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<br />ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date:October 7, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No.8-f <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Fire Prevention Week Proclamation <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services <br /> <br /> <br />ATTACHMENT(S): <br />Proclamation <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Stephen M. Smith, Division Chief, Fire & <br />Life Safety, 919-245-6151 <br />Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services <br />Director, 919-245-6123 <br /> <br />PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating the week of October 5, 2025, through <br />October 11, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week in Orange County. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: Fire Prevention Week is celebrating its 102nd year, the longest running health <br />campaign, to honor the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect us <br />every day and reaffirm the importance of fire safety and preparedness. <br /> <br />Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 1922 to <br />commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Fire Prevention Week teaches children and adults <br />how to stay safe in the event of a fire. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first <br />National Fire Prevention Week to occur from October 4 through October 10, 1925. President <br />Coolidge stated that, “This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and <br />horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented… It is highly desirable that every <br />effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the <br />national wealth.” <br /> <br />The Great Chicago Fire burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, with most of the damage <br />occurring on October 9th. The fire caused roughly $200 million in damages, killing approximately <br />300 people, and destroying over 17,000 buildings and structures. The consequences were more <br />than just fire damage itself, as martial law had to be declared after an outbreak of looting and <br />lawlessness. <br /> <br />Fire impacts a community financially, including lost tax revenue, reduced tourism and business <br />investment, downgraded bonds, and reduced real estate values. This week, all people in Orange <br />County should educate themselves about fire prevention and safety and recommit to taking the <br />necessary steps to prevent fires. The year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries <br />in your Home,“ serves to remind us of the importance of recognizing the fire dangers involved with <br />the use and charging of lithium-ion batteries in your home. <br /> <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. <br />1