With the current state of the drought, the abundance of dry fuel riddling the landscape and the various fires that have occurred over the summer, fire prevention has proven an incredibly needed emergency management service here in the hill country. With that in mind, San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson chose to honor those that work to distinguish fires and save lives and property in our city by proclaiming the month of Oct. 2023 as Fire Prevention Month.
Hughson said fire prevention week was established commemorating the great Chicago fire, which “killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,400 structures and more than 200 acres on Oct. 8 and 9 of 1871.”
She added that the most devastating fire in American history was the Peshtigo fire, which also occurred on October 8,1871 and tore through Northeast Wisconsin causing the destruction of 16 towns and the death of 152 people as well as scorching 1.2 million acres before its conclusion.
“Those that survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires, never forgot the tragedies and countless tales of bravery and heroism that led to a new approach to fire safety and prevention,” Hughson said. “In 1920, Woodrow Wilson issued the first proclamation for National Fire Prevention Day.” Hughson said the San Marcos Fire Department, the Fire Marshal's Office and the San Marcos Professional Firefighters Association are dedicated to protecting the safety of our citizens and preservation of their property through their devotion to emergency management and prevention.
“The Fire Department, firefighters and Fire Marshal’s Office will reach out to the community throughout the month of October teaching fire saving lessons of fire safety and promoting this year's theme of ‘Cooking Safety Starts with You: Pay Attention to Fire Prevention,’” Hughson said. She urged “the people of San Marcos to recognize the importance of fire safety practices at home, school and work and to take part in fire prevention month activities that will help save property and lives in our community.”
San Marcos Fire Department’s Assistant Fire Chief Karl Kuhlman thanked Hughson and said “every day, for us, is fire prevention day.” He invited the community out for the San Marcos Fire Station #5’s open house, which will be Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will have a bouncy house, snow cones and other fun and family friendly activities.
