twitter).

• Get more information about the annual campaign on the National Fire Prevention Association’s Fire Prevention Week website.

• For fire prevention and safety tips, see the Prepare, Prevent and Practice page on the City of Melbourne website.