Fire Safety and Outreach
The Des Plaines Fire Department is dedicated to preventing fires through public education and outreach, fire inspections, code enforcement, comprehensive fire investigations and more.
Our team works closely with our school system to educate students about fire safety. We also urge parents to talk to their children about what to do in the event of a fire.
Please follow these rules and guidelines for your safety and the safety of our community.
Smoke Detector Program and Safety Inspections
The Des Plaines Fire Prevention Division offers a smoke detector installation program and home safety inspections for residents. Please call 847-391-5340 to schedule an appointment.
New Illinois Smoke Alarm Law
Since 1988, all dwellings in Illinois have been required to have smoke alarms. In 2017, Public Act 200 was passed to update the Illinois Smoke Detector Act to reflect advances in technology.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, single and multi-family homes that are still using smoke alarms with removable batteries are required to install new alarms that feature 10-year sealed battery alarms.
Exemptions
- Homes built after 1988 that already have hardwired smoke alarms.
- Homes with wireless integrated alarms that use low-power radio frequency communications, Wi-Fi, or other Wireless Local Area Networking capability.
Home Fire Preparedness
Please take steps to prepare your home for a fire by installing the right number of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and have an escape plan and emergency communications plan.
Have smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement (usfa.fema.gov).
Lithium Battery Safety
Lithium batteries power many rechargeable devices that we use every day, such as:
- Mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, wireless headphones, smart watches, cameras and computers.
- Motorized vehicles, including electric scooters, bikes, skateboards, hoverboards and vehicles.
- Personal devices, such as electric toothbrushes, electric razors and vaping devices.
Defective lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire. Here’s how to be fire safe with your lithium battery powered devices:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
- Do not charge devices under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.
- Always use the manufacturer’s charger made specifically for the device.
- Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.
- Store batteries away from anything flammable.
More on Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Seasonal Fire Safety
Halloween
Fire safety is something to think about on Halloween, especially when decorating.
- Use an electric candle or glow sticks instead of candles in jack-o-lanterns.
- Tell your children to stay away from open flames.
- Keep all decorations away from open flames, heat sources and escape routes.
- Test your smoke alarms before decorating as an extra precaution.
More on Halloween Fire Safety
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. Before you fry a turkey, review these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe!
- Put your turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface outdoors at least 10 feet from structures.
- Do not move fryers when in use and keep children and pets at least three feet away.
- Test the amount of oil you need before filling the pot.
- Make sure your turkey is fully thawed without frost on it before frying.
- Monitor oil temperature, always use oven mitts, and consider using an electric or air fryer.
More on Thanksgiving Fire Safety
Holiday Decorating
When the holidays are around the corner, everyone gets in the spirit! It’s fun to deck the halls, but holiday decorations can increase your risk of a home fire.
Follow these tips from the NFPA to be fire smart:
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
More on Holiday Fire Safety
Outdoor Fires
City Code
Do
- Fire pits are allowed, but they have to be in an approved container.
- Only burn seasoned dry firewood (see below).
- Clear away brush, dead and dry vegetation in a 10'–20' circle around the fire pit.
- Fire pits should not be placed under any low-hanging trees where heat could ignite the branches.
- Fire pits should be at least 15' from any structure or combustible material.
- Always use a spark screen when burning in a fire pit.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose on hand.
- Fires must be supervised until they are extinguished.
- Be courteous to your neighbors — if a fire is a nuisance, it must be extinguished.
Don't
- Don't burn leaves or a tree that was just cut down.
- Don't burn construction material (doors, cabinets, fences, etc.).
- Don't make your own fire pit by digging a hole.
- Bonfires are not allowed.
- Never use lighter fluid, gasoline, or any flammable liquid to start a fire.
Business Fire Preparedness
Recently, federal tax reform legislation created incentives that make it more affordable for building and business owners to accelerate cost recovery for the installation, upgrade, or retrofit of fire sprinkler systems. This is a valuable opportunity to improve the life safety and economic stability of Des Plaines. Read more about the Business Fire Preparedness Program(PDF, 259KB).