MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Fire Department is hosting a series of daily activities as part of National Fire Prevention Week.

The annual initiative is Oct. 5 to Oct. 11, 2014, and focuses on fire safety. Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. More than 250 people were killed and more than 100,000 others were left homeless. 

The Milwaukee Fire Department is leading a kick-off event today at the Survive Alive House in Milwaukee with second graders from Vieau Street School. The Survive Alive House teaches children about fire prevention and how to escape a burning home through hands-on activities and simulations. 

The Milwaukee Fire Department has more information about this week's events on its Facebook page.