Partnering with the Fire Service to Protect Illinois
2023
Annual Report
State of Illinois
Ofce of the Illinois
State Fire Marshal
2
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Message From The State Fire Marshal
To Governor JB Pritzker, the Honorable Members of the
General Assembly, and the Citizens of the State of Illinois:
I am proud to present the 2023 Annual report for the Ofce of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
The OSFM has continued to meet and exceed the public safety mission that is critical to
Private industry, state/local government, along with the public at large. Agency standards
have been revised to improve the level and standard of service offered by the OSFM. Areas
of improved service include but are not limited to:
Enhancing and strengthening our partnership with OSHA and IDOL to provide a gateway
for safer training standards, education, and operating methods that may be used by local
re departments in the eld. Most importantly this enhanced partnership serves as a
collaboration to reduce and prevent the number of line-of-duty deaths and injuries that occur
to our re service community members.
The development of a new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility program (DEIA) that
has created greater awareness of career opportunities for adults and potential careers for
younger Illinoisans living in underserved communities. The OSFM has increased our outreach
efforts with all legislators and legislative staff members, to make them aware of OSFM
employment opportunities to create a stronger outreach network in regions of the state that
have a higher number of underserved communities.
A new Arson K9 agency agreement with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to
supply and train new specialty K9 and Arson Special Agents. This partnership will enhance
the great working relation between both Agency groups when called out to investigate res
of a suspicious nature.
I am proud of the progress and continued success throughout this past year here at the OSFM.
The support and dedication from the staff at the OSFM have been a large part of our continued
growth and elevated service to the citizens of Illinois. In closing, we here at the Ofce of the
State Fire Marshal would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Governor JB Pritzker
and the General Assembly for the budget that has made these programs and services
possible, helping to create a safer state for the citizens of Illinois.
James A. Rivera
State Fire Marshal
3
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Agency Overview ...............................................................................................................4
History .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Agency Mission .....................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Core Values ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Organizational Structure .............................................................................................................................................................................5
Financial Information ......................................................................................................................................................................................6
OSFM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ..........................................................................................................................................9
Grants and Loans ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Personnel Standards and Education .......................................................................................................................................... 11
30th Annual Illinois Fallen Fireghter Memorial,
Fireghter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony
.............................................................................................................. 13
Legislative Affairs ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Agency Operations .........................................................................................................17
Division of Arson Investigation.........................................................................................................................................................17
Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety ................................................................................................................... 19
Division of Elevator Safety .....................................................................................................................................................................20
Division of Fire Prevention .................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Division of Petroleum and Chemical Safety ........................................................................................................................24
Technical Services ..........................................................................................................................................................................................27
Fire Statistics .......................................................................................................................30
Table Of Contents
4
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
History
The Ofce of the Illinois State Fire Marshal was created through an Act of the General
Assembly on June 15, 1909. The Act required the Governor to appoint a State Fire Marshal
who would be responsible for overseeing the Agency. The initial charge to the agency was to
inspect buildings to ensure they were safe from dangerous conditions, as well as to conduct
cause and origin investigations of res and, if evidence existed, to require the arrest of
individuals for the crime of arson. In order to fund the operations of the agency, the General
Assembly established a tax to be paid by insurance companies on the gross premium
receipts collected on re insurance policies. This tax still exists today and remains the primary
funding source for the agency.
Over the course of the next century, the mission of the Ofce of the Illinois State Fire Marshal
was expanded to require the Agency to ensure the safety of Illinois citizens from other
potential dangers, including regulating boilers and pressure vessels, elevators, re prevention
related industries, pyrotechnics, and underground and aboveground storage tanks, as well as
by providing education, training and certications to reghters who choose to participate in
such programs. Additionally, the Agency makes grants and loans available to the re service
for training and equipment needs.
Today the Agency is responsible for meeting or enforcing mandates contained in more than
40 state and federal statutes as well as the numerous rules associated with those statutes.
