Nobody knows when the first preventable fire took place. Knowledge of that event has long since been lost in the mists of time.

We do know, however, that Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The goal was partly to memorialize that tragedy. Also, it was hoped people could learn safety and prevention lessons from the Chicago catastrophe and the countless other horrific fires that have plagued man over the centuries.

The Chicago fire was one of the many tragic blazes that could have been prevented, or at least more easily controlled, had there been better advance planning regarding safeguards and emergency procedures.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued a National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. Starting in 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which Oct. 9 falls, taking memorial note of the fire that destroyed much of Chicago. That fire began on Oct. 8, 1871, and did most of its damage the following day. This year’s observance began Sunday and runs through Saturday.

Firefighters are an inspiration to Americans. Their heroic contributions to the community are symbolic of the best attributes of public service.

National Fire Prevention Week, however, is about more than honoring these vital public servants. The goal is also advancing fire safety and awareness.

The theme of this year’s observance is: “Hear the beep where you sleep – every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm.” That is advice that could prove life-saving.

This week is an especially appropriate time to eliminate fire hazards from our homes and discuss with family members the escape routes in case a fire occurs and make sure fire alarms are functioning properly.

That first preventable fire so many ages ago could well have resulted from a poorly attended cooking fire. Much has changed as mankind has matured. One thing that has not is the necessity for prudence and care in dealing with one of nature’s elemental forces – fire.