Fire Prevention Week and its importance

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  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Fire Prevention week kicked off Oct. 6 to bring awareness to fire safety across the entire nation.
 
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the week itself originates from the commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, which killed more than 250 people and left 100,000 homeless.

"It's an example of how little things can turn bad really quickly," said Juan Dominguez, 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron fire inspector.

This year the focus is being put on preventing kitchen fires and safety precautions that can be taken.

"This is usually the number one cause of home fires," Dominguez said. "You want to prevent them in the first place."

According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

Dominguez wants the week to keep people aware of how crucial fire prevention is.
 
"It serves the overall mission of saving people and property," he said.