The Bugle’s Echo (Oct-Nov 2026)

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This edition of the Bugles Echo

  • Dedication to our State’s Fallen
  • 9-11 Remembrance
  • Letter from the Director
  • Future MFSI Advisory Meeting
  • National Fire Academy Programs
  • MFSI Programs Now & Future
  • Live Fire Instructor Program
  • 14 New MFSI Instructors Join the Ranks
  • Understanding NFPA Standards, Pro Board and the MFSI certification Process
  • MFSI Hires New Staff in Support Services
  • Advise from a Firefighter of the class of ‘86
  • Goodbye to an old friend – the Auburn Live Fire Training Facility

LETTER FROM MFSI DIRECTOR

Each October, the American fire service observes Fire Prevention Week, a tradition rooted in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Most of us have heard the story of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicking over a lantern and starting the fire. It makes for a memorable story, but history has never established that the cow actually caused the fire.

Perhaps there is a lesson in that.

For generations, the fire service has learned that preventing tragedy is far more important than assigning blame afterward. Fire prevention has evolved through better building codes, inspections, public education, smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, firefighter training, and a greater understanding of fire behavior.

That national commitment grew significantly following the landmark America Burning report in 1973 and the establishment of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration in 1974, which later became the U.S. Fire Administration.

More than fifty years later, the mission remains remarkably simple: prevent fires, reduce loss, educate our communities, and protect the people we serve.

During Fire Prevention Week, take a few minutes to talk with your community about smoke alarms, escape plans, cooking safety, heating equipment, and the everyday choices that prevent fires before they happen.

We may never know exactly what started the Great Chicago Fire, but we certainly know enough today to prevent many of tomorrow’s fires.

Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. And maybe, after 155 years, we can finally give Mrs. O’Leary’s cow a break.

Respectfully,

James A. Graves
Director, Maine Fire Service Institute