Since 1922, National Fire Prevention Week has taken place at the beginning of October. The event, spearheaded by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) , commemorates the great Chicago fire of 1871, which killed hundreds of people, left thousands homeless and destroyed 18,000 buildings. This year, the event will be commemorated from Sunday, October 8, to Saturday, October 14.

This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Prevent Cooking Fire: Watch What You Heat.” A 2006 report by the NFPA stated that in 2003 cooking equipment structure fires in homes resulted in 250 civilian deaths, 3,880 civilian injuries and $512 million in direct property damage.

• Between 1999 and 2002, there were 114,000 reported home fires associated with cooking equipment on average per year, resulting in an annual 290 deaths and 4,380 injuries.
• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires.
• Three in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home.
• Two out of three reported home cooking fires start with the range or stove.
• Electric ranges or stoves have a higher risk of fires, injuries and property damage, compared to gas ranges or stoves, but gas ranges or stoves have a higher risk of fire deaths.

To recognize National Fire Prevention Week, the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Department will be hosting open houses at all city fire stations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 7. At the events, firefighters will be on hand to provide tours, answer questions and hand out free toy fire helmets and literature. For more information, contact the fire department at 383-2888.