The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established Fire Prevention Week in 1922 to honor the victims of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. However, another fire occurred on the very same day, which is often overlooked.
On Oct. 8, 1871, a fire in Peshtigo, WI burned over 1 million acres, destroying thousands of buildings and claiming more than 1,500 lives in the process, officially making it the deadliest forest fire in United States history.
Peshtigo was widely known as a logging town. This, in itself, made the area increasingly vulnerable to fires due to drought conditions, extensive land clearing, and careless campfire practices. So, all it took was a strong fall storm to sweep through the area, starting fires across Peshtigo and 15 other towns.
As tragic as this event was, it led to significant changes and helped raise awareness, which is what Fire Prevention Week is all about. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home,” aims to educate everyone on how to purchase, charge, and recycle these batteries safely. More information on this topic can be found here and in the video below. Additional details on the Peshtigo fire are available through the History Channel.
Image via Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics.