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Fire

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1. How do I schedule a tour of a fire station?

Station tours may be scheduled by calling Normal Fire Headquarters during regular business hours at 309-454-9689. Tours should be scheduled at least 2-3 weeks in advance if possible.

Since the fire station may receive an emergency call while the tour is in progress, responsible adults are required to accompany all tours to monitor the children while the firefighters are gone.

In the event that an emergency call comes in prior to the tour, and you arrive and there is no one at the station, please wait patiently as we will return to the station as soon as the call is completed. If it is not possible to return, we will be happy to reschedule your tour.

2. My Carbon Monoxide alarm is beeping. What should I do?

If no one is feeling ill:

1. Listen to the pattern of the beeps to determine the type of problem. A label or markings on the alarm should tell you what the beeps mean (i.e. faulty alarm, low battery, or alarm).
2. If you are unable to determine the nature of the beeping, turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace, gas stoves, and fireplace).
3. Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.
4. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.

If illness is a factor:

1. Evacuate all occupants immediately.
2. Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.
3. Call 9-1-1 and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.
4. Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
5. Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.

3. Where should I install the smoke alarms in my home?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

4. Will NFD check my child's car seat to make sure it's safe?

Yes! But you have to make an appointment.  NFD has one certified car seat safety technician on staff that will provide a one-on-one opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about child passenger safety and have their car seats inspected for proper installation.   Please bring the children who will be riding in the car seats, the vehicle owner manual, and the car seat instruction booklet if at all possible. 

These checks can be done at your home or at one of our fire stations, but again, they are by appointment only to make sure that the technician can meet with you.  

Make an appointment by calling 309-454-9622. 

5. Do I need a permit to have an outdoor fire?

It depends on what you’re planning to burn. The Town of Normal allows outdoor fires without permits under two conditions: Cooking fires and Recreational Fires. Cooking fires are allowed under the following conditions: (1) The fire is built in a fireplace, or grill; (2) The fire is used for cooking purposes only; (3) The fire is kept under competent and continuous supervision; (4) All flammable and combustible material not used as fuel for the fire is removed a sufficient distance from the fire so as not to constitute a hazard; (5) All fires and coals are thoroughly extinguished after the use thereof has been completed; and (6) Only clean, dry firewood or charcoal may be used for cooking fires. Construction materials or yard waste are strictly prohibited. The use of flammable or combustible liquids, other than commercially produced charcoal lighter fluid, to start the fire is strictly prohibited. Recreational fires are allowed under the following conditions: (1) The fire is in a commercially available portable fireplace, a chiminea, a permanent outdoor fireplace constructed of stone or firebrick, or in an approved fire pit. For purposes of this Section, an approved fire pit shall be bare ground with no vegetation no less than fifteen feet in diameter. (2) Only clean, dry firewood may be used for recreational fires. Construction materials or yard waste is strictly prohibited. The use of flammable or combustible liquids, other than commercially produced charcoal lighter fluid, to start the fire is strictly prohibited. (3) The fire is kept under competent and continuous supervision. (4) All flammable and combustible material not used as fuel for the fire is removed a sufficient distance from the fire so as not to constitute a hazard. (5) All fires and coals are thoroughly extinguished after the use thereof has been completed. (6) No fire shall exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height. (7) No fire in an approved container (portable fireplace or chiminea) shall be located within 8 feet of a building. No fire in a fire pit shall be located within 25 feet of a building. (8) At least one functioning, portable fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating shall be outside and available for immediate use at all times when the fire is burning, or a functional garden hose attached to a functional water source. (9) No recreational fires are permitted between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (10) No recreational fire shall be permitted when the Fire Chief or his designee has issued an order banning all recreational fires. The Fire Chief may issue an order banning all recreational or special event fires when wind conditions or drought create a significant risk of fire spreading beyond the recreational or special event fire. (11) All recreational fires shall be extinguished when repeated wind gusts in excess of 20 miles per hour are presented or when there is sustained wind in excess of 15 miles per hour. For further details, refer to section 6.4-17 of the Town of Normal Municipal Code "OPEN BURNING & PERMIT SYSTEM."

Municipal Code - Chapter 6

6. I called for an ambulance; why did you send a fire engine too?

Normal Fire Department ambulances are staffed with two paramedics. Based on information our dispatch center receives prior to our arrival, we may need more equipment or manpower to properly care for the patient. Sometimes the condition of the patient may require both paramedics to work on the patient in the back of the ambulance or sometimes the paramedics need assistance moving the patient to the ambulance.

