The Park Forest Fire Department has installed more than 55 smoke alarms in local homes as part of a statewide safety campaign. The department is urging additional residents to sign up for free installations.
This initiative is part of the Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Statewide Blitz, which brings together hundreds of fire agencies across Illinois. The program took place from October 19 to 25 during National Fire Prevention Month and seeks to increase the number of working smoke alarms in homes while educating the public about fire safety.
Deputy Chief Taylor Bordewyk said, “The blitz has been fairly successful so far — we installed over 55 detectors last week and have more on the books for this week. 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 campaign is organized by 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 the department’s annual report, in 2024, Park Forest firefighters responded to 5,189 emergency calls. Of these calls, 1,287 were fire responses and 53 involved structure fires. Officials noted that several 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 obtaining a free smoke alarm can contact the Park Forest Fire Department at 708-748-5605 or fill out an online request form.
Bordewyk added 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.
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