Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants from Feb. 14 through April 14. 

The grant provides assistance for organizing, training, and equipping rural fire departments. Funding is passed through to local fire departments and fire training academies to prevent and suppress rural fires while enhancing the protection capabilities of rural communities at risk in the wildland-urban interface.

This award is in recognition of the extraordinary efforts performed by individuals in furtherance of fire prevention and life safety. 

Nomination forms must be completed and returned to the OSFM by March 14, 2025.

The Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation program reported 8,677 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms were installed in home across Illinois in 2024. Since the program began in 2018, over 40,000 smoke alarms have been distruted to Illinois fire departments. There are currently 320 active fire departments across the state in 61 different counties who participate. 

SAVE THE DATE: The 2025 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10 AM on the grounds of the Illinois State Capitol. The Medal of Honor Ceremony will follow at the BOS Center in Springfield.

Illinoisans will be turning up their thermostats to stay warm during the winter season, which brings an increased risk for home fires and carbon monoxide incidents. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas only detectable by special devices and CO alarms. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages residents to have their furnaces checked, change furnace filters, and make sure carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors are functioning properly.

Portable heaters or space heaters are used by many during the winter months to help keep warm from the persistent frigid temperatures. While portable space heaters do help to generate heat, OSFM wants residents to be aware of the increase risk of fire caused by these heaters.