The engine company is sent to calls where the likelihood of that situation is the greatest. The engine company provides additional manpower and additional help for the paramedics if it is needed at the call. If the engine is not needed, it is returned to service.

Also, our engine companies carry medical equipment on board. Depending on where the call is, the engine may be closer to the call than the responding ambulance. In this case, the engine company acts as the first responder to assess the patient condition and prepare the patient for transport when the ambulance arrives.

7. A member of my household has a functional need. What should I do to help out emergency response?

The McLean County Emergency Management Agency has a Functional Needs Registry program in place to assist those with functional needs during times of emergency.

The information is updated periodically and is totally secure and free of charge. Any information provided is automatically linked to your address in our dispatch software so that responding units will have the information as they are responding.

To register for the program or for more information, click the link below. McLean County Functional Needs Registry

8. I have questions about my ambulance bill. Whom should I contact?

All questions regarding medical billing are handled through our business office. Please contact our office associate at (309) 454-9613 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

9. What’s the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck?

Generically, a "truck" could be almost any vehicle used by the fire department, but the term has become specialized over the years.

Originally, "engine" referred exclusively to "pump", the important tool for getting water to a fire. Today, "fire engines" are those vehicles of the fire department that pump water. The term "truck" is reserved for other types of vehicles, usually having one or more ladders.

Since Fire Engines and Fire Trucks perform significantly different functions at a fire scene, they are very different. Fire engines are equipped with hoses and water so that personnel can aggressively fight the fire. Fire Trucks are like the firefighter's tool box -- carrying ladders, rescue equipment and other tools to enable personnel to support firefighting activities.

10. How can I become a Normal Firefighter/Paramedic?

Information regarding eligibility requirements and job application packets may be downloaded by clicking this link.

11. Why are fire engines red?

The most widely-accepted reason that fire engines are painted red dates back to the 1800s -- a time when there was a LOT of competition between the fire brigades of neighboring cities and towns. The firefighters of each brigade took great pride in their pump. Each brigade wanted their rig stand out by being the cleanest, having the most brass, or being a regal color. Because red was the most expensive color, that's what color most crews chose to paint the pump.

Other sources cite the tradition of painting fire engines red going back to the early 1920's. Henry Ford wanted to make cars as inexpensively as possible and only offered cars in one color: black. With all of these black vehicles on the road, the fire service began painting their vehicles red in an effort to stand out.

Today, just as you have many more choices of colors available to you for your vehicle, so do the fire engine manufacturers, and it is not uncommon to see white, yellow, blue, orange, green, or even black fire engines, in addition to red. And while some studies hint that colors such as lime-green may be more visible to the public than traditional red, the vast majority of fire departments continue to use red fire engines -- a color instantly recognized by everyone as that of a fire engine.

Normal Fire Department apparatus and ambulances are painted with a black top over red body. This is a traditional nod to the first closed-cab chief's cars in Chicago. Back then, they had black canvas tops which would not take paint. Someone in administration liked the appearance, so as new closed-cab apparatus came into service, they painted the cab roofs black, and the tradition continues today.

You may also notice the green light on some fire engines. This is also a traditional Chicago-style fire engine feature. Commissioner Albert Goodrich of the Chicago Fire Department (1927 - 1931) had a nautical background. He applied the marine scheme (red light on port, green light on starboard) to fire apparatus, and the idea became a tradition of the Chicago Fire Department. It is also used to mark the bay doors at most Chicago fire stations.

12. How can I get information on breaking news and emergencies?

Normal Fire Department is pleased to offer text alerts through the social networking site, Twitter. Simply text “Follow NormalFire” to 40404 to subscribe to our emergency alerts. Standard text messaging rates may apply; Check with your wireless provider.

To stop receiving text alerts, text "Stop NormalFire" to 40404.
You may also follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds online for the latest department news and information.
View the NFD Twitter Feed

13. How often is my business inspected by the fire department?

Each commercial occupancy in the Town of Normal is inspected at least once a year, and for certain occupancy types, such as daycare centers and liquor license establishments, at least twice times a year.

The inspectors will notate any violations and will return on a re-inspection to ensure that the violations have been corrected. Learn more...

