Fire Prevention 2020 Celebrates Zero 2019 Fire Deaths In Chesco

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Pandemic precautions are keeping more of us in the kitchen, and this year's Fire Prevention Month theme in Chester County might help us all stay safer at the stove.

Chester County Commissioners this week joined other local, county, state, and federal officials in recognizing Fire Prevention Week 2020. The Commissioners signed a proclamation noting Oct. 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week in Chester County.

The National Fire Protection Association notes that focusing on the 173,000 cooking fires that happen in homes every year is particularly timely because of the pandemic.

"As the public continues to remain at home in response to COVID-19, cooking will continue to occur at increased levels, presenting a greater risk for associated fires. Fire Prevention Week serves as an ideal opportunity to share tips and guidelines for safely cooking at home," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of NFPA’s Outreach and Advocacy division.

This year's national Fire Prevention Week theme, Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen, reminds everyone to practice fire safety, especially in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home cooking fires and associated fatalities, the NFPA reports.

The county commissioners' proclamation said: "We recognize the life-saving efforts of our Emergency Responders whose unselfish service truly makes our community a better place to live."

The proclamation highlighted that there were no fire-related deaths in Chester County in 2019, but did note the devastation caused by fire in Chester County in 2019, including 44 civilians who suffered injury from fire, and property damage that totaled in excess of $44 million.

Chester County Chief Fire Marshal John Weer said, "Due to the dedication of our emergency responders, and the fire safety education programs they do throughout the year, it's been proven that fire prevention does save lives."

Weer said 2019 was the first year in at least the past 30 years that the county has had zero reported fire deaths.

"Our residents and our emergency responders should strive to continue this goal in the future and practice fire safety every day," Weer added.

Fire Prevention Week has been a successful public safety campaign for over 90 years, thanks to the millions of firefighters across the United States who work hard to reach the citizens they serve with fire safety messages. In Chester County, the majority of firefighters are volunteers.

Observed the week of Oct. 9, it commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, that devastated the city, killing more than 250 people, leaving 100,000 homeless, destroying more than 17,400 structures, and burning more than 2,000 acres of land. Fire Prevention Week is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of fire prevention and safety, as well as recognizing the contributions to public safety made by fire fighters and the emergency responders who help them.

Historically, fire companies throughout Chester County have held open houses during Fire Prevention Week to encourage local residents to experience fire safety and learn about volunteerism. Because of COVID-19, this year's events are taking a virtual approach, with website videos that showcase Fire Prevention Week.

Chester County residents are encouraged to visit their local fire company website to find out more about the practices leading to fire prevention and safety.