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.

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.

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.

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.

01.5600x1800

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 smart phones, tablets, wireless headphones, smart watches, cameras and computers. 
  • Motorized vehicles, including electric scooters, bikes, skateboards, hoverboards and electric cars.
  • 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:

  1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
  2. Do not charge devices under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.
  3. Always use the manufacturer’s charger made specifically for the device.
  4. Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.
  5. Store batteries away from anything flammable.

 Check out this flyer for more information on Lithium Battery Safety, or go to nfpa.org.

Outdoor Fires (City Code)

Do Don't

Fire Pits are allowed, but they have to be an approved container.

Don't burn leaves or a tree that was just cut down.

Only burn seasoned dry firewood (see below).

Don't burn construction material (doors, cabinets, fences, etc).

Clear away brush, dead and dry vegetation in a 10'-20' circle around the fire pit.

Don't make your own fire pit by digging a hole.

Fire pits should not be placed under any low hanging trees where heat could ignite the branches.

Bonfires are NOT ALLOWED.

Fire pits should be at least 15' from any structure or combustible material.

Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or any flammable liquid to start a fire.

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.

  

 

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 program.