Statewide Smoke Alarm Blitz Protects Thousands of Illinois Homes

In an urgent response to alarming fire safety statistics, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, and the Illinois Community Risk Reduction Taskforce launched the first-ever statewide smoke alarm installation blitz during the week of October 20, coinciding with Fire Prevention Month.

Saving Lives with Critical Fire Safety Measures

With 59% of U.S. home fire deaths occurring in homes without working smoke alarms, the initiative brought lifesaving protection to 743 Illinois homes and 1,678 residents, including 989 identified as high-risk.

State fire departments installed 2,351 smoke alarms during the blitz, reinforcing Illinois' commitment to reducing fire-related tragedies.

These are scary statistics. Modern construction materials burn hotter and faster, leaving less than three minutes to escape. I encourage departments to engage with their residents and stress the importance of working smoke alarms.-Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera

Communities United for Fire Safety

The blitz was an extension of the Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program, which since 2018 has facilitated the installation of 35,000 smoke alarms statewide.

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This year’s blitz also welcomed 10 new departments to the program, including the Buffalo Grove Fire Department, which installed 600 alarms in just one week.

Our firefighters are committed to protecting residents and educating them on fire safety, We’re making a difference, one home at a time.-Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Larry Kane

A Collective Effort for Safer Homes

Seventy-one fire departments participated, distributing 5,232 smoke alarms valued at $130,800. OSFM and Camp I Am Me provided these alarms and educational materials free of charge, making it possible to protect Illinois families.

With this year’s success, plans are already in motion for the next blitz, scheduled for October 19–25, 2025.