Will County Gazette

The Park Forest Fire Department has installed more than 55 smoke alarms in local homes as part of a statewide safety campaign and is encouraging more residents to sign up for free installations.

This effort is part of the Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Statewide Blitz, a coordinated initiative involving fire agencies across Illinois. The program took place from October 19 to 25 during National Fire Prevention Month and aims to increase the number of working smoke alarms in homes while educating the public about fire safety.

Deputy Chief Taylor Bordewyk said the response from Park Forest residents has been positive, but that there are still many alarms available. “The blitz has been fairly successful so far — we installed over 55 detectors last week and have more on the books for this week,” Bordewyk said. “The residents were very appreciative and said it was comforting to know they were protected. We still have plenty available, so we’d love to send that message out again and get more installed.”

The initiative is organized by several organizations, 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.

According to its annual report for 2024, the Park Forest Fire Department responded to 5,189 emergency calls last year, including 1,287 fire responses. Among those were 53 structure fires; officials noted that some incidents involved missing or non-operational smoke alarms.

Residents who take part in the program will also receive information on how to test and maintain their smoke alarms. Those interested in receiving a free smoke alarm can contact the Park Forest Fire Department at 708-748-5605 or fill out an online request form.

Bordewyk reminded residents that rental properties and apartments are generally not eligible for this program because landlords are required by law to provide and maintain working smoke alarms.