HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-07-2025; 8-f - Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:October 7, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No.8-f
SUBJECT: Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proclamation
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephen M. Smith, Division Chief, Fire &
Life Safety, 919-245-6151
Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services
Director, 919-245-6123
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating the week of October 5, 2025, through
October 11, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Fire Prevention Week is celebrating its 102nd year, the longest running health
campaign, to honor the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect us
every day and reaffirm the importance of fire safety and preparedness.
Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 1922 to
commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Fire Prevention Week teaches children and adults
how to stay safe in the event of a fire. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first
National Fire Prevention Week to occur from October 4 through October 10, 1925. President
Coolidge stated that, “This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and
horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented… It is highly desirable that every
effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the
national wealth.”
The Great Chicago Fire burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, with most of the damage
occurring on October 9th. The fire caused roughly $200 million in damages, killing approximately
300 people, and destroying over 17,000 buildings and structures. The consequences were more
than just fire damage itself, as martial law had to be declared after an outbreak of looting and
lawlessness.
Fire impacts a community financially, including lost tax revenue, reduced tourism and business
investment, downgraded bonds, and reduced real estate values. This week, all people in Orange
County should educate themselves about fire prevention and safety and recommit to taking the
necessary steps to prevent fires. The year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries
in your Home,“ serves to remind us of the importance of recognizing the fire dangers involved with
the use and charging of lithium-ion batteries in your home.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
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ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high-quality community safety and
emergency services to meet the community’s evolving needs.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation designating the week of October 5 through 11, 2025 as Fire
Prevention Week in Orange County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
OCTOBER 5-11, 2025
.
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and
visiting our county; and
WHEREAS, fire remains a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and the presence of
lithium-ion batteries in many household devices introduces unique fire risks; and
WHEREAS, most of the electronics used in homes daily – including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power
tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, golf carts, and toys – are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which if misused,
damaged, or improperly charged, can overheat, start a fire, or explode; and
WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFFA®) reports an increase in battery-related
fires, underscoring the need for public education on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries; and
WHEREAS, residents should follow three key calls to action: Buy only listed products, charge batteries
safely, and recycle them responsibly to prevent battery-related fires; and
WHEREAS, lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, and improper use such
as overcharging, using off-brand chargers without safety certification, or exposing batteries to damage can
result in fire or explosion; and
WHEREAS, the proper disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries help prevent environmental hazards
and reduce fire risks in the home and community; and
WHEREAS, Orange County first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of fires through
prevention, safety education, and community outreach; and
WHEREAS, Orange County residents are responsive to public education measures and can take personal
steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Fire Prevention Week™ theme, "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries
in Your Home," serves to remind us of the importance of using, charging, and recycling lithium-ion
batteries safely to reduce the risk of fires in homes and communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 5-
11, 2025, as Fire Prevention week throughout this community, and urge all the people of Orange County
to prepare and practice a home fire escape plan for Fire Prevention Week 2025 and to support the many
public safety activities and efforts of Orange County’s fire and emergency services.
This the 7th day of October, 2025.
___________________________________
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
___________________________
Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
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