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1. How can I relay a compliment concerning fire department service?

You can call the Fire Department Administration Office at 815-748-8460 or write to the DeKalb Fire Department, 700 Pine Street, DeKalb, Illinois 60115.

2. How do I request a tour of the fire station?

To request a tour of the fire station or to schedule a fire safety presentation, call 815-748-8460, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Why is a fire engine or other fire vehicles sent when I called for an ambulance?

A fire engine or a fire squad is often sent for additional staffing assistance when an ambulance is dispatched for very serious medical emergencies such as heart attack, unconscious person, or asthma attack. In addition, if the ambulance for that assigned response district is already out on an emergency call and a second call is received for the same district, a fire engine or fire squad is sent as a first responder ahead of an ambulance from another response district

4. I have noticed that the fire truck can change the traffic light to green, how does that work?

The system is called Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption. A white strobe light on each fire department emergency vehicle emits a signal to a receiver on the traffic light when the fire department vehicle approaches. The traffic light will change to green in the direction the fire department vehicle is traveling and turn from green to yellow to red in the opposite direction. A white confirmation light appears above the traffic signal when the system is activated to acknowledge the signal will be changing. This also means that an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction. If you see emergency lights or hear emergency sirens, slow down and pull to the right to allow the emergency vehicle to pass in either direction. Once the vehicle has passed carefully resume your normal speed and obey the traffic devices. Remember "Pull Right For Sirens and Lights."

5. How do I obtain a copy of a fire or non-fire reports?

Copies of fire or non-fire reports are available through the Fire Department’s Administration Office, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 815-748-8460. The owner or occupant of property involved in a fire may receive copies of the fire reports without charge. They must show a picture ID. If the request is made by phone or mail, a signed and notarized "Authorization for Release of Information" must be received by DeKalb Fire Department prior to the release of any patient information. Individuals other than those expressly identified above will need to complete a FOIA request for fire reports and properly executed HIPAA request form for ambulance reports.

6. How do I obtain a copy of an ambulance reports?

Copies of fire or non-fire reports are available through the Fire Department’s Administration Office, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 815-748-8460. The patient or legal guardian for the patient may request a copy of the emergency medical report without charge. They must show a picture ID. If the request is made by telephone or mail, a signed and notarized "Authorization for Release of Information" must be received by DeKalb Fire Department prior to the release of any patient information. If the request is made by anyone other than the patient or legal guardian, a signed and notarized "Authorization for Release of Information must be presented. No information regarding an emergency medical report shall be provided without a signed release by the patient. 

7. How can I file a concern regarding fire department service?

You can call the Fire Department Administration Office at 815-748-8460 or write to the DeKalb Fire Department, 700 Pine Street, DeKalb, Illinois 60115.

8. Is there a charge for a false fire alarm?

Yes. Pursuant to the City of DeKalb of Municipal Code, Chapter 5 Fire Department, Article 5.14 False Fire Alarm Fee, each building is allowed one (1) false fire alarm per calendar year. Subsequent false fire alarms incur penalty fees, starting at $150.00 for the second (2^nd) false fire alarm and increasing by $50.00 for each successive false fire alarm, with a maximum of $750.00 per false fire alarm. (See also Ordinance 2018-090.)

9. If someone spills hazardous substances who is responsible to clean up the spill?

The Fire Department is the lead agency in the mitigation of hazardous material releases. All costs incurred due to the release are charged to the spiller.

10. Does the Fire Department offer CPR and First Aid training?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fire Department is not currently offering CPR and First Aid training classes for the public. Future training opportunities will be posted on the City of DeKalb calendar as soon as circumstances permit. In the meantime, please visit the American Heart Association’s website or the Red Cross’ website to learn more about these life-saving skills.

11. How do I dispose of my expired/used fire extinguishers and smoke detectors?

Residential Fire Extinguishers

• DO NOT place in your regular household trash or recycling.
• Contact DeKalb's refuse provider, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), to schedule a Household Hazardous Waste pickup.
• If possible, prior to pickup, discharge the fire extinguisher upside-down into a trash receptacle outside.

Residential Smoke Detectors

• Place in regular household trash, even models containing radioactive material.
• No special preparation or prior scheduling are necessary.

 To learn more about safe disposal of other types of household hazardous waste, visit www.lrsrecycles.com/houshold-hazardous-waste/.

12. How do I dispose of unneeded or expired medication?

The DeKalb Fire Department does not accept discarded medications. The DeKalb County Solid Waste Specialist keeps a list of drug drop-off locations available online here. For more information about disposal of particular items, please call 815--748-2430 or visit https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/solid-waste-and-recycling/.