25+ of the Best Children’s Books To Teach Fire Safety
Teaching your family about fire safety is one of the best things you can do, and in our home, we love to learn through books! Join me as I show you some of the best fire safety books for kids and help you prepare for Fire Safety Week.
This post contains fire safety books for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school, plus several titles all about the Great Chicago Fire.
The History of Fire Safety Week
October is Fire Prevention Month and each year Fire Safety Week is an annual tradition that connects local fire departments with those who live in their coverage area. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Safety Week is observed around the country by fire stations and schools in an effort to raise awareness. Held annually during the week of October 9th, Fire Prevention Week began in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire which began on October 8, 1871.
The Importance of Teaching Fire Safety
While your local fire department will have the most up-to-date information, I want to encourage you to teach and practice fire safety in your home, not just during fire safety week. In the event of an emergency, these practice sessions and household discussions can truly make a difference.
Encourage your children to use safe practices when cooking, regularly check the smoke alarms in your home, and have a plan to evacuate in the event of a housefire. Teach your children to never play with fire, matches, or lighters, and show them how to properly and safely have backyard fires (always check local ordinances and burning rules in your area).
And while we don’t want to think about getting out of our homes in the event of a fire, the reality is that every 23 seconds a fire department responds to a call for a house fire. Properly preparing your family ahead of time with a fire safety plan is vital. This includes things like knowing the best ways to evacuate the home, a family meeting place far enough away from the structure, and practicing home fire drills.
Children’s Books About Fire Safety
We love a great book in our home and learning through books is one of our favorite ways to learn in our homeschool. It’s a great way to teach and learn, whether you are using a picture book, a simple chapter book, or working through classic high school-level literature.
In our homeschool, we utilize read alouds nearly every day as a fun & easy way to learn and grow, and these children’s books about fire safety are a fun way to learn a topic that is sometimes challenging and scary.
In this post, I’ve collected some of the best fire safety books for kids, including fire safety books for preschool and kindergarteners, that you can use all year long as you help your family be prepared.
A Day In The Life of A Firefighter by Linda Hayward
What does a firefighter do when the fire alarm rings? That’s just what your early learner will learn in this fun book from DK Readers that shows just what a day in the life of a firefighter really looks like.
Arthur’s Fire Drill by Marc Brown
Arthur helps his little sister D.W. face the school fire drill by providing her with his fireman’s hat, a whistle, and some tips on fire safety. This is a great fire safety book for preschoolers!
Big Frank’s Fire Truck by Leslie McGuire
This wonderful book follows Big Frank as he takes readers through all the important tasks a firefighter does like fire safety training, fire inspections, and more.
Curious George and the Firefighters by H.A Rey & Margaret Rey
Join Curious George on a field trip to the fire stations where he gets to meet the brave firefighters and learn all about the important jobs a firefighter does.
Dial 9-1-1 (Fire Safety) by Charles Ghigna
What should you do in the event of a fire? Dial 9-1-1 (Fire Safety) lets kids practice in a fun picture book format helping young readers learn this vital skill.
Doggy Defenders: Dolley The Fire Dog by National Geographic Kids
Follow Dolley, a courageous fire dog, as she spends a day working with the fire department.
Fire Drill by Paul DuBois Jacobs
An excellent choice to help your children learn what to do in the event of a fire drill. Join this kindergarten class as they hear the fire alarm and begin to follow their exit strategy to safety.
This informative children’s book provides an overview of the history of firefighting and fire safety equipment. Starting when the alarm rings, this book includes keywords associated with fire-fighting equipment, tips to prevent fires, the rules of fire safety, and what to do in the event of a fire both in a home or outdoors.
Firefighters A to Z by Chris Demarest
This picture book introduces children to the world of firefighters and their important role in fire safety and emergency response. As soon as the fire alarm rings, firefighters jump into action and this book walks your child through the firehouse, the fire truck, and all the adventures a firefighter faces.
Firefighters Are Heroes! by Sunny Mai
Whether they are putting out a fire or simply helping their community, this book helps celebrate all the different ways firefighters keep their communities safe.
Firefighter! by Angela Royston
This book explores the daily life of firefighters, their equipment, and their training. It’s a great choice for children who are interested in what firefighters do to keep communities safe from fires.
Firefighter Pete (Pete the Cat) by James Dean
Join Pete the Cat in this fun-filled firefighter book that features Pete the Cat jumping on a fire truck to help save the day. This book will surely become one of your home’s favorite books and a beloved fire safety book for preschoolers!
Fire Safety by Lisa M. Herrington
Part of the “Safety First!” series, this book provides clear information about fire safety, including fire prevention, escape plans, and how to use firefighting equipment.
Fire Safety – Make a Safe Escape by Dohn Delaney
Help teach your child to learn what to do in the event of a fire with this great, informative children’s book written by two firefighters. Reinforce the importance of both fire safety and having a clear escape plan in the event of a house fire.
