Prairie State Wire

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is urging residents in Illinois to take immediate action regarding fire safety following a series of deadly home fires. Since February 14, eight fires have resulted in ten fatalities across the state. In 2025 alone, there have been 16 fatal fires with 19 related deaths.

"During the winter months we see an increase in home fires caused by heating devices or malfunctioning heating equipment," stated Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. He emphasized the importance of regularly testing smoke alarms and practicing fire escape plans.

Data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) indicates that heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. From 2016 to 2020, an average of 44,210 fires involving heating equipment were reported annually, accounting for 13% of all home fires during this period and resulting in approximately 480 civilian deaths each year. Space heaters were responsible for one-third of these fires but accounted for nearly nine out of ten deaths and four out of five injuries in such incidents.

Rivera advises residents to keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment and follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Other safety tips include having professionals inspect heating systems annually, keeping air vents clear, using units with automatic shutoffs, and maintaining a "kid-free zone" around open flames.

Additionally, it is crucial to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and install them on every floor within homes. Residents are also reminded not to use ovens or ranges as heat sources and to turn off portable heaters when leaving rooms or going to bed.

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