Exit Routes & Fire Protection OSHA Standard - History & Background

Since 1922, the NFPA has observed Fire Prevention Week during October in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871.

The Great Chicago Fire began in or around a barn located at 137 DeKoven Street on the city's southwest side on the night of October 8, 1871. It is believed that the fire started on the property of Patrick and Catherine O'Leary when the family's cow knocked over a lighted lantern. Catherine O'Leary denied this charge. The true cause of the fire has never been determined. The fire quickly grew out of control and moved rapidly north and east toward the city center.

The fire finally came under control on October 10th, when rain assisted the firefighting efforts. The Great Chicago Fire resulted in an estimated 300 fatalities and left another 100,000 homeless. More than 17,000 structures were destroyed.

The disaster prompted an outbreak of lawlessness. Soldiers were called to Chicago and martial law was declared on October 11th, ending three days of chaos.

The month after the fire, Joseph Medill was elected mayor after promising to institute stricter building and fire codes, a pledge that certainly helped him win the election.

Building and fire codes evolved over the years. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was founded in 1896 and today's OSHA fire safety and emergency planning standards are largely based on NFPA standards.

To learn more about Exit Routes and Fire Protection visit our Exit Routes, Emergency Action, Fire Prevention & Protection Online Training web page.