Prairie State Wire

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 Prevention Month. The event took place the week of October 20th and aimed to enhance fire safety across Illinois.

Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera highlighted alarming statistics: "Data shows that nearly 59% of home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no working smoke alarms." He urged all departments to stress the importance of functional smoke alarms.

Philip Zaleski, Executive Director of Camp I Am Me, praised the Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program's efforts since its inception in 2018. "This first-ever statewide blitz also saw 10 new departments join the Be Alarmed! Fire Alarm Installation Program," he noted, expressing excitement for future growth.

Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Larry Kane commended his team and volunteers for installing 600 smoke alarms in one week. "Our firefighters are committed to helping protect our residents," he stated.

The campaign reached out to communities through 71 participating fire departments, distributing over 5,000 smoke alarms and protecting numerous homes and residents. This effort was part of an ongoing program providing educational materials and smoke alarms at no cost to at-risk homes.

Plans are underway for another statewide blitz from October 19-25, 2025. More information on the Be Alarmed! program can be found on their website.