Illinois State Fire Marshal
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Fire Marshal
Recent News About Illinois State Fire Marshal
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Illinois opens applications for new fire station construction grants
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has announced the opening of applications for a new grant program aimed at fire station construction and rehabilitation.
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Holiday season calls for increased attention to fire safety
Springfield, Ill—The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is emphasizing fire safety as a crucial component for a safe holiday season.
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Illinois launches first statewide smoke alarm installation blitz
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, in collaboration with Camp I Am Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Illinois Community Risk Reduction Taskforce, launched a statewide smoke alarm installation initiative during Fire...
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Thanksgiving sees spike in kitchen fires; officials urge caution
Thanksgiving Day is noted as the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment, with incidents occurring at four times the usual rate.
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Illinois officials urge residents to check smoke and CO alarms as daylight saving ends
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are urging residents to test, inspect, and replace any broken or expired smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms as daylight saving time ends...
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Fire marshal urges Halloween safety measures amid increased fire risks
Halloween presents a time of fun and excitement for both children and adults.
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Fire officials stress importance of working smoke alarms during awareness event
State and local fire officials gathered at the O'Fallon Fire Department to emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms and to promote a no-cost smoke alarm installation program available for O'Fallon residents. Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera stated, "The OSFM is committed to helping make communities safer by providing resources to local fire departments and encouraging them to engage their community members through the 'Be Alarmed!' or similar fire prevention programs."
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Fire officials promote free alarm installation during prevention week
State and local fire safety officials gathered at the Carbondale Fire Department to emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms and promote a no-cost installation program for Carbondale residents. The initiative aims to reduce residential fire deaths, which claimed 89 lives in Illinois in 2023, mostly in homes without functional smoke detectors.
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Officials highlight free Chicago area smoke alarm installation program
State and local fire safety officials gathered at the Lansing Fire Department to emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms and promote a no-cost installation program for residents in the Chicago area. Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera highlighted the state's commitment to community safety through programs like "Be Alarmed!" He noted, "Sadly, in 2023 there were 89 residential fire deaths in Illinois with the majority of these deaths occurring in homes without working smoke detectors."
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Illinois emphasizes fire prevention week with focus on working smoke alarms
Governor JB Pritzker has declared October 6-12 as Fire Prevention Week in Illinois. This announcement comes as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half. Alarmingly, three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
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Illinois agencies inspect haunted houses for safety ahead of spooky season
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are collaborating to inspect haunted houses across the state before they open to visitors.
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OSFM announces $4 million funding for small equipment grant program
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has announced that applications are now open for the Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $4 million will be awarded to eligible fire departments and ambulance services for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by October 1, 2024.
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Rising popularity of residential pools increases accidental drowning risks
Springfield, Ill—The popularity of residential pools has increased in recent years, raising the risk of accidental drownings. Homeowners and parents need to be extra vigilant to protect children who have access to water. Public pools are also popular summer destinations but can pose hidden dangers.
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Illinois agencies urge caution with Fourth of July fireworks
Springfield, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) urge organizations and individuals to leave fireworks displays to licensed professionals this Fourth of July season.
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Illinois officials emphasize grilling safety ahead of July Fourth celebrations
Springfield, Ill.—The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is urging residents to adhere to proper safety practices when using grills this holiday weekend and throughout the summer. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.
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NFPA announces theme for Fire Prevention Week focusing on smoke alarm functionality
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will take place from October 6-12, 2024. The theme, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™," aims to educate the public on the importance of having functional smoke alarms in homes.
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Illinois honors fallen firefighters; recognizes acts of bravery at annual ceremony
Governor JB Pritzker and State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera joined firefighters in Springfield, Illinois, to honor five fallen firefighters from 2023 and recognize others for their exceptional service at the 31st Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.
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Arson Awareness Week: Protecting Houses of Worship Against Arson
Springfield, Ill- The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is raising awareness about the seriousness of the crime of arson during Arson Awareness Week (May 5-11). This year's theme is Protecting Houses of Worship Against Arson.According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), intentional actions accounted for 15% of fires in places of worship in recent years. Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera emphasized the importance of fire safety measures in houses of worship, stating, "I encourage all congregations in houses of worship to host a fire...
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Illinois State Fire Marshal Awards $4 Million in Grants to Illinois Fire Departments and EMS Providers
Springfield, Ill- The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $4 million was awarded to 165 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera expressed his satisfaction with the increased funding this year, stating, "We continue to see and hear about the need and understand the issues fire...
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Illinois honors telecommunicators during statewide Telecommunications Week
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are collaborating to honor telecommunicators in Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker has designated April 14-20, 2024, as Telecommunications Week in recognition of their essential role in ensuring public safety.