Will County Gazette

The Park Forest Fire Department is raising awareness about electrical safety as emergency calls hit unprecedented levels, with electrical-related fires posing significant risks. Deputy Chief Mark Cotrano noted an increase in fires due to overloaded outlets, faulty wiring, and damaged appliances.

“These types of fires are particularly dangerous because the warning signs may not be visible until it’s too late,” said Cotrano. “Many of the electrical fires we respond to are entirely preventable.”

In 2024, the department recorded a historic 5,189 emergency calls. Of these, 1,287 were fire-related incidents including 53 structure fires and nine cooking fires. The rest involved hazardous conditions and service calls.

Cotrano emphasized home fire prevention due to rising service demands. “Simple actions, such as avoiding overloaded outlets, unplugging appliances when not in use, and replacing frayed cords can make a significant difference,” he stated.

He also advised residents with older homes to seek inspections from licensed electricians if they notice flickering lights or warm outlets.

While investing in training and community outreach remains a priority for the department, Cotrano stressed public vigilance is key to preventing emergencies. “Our goal is always zero electrical fires,” he said. “We’re encouraging residents to take proactive measures so we can focus more on prevention and less on responding to tragedies that could have been avoided.”

For further details on alarm activity and other information about the department's operations, refer to the Park Forest Fire Department’s latest annual report.