Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages everyone to let the professionals handle fireworks, it’s simply not worth the risk! Every year across the state accidental fires, burn injuries, loss of limbs and deaths occur due to the use of fireworks.

During the July 2024 seasonal reporting period, 45 hospitals and facilities reported a total of 156 injuries. There was one fatality reported during the 2024 reporting period. Comparatively, 34 hospitals reported 108 injuries during the same period in 2023.

The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is currently being rolled out by region across the nation, and Illinois fire departments will be brought onboard beginning in December 2025. This page will help fire chiefs and other personnel prepare for the shift from NFIRS to NERIS.

This page provides information to help Illinois fire departments shift from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), reports around 64% of U.S. households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smoker. Gas grills contribute to a higher number of fires than charcoal grills. The NFPA reports 61% of households own a gas grill. On average, 10,200 home fires are started by a grill each year. In 2017-2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 11,421 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, including an average of 5,763 structure fires and 5,659 outside or unclassified fires. During the same time, an average of 22,155 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Nearly half (10,342 or 47%) of the injuries were thermal burns, including both burns from fire and from contact with hot objects.

Pools are a popular summer destination for people to beat the heat, but they can pose some hidden dangers. The number of residential pools has increased over recent years raising the risk for accidental drownings meaning homeowners and parents need be extra vigilant to protect kids who have access to the water. 

The OSFM sits down with O'Fallon Fire Department's Fire and Life Safety Educator Sara Stockstrom who talks about her journey in the fire service. She encourages young girls who might be interested in becoming a firefighter to chase that dream!

In this episode OSFM Deputy Director Allen Reyne sits down with Peru Fire Department Chief Jeff King to learn about the department and the city.