Will County Gazette

After two recent electrical fires in Park Forest, including one that resulted in a fatality, the Park Forest Fire Department is urging residents to take steps to improve fire safety at home.

“Electrical fires can happen in an instant,” said Deputy Chief Taylor Bordewyk of the Park Forest Fire Department. “Simple steps like checking cords for damage, avoiding overloaded outlets, and making sure smoke alarms are working can save lives.”

The department’s call for vigilance coincides with its participation in the second annual Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Statewide Blitz, scheduled for October 19–25. The event, held during National Fire Prevention Month, is organized by several groups including the Illinois Fire Service, Camp I Am Me, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and the Illinois Community Risk Reduction Coalition Task Force. The campaign aims to increase the number of homes with working smoke alarms and educate residents about fire prevention.

According to the department’s annual report, Park Forest firefighters responded to 5,189 emergency calls in 2024, including 1,287 fire responses. Of these, 53 were structure fires. Many incidents involved homes without functioning smoke alarms.

To address this issue, firefighters will visit neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms and provide information on how to test, maintain, and replace them.

“This isn’t just about putting a device on your ceiling,” Bordewyk said. “It’s about making sure families understand how critical those extra seconds of warning are. A fire can double in size every 30 seconds — that early alert can be the difference between escaping safely or facing disaster.”

Residents are encouraged to test smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries twice a year, and replace alarms every 10 years. Additional safety recommendations include avoiding overloaded outlets or damaged cords, keeping space heaters at least three feet from flammable materials, and developing and practicing a family escape plan.

Fire officials are asking residents to cooperate with firefighters during installation week and take advantage of the free smoke detectors. Those interested in participating can contact the Park Forest Fire Department by phone or through an online request form. The program does not typically cover rental properties or apartments, as landlords are responsible for maintaining alarms in those units.

“Every fire we respond to reinforces the same message,” Bordewyk said. “Preparedness and prevention save lives. This blitz is one more way we’re working to protect our community.”