Fire Prevention Week proclaimed

    On a warm Sunday evening of October 9, 1871, a brief lapse of carefulness sparked a fire, which consumed 17,500 buildings and took the lives of 200 people. This event marks what is called the Chicago Conflagration and is observed each year as Fire Prevention Week.

Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
    Caribou Mayor Kenneth Murchison signs documentation proclaiming, October 4 — 10, 2009 as Fire Prevention Week, in the city council chambers as Caribou Fire Chief Roy Woods witnesses the mayor’s signature. Absent from the photo was Firefighter Scott Jackson, fire prevention coordinator, who was called out on an emergency run while on duty at the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department.

    Despite unparalleled technological advances in many areas of our society, uncontrolled fires continue to bring a great deal of tragedy and widespread loss to our nation. In the state of Maine, we had a total of 1,704 residential fires of which there were 18 fatalities.
    The most shameful aspect of this terrible waste is that it is so unnecessary. Most fires are caused by carelessness, by lack of knowledge, or by hazardous conditions – all of which can be eliminated. But while we all give occasional lip service to the importance of fire prevention, our deeds too often fail to match our words – and so the loss continues.
    The local efforts of the fire service are supported by the activities of organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association, the Federation of Firefighters, the Maine Chiefs’ Association, the Pine Tree Burn Foundation and the local Learn Not To Burn Program.
    I, Kenneth Murchison, Mayor of the City of Caribou, do hereby proclaim the week of October 4 – 10, 2009, as Fire Prevention Week.
    I call upon the people of Caribou, Maine to participate in Fire Prevention Activities at home, work and school, and to heed the message: “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned!” as our 2009 Fire Prevention Week theme.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand the 23rd day of September in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand Nine.