Gov. Jim Doyle signed Assembly Bill 31 into law Friday, designating today the annual marker for Fire Prevention Week. The state also established its first Firefighters Memorial Day under the legislation.

The bill sets aside the Saturday preceding Oct. 8 to recognize the importance of firefighters and memorialize those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The first annual Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial was held Saturday.

“We ask a lot of our firefighters,” Doyle said. “They are standing on the front lines, and they have earned the gratitude and the respect of the people in Wisconsin.”

State Rep. Michael Lehman, R-Hartford, decided to write the bill a few years ago after firefighters from his district contacted him to request a statute to formally recognize a set fire-prevention week. Prior to this request, it took a year to approve a specific week.

“Even though we recognize fire prevention, it is not enough,” Lehman said. “These are men and women working side by side to preserve property and life.”

The bill gained even more support after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks when firefighters from across the nation came together to volunteer in the cleanup of the collapsed World Trade Centers.

“For a long time, America has held up our athletes and movie stars as heroes,” Doyle said. “But on Sept. 11, 2001, we learned who the real heroes are.”

The Madison Fire Department has planned a week of events to celebrate Fire Prevention Week 2003, including an open house at all 10 fire stations, the Great Fire Truck Parade, fire-safety presentations at area schools and free distribution of smoke-detector batteries.

Fire Prevention Week is an annual event held across the nation to promote fire awareness. The National Fire Protection Association officially sponsors fire-safety week. This year the theme is titled “When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!,” emphasizing adequate smoke detectors and home escape plans.

“With this law we want the public to recognize [firefighters’] commitment and to understand what volunteering means in our communities,” Lehman said.

The legislation, which passed unanimously in both the House and Senate, also commemorates the Peshtigo and Chicago fires of 1871.

The Great Peshtigo fire was the deadliest in U.S. history, destroying the Wisconsin town in 90 minutes and killing 1,500 of the 2,000 residents.

Under the bill, state and local governments may hold observances and activities to study fire tips to help avoid home fires and promote fire safety and education.