NFPA's Sparky the Fire Dog Turns 75

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) official mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog, is celebrating his 75th birthday! This significant birthdate is a reflection of a multigenerational legacy. Since its formal premiere on March 18, 1951, Sparky has made a significant contribution to the public's access to instructional fire and life safety information by assisting firefighters, educators, safety advocates, civic organizations, corporations and the media, among others.

“Sparky is an emblem of fire safety for kids and adults alike, and his messages are just as relevant today as they were nearly 75 years ago,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “His dogged determination to highlight the importance of home fire safety over the decades has ultimately helped reduce fire loss and injuries in North America.”

Among his numerous accomplishments, Sparky has promoted enduring fire safety slogans, such as "Stop, drop and roll," "Get out, stay out," "Dial 9-1-1," and "Know two ways out," in support of Fire Prevention Week and NFPA's largest annual public awareness campaign. Additionally, he has acted as the brand for numerous NFPA educational initiatives, programs and resources, such as the organization's Learn Not to Burn curricula, children's books, online activities, videos, apps, safety tip sheets and brochures. He has done this by promoting fundamental but important fire safety knowledge with a blend of compassion, authority and spirit.

In honor of Sparky's special day, NFPA is reminding the public that although they have made great strides in lowering the problem of home fires, there are still genuine risks. In 2024, on average, a U.S. fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds. There were reports of house structure fires every 96 seconds, home fire fatalities every three hours, and home fire injuries every 59 minutes. Furthermore, residences continue to account for 70 percent of fire deaths in the United States.

“The number of U.S. home fires has declined significantly over the past decades, which reflects significant progress, but the home fire death rate has not seen the same declines in recent years. In fact, you’re more likely to die in a home fire today than in 1980,” said Carli. “These sobering statistics reinforce that our work is far from done.”

As we commemorate Sparky's 75th birthday, think about some of his most important fire safety lessons, which are still crucial for home fire safety:

• Install smoke detectors near all sleeping spaces, in each bedroom and on every floor of the house.
• Use the test button to check smoke alarms once a month.
• Together with everyone in your household, create a strategy for a home escape. Make a diagram of the house, labeling all windows and doors with a route from each exit to the outside. Then, decide on a spot outside the house where everyone will congregate when they leave.
• Every member of your household should practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Visit Sparky's website for a plethora of entertaining tools and activities that may be utilized to commemorate his special day, as well as age-appropriate games, films, apps and other activities that make learning about fire safety simple and enjoyable. In addition, Sparky School House offers fire safety lesson plans, resources and activities for teachers, parents, caregivers and students, many of which can be easily downloaded and shared.