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Fire Service History and Lore

1. What is the history of National Fire Prevention Week?
2. Who was St. Florian?
3. Why is the Maltese cross the symbol of the fire service?
4. What are the words to the fireman's prayer?
5. Why are Dalmatians considered firehouse dogs?
6. What were the worst fires in the history of the world? (since 1835)
7. What were the worst fires in the history of the United States? (since 1835)

1. What is the history of National Fire Prevention Week?

In 1911 the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed in a manner to inform the public about fire prevention and fire safety and Fire Prevention Day was observed on October 11, 1911.

In 1920 President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation.  In 1925 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first Fire Prevention Week , October 4-10, 1925.

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2. Who was St Florian?

Born in 250 AD he was a member of the Roman Army and was sentenced to death by fire by Emporer Diocletian when he refused to follow orders and persecute all Christians in the area. Standing on the pile erected to be set on fire killing him, Florian challenged the Roman soldiers to start the fire and said, " If you do, I will climb to heaven on the flames." Fearful of Florian, the soldiers had him drowned instead.

Florian was made a Saint by Pope Lucius III, and later a person was reported to have been saved from fire by praying to St. Florian. Since then St. Florian has generally been regarded as the patron Saint of the fire service.

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3. Why is the Maltese Cross the symbol of the fire service?

Also known as the Cross Pattee-Nowry. The symbol is essentially borrowed from the Kights of St John of Jerusalem, a charitable organization that helped the sick and poor by building hospitals and clinics. Later, they assisted the Knights of the Crusades in an effort to assist the Island of Malta - from which the Maltese Cross derives its name.

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4. What are the word's to the Fireman's Prayer?

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage,
Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.

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5. Why are Dalmatians considered firehouse dogs?

Dogs were helpful to direct and guard horses during the era of the horse drawn fire engine. Dalmations were favored probably because of their size, friendly nature, ability to train, and ability to care for themselves. Likewise urban and nearby departments gave away puppies as new litters were born thus creating a fire service tradition.

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6. What were the worst fires in the history of the world? (since 1835)

DateLocationDeaths
May 1845Canton China1,670
October 8, 1871Peshtigo, WI - forest fire1,182
December 8, 1881Ring Theater, Vienna850
December 30, 1903Iroquois Theater, Chicago602
December 23, 1995Schoolhouse, India500+
November 2, 1994Burning fuel flood, Egypt500
November 28, 1942Cocoanut Grove, Boston491
October 14, 1913Wales, Colliery439
August 19, 1978Abadan, Iran - movie theater425+
September 1, 1894Minnesota - forest fire413

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7. What were the worst fires in the history of the United States? (since 1835)

DateLocationDeaths
October 8, 1871Peshtigo, WI - forest fire1,182
December 30, 1903Iriquois Theater, Chicago602
November 28, 1942Cocoanut Grove, Boston491
September 1, 1894Minnesota - forest fire413
October 12, 1918Cloquet, MN - forest fire400
June 30, 1900Hoboken, NJ - docks326
April 21, 1930Columbus, OH - penitentiary320
December 5, 1876Brooklyn, NY - theater295
October 8, 1871Great Chicago Fire - IL250
April 23, 1940Natches, MS - dance hall198
March 4, 1908Collingwood, OH - school176
January 13, 1908Rhoads Theater, Boyertown, PA170
July 6, 1944Ringling Circus, Hartford, CT168
May 28, 1977Southgate, KY - nightclub164
March 25, 1911Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, NY, NY146
December 7, 1946Winecoff Hotel, Atlanta, GA119
 

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