Description

The Society of Casualty Safety Engineers (SCSE) is pleased to host Jeff Brassel, P.E., CSP retired, who will be presenting on the topic of “Fire Prevention Week: From the Great Chicago Fire to Modern Tech”. This presentation will be exploring the evolution of fire safety from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to today’s emerging fire risks. The presentation will examine how major fires helped shape modern fire protection engineering and the development of Fire Prevention Week, while focusing on one of today’s growing concerns – Lithium ion battery hazards. Attendees will learn how battery failures and dendrite crystal formation can contribute to fires, how to recognize warning signs and red flags, and what recent e-bike fires can teach us about prevention. The presentation will include actionable fire prevention strategies and resources attendees can use to reduce lithium-ion battery fire risks.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, October 9th, 2026
• Time: Lunch – 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM ; Presentation – 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
• Location:  801 Plaza Dr, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (Granite City Food & Brewery)