Fire Prevention Week is led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to raise public awareness about fire safety and prevention. With support from fire departments across the country, the initiative includes educational events, school visits and community outreach, all backed by resources and promotional materials available from the NFPA.
What is Fire Prevention Week?
Fire Prevention Week is an annual public safety campaign sponsored by NFPA. Its goal is to educate the public about fire safety and prevention strategies to reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and deaths. Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health observance in the U.S., dating back to 1922.
| Learn more: FireRescue1’s Fire Prevention Week Resource center
When is Fire Prevention Week?
Fire Prevention Week always takes place during the week that includes Oct. 9. In 2025, Fire Prevention week is Oct. 5-11.
How did Fire Prevention Week begin?
Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of Oct. 8–10, 1871, which killed over 250 people and left more than 100,000 homeless. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week to raise awareness about fire safety. Since then, the NFPA has led the campaign, selecting a new theme each year to address emerging fire hazards.
What is the 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme?
The 2025 theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” This campaign focuses on educating the public about the safe use, charging, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries, which power many common devices but can pose fire risks if mishandled.
What were the previous Fire Prevention Week themes?
- 2024: Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!
- 2023: Cooking Safety Starts with YOU. Pay Attention to Fire Prevention
- 2022: Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape
How can my fire department participate in Fire Prevention Week?
Fire departments can engage their communities through various activities:
- Host Open Houses: Invite the public to tour fire stations and learn about fire safety.
- School Visits: Provide educational sessions in schools using age-appropriate materials.
- Community Events: Set up booths at local events to distribute safety information.
- Social Media Campaigns: Share daily tips and resources related to the FPW theme.
The NFPA offers a range of resources to support these activities, including lesson plans, videos, and promotional materials.
| Read next: How to make your open house successful
How can I order Fire Prevention Week materials?
The NFPA provides various educational and promotional materials for Fire Prevention Week:
- Activity Booklets: Engaging materials for children to learn about fire safety.
- Stickers and Posters: Visual aids to reinforce safety messages.
- Brochures: Informative pamphlets on specific fire safety topics.
Whether you’re engaging with schools, attending community events, or sharing messages online, these materials are created to support clear, consistent fire safety messaging during Fire Prevention Week and year-round. Downloadable printable and social media toolkits also include select resources available in Spanish and French.
