By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – Mayor Rick Blangiardi requested Honolulu Hale be lit in the color red from sundown on Sunday, October 8 through sunrise on Saturday, October 14 to observe Fire Prevention Week. The City and County of Honolulu observes Fire Prevention Week each year, along with the nation, during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire that occurred on October 8, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 individuals homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 structures. Fire Prevention Week celebrates fire safety awareness, highlights the importance of this week, and supports the mission to provide for safer communities.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention,” aims to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and their ‘ohana safe when cooking.
“The devastating impact of fire is top of mind for all of us right now,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Our hearts go out to our friends and families on Maui who have lost so much. Whether it is a wildland fire or cooking fire, flames have the potential to do so much damage very quickly. It is up to all of us to create a safer community through prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response. Mahalo to the brave and dedicated men and women of the Honolulu Fire Department for their role in highlighting fire safety during our annual Fire Prevention Week. A big and well-deserved MAHALO from all of us for your remarkable service and commitment to excellence throughout the entire year.”
“As always, the men and women of the Honolulu Fire Department remain committed to protecting the public and our communities near and far,” said Honolulu Fire Department Chief Sheldon Hao. “Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires across the nation, and fire fighters respond to more than 150,000 of these home fires annually. We encourage everyone to be proactive, as fire safety starts with each individual to safeguard your home.”
For additional resources on keeping your home and loved ones safe this Fire Prevention Week, visit the Honolulu Fire Department website at https://fire.honolulu.gov/. This year’s week culminates on October 14 with a Family Day at the Honolulu Zoo where the public can learn more about fire safety.