City of Des Plaines, IL

10/06/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/06/2025 11:22

Check out these fire safety tips!

The Des Plaines Fire Department is dedicated to preventing fires through public education and outreach, fire inspections, code enforcement, comprehensive fire investigations and more.

Our team works closely with our school system to educate students about fire safety. We also urge parents to talk to their children about what to do in the event of a fire.

Please follow these rules and guidelines for your safety and the safety of our community.

Seasonal Fire Safety - Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. Before you fry a turkey, review these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe!

  • Put your turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface outdoors at least 10 feet from structures.
  • Do not move fryers when in use and keep children and pets at least three feet away.
  • Test the amount of oil you need before filling the pot.
  • Make sure your turkey is fully thawed without frost on it before frying.
  • Monitor oil temperature, always use oven mitts, and consider using an electric or air fryer.

For more information on Thanksgiving cooking safety, visit the @U.S. Fire Administration website at usfa.fema.gov.

Smoke Detector Program and Safety Inspections

The Des Plaines Fire Prevention Division offers a smoke detector installation program and home safety inspections for residents. Please call 847-391-5340 to schedule an appointment.

Home Fire Preparedness

Please take steps to prepare your home for a fire by installing the right number of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and have an escape plan and emergency communications plan.

Have smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement (usfa.fema.gov).

Lithium Battery Safety

Lithium batteries power many rechargeable devices that we use every day, such as:

  • Mobile devices like smart phones, tablets, wireless headphones, smart watches, cameras and computers.
  • Motorized vehicles, including electric scooters, bikes, skateboards, hoverboards and electric cars.
  • Personal devices, such as electric toothbrushes, electric razors and vaping devices.

Defective lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire. Here's how to be fire safe with your lithium battery powered devices:

  1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storage.
  2. Do not charge devices under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.
  3. Always use the manufacturer's charger made specifically for the device.
  4. Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.
  5. Store batteries away from anything flammable.

Check out this flyer for more information on Lithium Battery Safety, or go to nfpa.org.

Do Don't

Fire Pits are allowed, but they have to be an approved container.

Don't burn leaves or a tree that was just cut down.

Only burn seasoned dry firewood (see below).

Don't burn construction material (doors, cabinets, fences, etc).

Clear away brush, dead and dry vegetation in a 10'-20' circle around the fire pit.

Don't make your own fire pit by digging a hole.

Fire pits should not be placed under any low hanging trees where heat could ignite the branches.

Bonfires are NOT ALLOWED.

Fire pits should be at least 15' from any structure or combustible material.

Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or any flammable liquid to start a fire.

Always use a spark screen when burning in a fire pit.

Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose on hand.

Fires must be supervised until they are extinguished.


Be courteous to your neighbors - if a fire is a nuisance it must be extinguished.

Business Fire Preparedness

Recently, federal tax reform legislation created incentives that make it more affordable for building and business owners to accelerate cost recovery for the installation, upgrade, or retrofit of fire sprinkler systems. This is a valuable opportunity to improve the life safety and economic stability of Des Plaines. Read more about the program.

City of Des Plaines, IL published this content on October 06, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 06, 2025 at 17:22 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]