I Can Be A Superhero During a Fire Drill by Rachel Tepfer Copeland
Help your children know just what to do in the event of a fire with this fire safety book filled with coloring sheets to help reinforce the lessons taught.
I Want To Be A Firefighter by Laura Driscoll
When firefighters visit a local school for Fire Safety Week, this classroom full of students learns all of the fantastic ways firefighters fight forest fires, help with home fires, and assist their communities.
Let’s Meet A Firefighter by Gina Bellisario
In this book, you will get to meet a firefighter and see just what they do, how they train, and what it means to help a community as a firefighter.
Miss Mingo & The Fire Drill by Jamie Harper
Filled with a diverse group of animals, this fire prevention week book is sure to make the top of your list! Join Alligator, Panda, Octopus, and the other animals as they work to learn the rules of fire safety and perform a fire drill.
No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons) by Jean E. Pendziwol
This book combines a fun story with important fire safety lessons, making it engaging for children while also delivering important messages about fire prevention. Join this fire-breathing dragon for a great story perfect for fire safety month.
Plan & Prepare (Fire Safety) by Charles Ghigna
Help your children learn the four rules of fire safety in a fun & engaging way with this simple story that is perfect for younger learners including preschoolers.
Stop, Drop, and Roll by Margery Cuyler
This children’s book is a classic introduction to the basics of what to do in case of a fire. It’s a great choice for teaching young children about fire safety.
The Berenstain Bears: Jobs Around Town by Stan and Jan Berenstain
In this Berenstain Bears book, the characters learn about different jobs in their community, including the important role of firefighters.
The Fire Dog Challenge (Clifford the Big Red Dog Storybook) by Meredith Ruso
The Birdwell Island fire dog challenge is starting soon. Can Clifford and Emily Elizabeth help their friend Tucker earn his bravery badge and become a firehouse dog? Find out in this great children’s book perfect for a fire safety unit or October morning basket!
The Gingerbread Man Loose on the Fire Truck by Laura Murray
When this gingerbread man falls out of a pocket on a trip to the firehouse, he finds himself racing around trying to stay one step ahead of the firehouse dog!
The School’s On Fire! by Rebecca C. Jones
Dive into history and learn about the December 1958 fire at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago. Written using interviews of those who were there, this fire safety book takes you through the tragedy and shows how vital fire preparedness truly is.
Ultimate Spotlight: Firefighters by Anne-Sophie Baumann
This interactive book covers all things fire safety! This early reader book is filled with simple text that helps your little learners understand just what a firefighter does.
Children’s Books About The Great Chicago Fire
Learn about the event that inspired Fire Safety Week – the Great Chicago Fire – with these great titles!
I Survived the Great Chicago Fire by Lauren Tarshis
Part of the “I Survived” series, this title takes us back to the fire that devastated Chicago and inspired Fire Safety Week.
The Great Chicago Fire, 1871 by Elizabeth Massie
While not strictly about fire safety, this historical book provides insight into one of the most famous fires in American history, the Great Chicago Fire. It can help older readers understand the devastating impact of fires and the importance of fire prevention.
Overnight the city of Chicago was devastated by a fire that burned wildly out of control, and this children’s book recreates the events in a historical fiction novel that is sure to be a page-turner.
What Was the Great Chicago Fire by Janet B. Pascal
Learn all about the devastating fire that inspired Fire Safety Week and see just how a drought, bad direction, and fierce winds all combined to let this fire burn for two days.
These books are a mix of resources suitable for children, families, and those interested in learning more about fire safety. Depending on your age and interests, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Additionally, many local libraries and fire departments may have educational materials and books available during Fire Safety Week to further promote fire safety awareness.
After You Read Your Fire Safety Books for Kids…
In addition to reading these or other fire safety books for kids in your home, why not plan a trip to your local fire station? For many homeschool families, this is a great opportunity for a field trip, and kids always love seeing the fire trucks, firefighters, their gear, and even a firehouse dog. Many local fire departments have open houses during Fire Safety Week, where there are demonstrations, including the opportunity for kids to see inside the fire trucks.
And for many kids, meeting a firefighter is a unique experience they truly enjoy.
If you are looking for additional ways to learn during fire safety week, be sure to check out my 5-day fire safety week lesson plan!
While it may be hard to think about it, being prepared and having a fire safety plan in place now will help your family in the event of an emergency. Fire Safety Week is a great annual opportunity for you to discuss and prepare fire safety rules and a plan for your family.
Additional Posts About Children’s Books
- The 20 Best Rhyming Books for Kindergarten & Preschool
- 21 Captivating Children’s Chapter Books For Kids
- 15 Exciting Kid’s Camping Books To Read This Summer
Kelly Warner is a seasoned homeschooling mom from Maine, where she lives with her husband and their four children—two of whom are proud homeschool graduates. With years of experience navigating the ups and downs of home education, Kelly is passionate about helping families simplify their journey and find encouragement amidst the chaos of daily life. She shares practical tips, inspiration, and real-life homeschooling wisdom on her website, Hope In The Chaos, and across social media.