14. How do I know if my smoke alarm is working?

Test it! Push the test button on the front of the unit and it should emit a loud beeping sound for as long as the button is depressed.

If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:

Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

15. How do I schedule fire safety presentations for my school or organization?

Contact our public education officer by calling 309-454-9622 at least two weeks in advance to schedule your event. We are proud to offer fire safety programs for all ages and audiences. Learn more...

16. Why do firefighters wear red suspenders?

To hold their bunker pants up. (Please, stop asking!)

17. Every time I cook, my smoke alarm goes off. What should I do?

Consider relocating the detector to a location further away from the stove. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may need to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a “hush” button that silences nuisance alarms.

18. What is a Knox Box? Do I need one?

The Knox-Box® Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and first responders. First Responders across North America use the Knox-Box Rapid Entry System to prevent costly entry damage while protecting property and lives. When a fire breaks out or there is a medical emergency, Knox® products allow immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Property owners store entrance keys, access cards and floor plans in high-security Knox-Box key boxes mounted near building entrances. Each Knox-Box purchased by a property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled by Normal Fire Department.

In the Town of Normal, if you have an automatic fire alarm system or a sprinkler system installed in your property, you are required to install a Knox Box.

Additionally, if you have a family member who lives alone, or someone who is frequent to falls or other medical emergencies, you may consider installing a residential Knox Box so our paramedics can easily gain entry to the house without causing damage to doors or windows. Visit KnoxBox.com

19. How long do I have to correct violations on a commercial fire inspection?

Fire re-inspections are scheduled two to three weeks from the date of initial inspection. The reinspection will be unannounced and will occur sometime in the WEEK listed on your original inspection form. If you are unable to correct the violation by the time you are scheduled for re-inspection (ex: parts are ordered, but have not arrived), please contact the Prevention Division as soon as possible at 309-454-9616.

20. Will I get a fine if my fire alarm goes off and there isn't a fire?

Normal Fire Department investigates all reported automatic fire alarms within the Town limits.

If a fire alarm goes off, it is important to EVACUATE the building and wait for instructions from fire personnel. NEVER silence or reset the fire alarm without permission of a fire official. Doing so assumes great liability and could potentially result in injury or the loss of life.

Fire alarms by nature are sensitive, and may go off for reasons other than a fire. We understand this and we deal with it on a daily basis. However, if an alarm is sounding on numerous incidents and there is no emergency, we consider that alarm to be a nuisance alarm, which the Town has specific ordinance to regulate.

False Alarm means an alarm signal eliciting a response by the police or fire department when a situation requiring a response by the police or fire department does not in fact exist. False alarm does not include an alarm signal caused by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not reasonably subject to control by the alarm business operator or alarm user.

Alarms resulting from the following conditions are not considered false alarms:
1. Criminal activity or unauthorized entry.
2. Earthquake causing structural damage to the protected premises.
3. High winds sufficient to activate motion detection system or causing physical damage to the protected premises.
4. Flooding of the protected premises due to overflow of natural drainage.
5. Lightning bolt causing physical damage to the protected premises.
6. Telephone line malfunction verified in writing to the Town by at least a first line telephone company supervisor.
7. Electrical service interruption verified in writing to the department by local power company.
8. Communication to the police or fire department before a unit is dispatched to investigate clearly indicating that the alarm resulting from authorized entry, authorized system test, or other non-criminal cause.
9. An alarm caused on the reasonable but mistaken belief that a burglary, robbery, or other criminal offense, fire emergency, or medical emergency is in progress.
10. The generation of a false alarm which is beyond the reasonable control of the system user.

SEC. 22.12-3 EXCESSIVE FALSE ALARMS AND FEE ASSESSMENT
A. If any alarm system produces a false alarm in any calendar year, the chief of the involved department shall provide written notice of the fact, which shall be given by certified mail or delivery to the subscriber asking the subscriber to take corrective action in regard to false alarms and informing subscriber of the false alarm fee schedule provided herein.
B. Subscribers installing a new system or making substantial modifications to an existing system shall be entitled to a grace period during which alarms generated by such system shall be deemed non-false alarms. The grace period shall cease thirty (30) days after installation of or modification to an alarm system.
C. Upon any alarm system producing more than one false alarm in a calendar year, a fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) per false alarm shall be charged to the subscriber.
SEC. 22.12-4
All fees assessed must be paid to Town Finance Department or a written appeal must be submitted to the City Manager within three (3) days of fee assessment.