After two recent electrical fires in Park Forest — including one deadly incident in recent months — local fire officials are stressing the importance of home fire safety and prevention.
“Electrical fires can happen in an instant,” said Deputy Chief Taylor Bordewyk of the Park Forest Fire Department. “Simple steps like checking cords for damage, avoiding overloaded outlets, and making sure smoke alarms are working can save lives.”
The reminder comes as the Park Forest Fire Department joins hundreds of fire agencies across Illinois for the second annual Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Statewide Blitz, taking place Oct. 19–25 during National Fire Prevention Month.
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, the campaign aims to ensure more homes have working smoke alarms while educating residents about preventing fires before they start.
In 2024, the Park Forest Fire Department responded to a record 5,189 emergency calls, including 1,287 fire responses. Of those, 53 were structure fires, many of which revealed missing or non-operational smoke alarms, according to the department’s annual report.
To help prevent further tragedies, firefighters will be visiting neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms and share safety tips on testing, maintaining, and replacing them.
“This isn’t just about putting a device on your ceiling,” Bordewyk said. “It’s about making sure families understand how critical those extra seconds of warning are. A fire can double in size every 30 seconds — that early alert can be the difference between escaping safely or facing disaster.”
- Residents can safeguard their homes by following a few simple tips:
- Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
- Avoid overloading outlets or using damaged cords.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable.
- Develop and practice a family escape plan.
Park Forest officials encourage residents to welcome firefighters during installation week and take advantage of the free smoke detectors. Those interested can contact the Park Forest Fire Department at 708-748-5605 or fill out the online request form.
Rental properties and apartments are not typically eligible for this program, as landlords are responsible for maintaining alarms in those units.
“Every fire we respond to reinforces the same message,” Bordewyk said. “Preparedness and prevention save lives. This blitz is one more way we’re working to protect our community.”