Fire prevention in the United States traces its roots to the 18th century, when early colonial cities like Boston and Philadelphia passed ordinances regulating chimney cleaning and banning wooden chimneys to reduce fire risk. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and similar urban disasters spurred the creation of organized fire departments, building codes, and public education campaigns. By the 20th century, national organizations such as the NFPA were leading efforts to develop fire safety standards, promote fire prevention week, and advance technologies like sprinkler systems and smoke alarms — shaping the modern fire safety landscape we rely on today.