Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, says the National Fire Protection Association.

That tragic 1871 conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless,

Last week Crowsnest Pass firefighters Alexander Savrnoch, Trevor Scott, Evan Stewart and Pat Dillabough were explaining fire safety to several groups of enthusiastic Isabelle Sellon School students.

Sparky the Fire/Rescue dog also made an appearance.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” represents the final year of a three-year effort by the NFPA to educate the public about smoke alarm safety.

The NFPA’s survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. Across Canada fire kills eight people each week, with residential fires accounting for nearly three-quarters of those fatalities.

As a result of those and related findings, the NFPA is addressing smoke alarm replacement this year with a focus on these key messages:

• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

• Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home.

• To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.