To learn more about the Ofce of the Illinois State Fire Marshal visit our website at https://sfm.
illinois.gov/. You can see a short video about our ofce at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/
About/Pages/OSFM-Video.aspx
Agency Mission
The Ofce of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is dedicated to working with our partners and
providing assistance to the re service in the protection of life, property and the environment
through communication, inspection, investigation, certication and licensing.
Core Values
Integrity • Commitment to Excellence • Service • Respect • Teamwork
Agency Overview
5
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
State Fire Marshal
General Counsel Chief Internal Auditor Deputy Director Legislative Liaison Senior Policy Advisor Public Information Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Administrative
Officer
Arson
Investigation
Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Safety
Elevator Safety Fire Prevention
Petroleum and
Chemical Safety
HR/Special Projects
Fiscal
Management
Services
Technical Services
Fire Safety
Compliance
Personnel Standards
and Education
Fire Service
Outreach
Hispanic/DEI Liaison
Organizational Structure
6
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Financial Information
$ Actual
FY23
Expenditures
FY24
Appropriation
Fire Prevention Fund (047)
Personal Services $12,023,101 $13,652,500
Retirement $6,386,993 $7,012,000
Social Security $761,827 $931,700
Group Insurance $2,901,685 $3,666,500
Subtotal - Personal Services and Related $22,073,606 $25,262,700
Contractual Services $1,207,334 $1,200,000
Travel $161,686 $220,000
Commodities $123,158 $171,000
Printing $36,680 $32,000
Equipment $1,019,781 $308,000
Electronic Data Processing $2,357,520 $2,910,700
Telecommunications $190,428 $265,000
Operation of Automotive Equipment $330,164 $310,000
Refunds $1,160 $5,000
Subtotal - Other Operations $5,427,911 $5,421,700
DEI Activities and Outreach $0 $0
Electronic Fireghter Certication Testing $226,292 $480,000
Fireghter Online Training Management System $380,000 $380,000
Youth Firesetter Interventionist Coordinator/Program $0 $230,000
Subtotal - Lump Sums $606,292 $1,090,000
Chicago Firegher Training Grant $3,418,200 $3,780,800
Community Risk Reduction $39,527 $70,000
Cornerstone $350,000 $450,000
DEI Curriculum Development for Fire Service Training $0 $5,000
Explorer-Cadet School $65,000 $80,000
Fireghter Training Programs - Illnois Fire Service Institute $230,000 $230,000
Fireghter Training Reimbursement $1,450,000 $1,450,000
Fire Station Rehabilition and Construction Grant $0 $5,000,000
7
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
$ Actual
FY23
Expenditures
FY24
Appropriation
Hazmat Emergency Response Reimbursement $0 $10,000
Illinois Fireghter Peer Support $60,000 $75,000
Minimum Basic Fireghter Training $700,000 $700,000
Mutual Aid Box Alarm System $180,000 $200,000
New Fire District Grant $0 $500
Research Activities of the Illinois Fire Service Institute $0 $250,000
Senior Ofcer Training $19,299 $25,000
Small Equipment Grant $1,498,419 $4,000,000
Subtotal - Grants $8,010,445 $16,326,300
Fire Museum Building Rehabilitation $54,378 $2,500,000
Subtotal - Capital $54,378 $2,500,000
Total - Fire Prevention Fund (047) $36,172,632 $50,600,700
$ Actual
FY23
Expenditures
FY24
Appropriation
Underground Storage Tank Fund (072)
Personal Services $2,010,624 $2,461,600
Retirement $1,074,579 $1,304,400
Social Security $146,574 $188,300
Group Insurance $450,209 $693,900
Subtotal - Personal Services and Related $3,681,986
$3,681,986
Contractual Services $187,864 $231,800
Travel $0 $8,300
Commodities $734 $9,000
Printing $0 $3,500
Equipment $0 $10,000
Electronic Data Processing $0 $10,500
Telecommunications $15,966 $19,000
Operation of Automotive Equipment $97,389 $70,000
Refunds $0 $4,000
8
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
$ Actual
FY23
Expenditures
FY24
Appropriation
Fire Fighter Memorial Fund (510)
Maintenance and Rehab of Fire Museum Building and for
Museum Artifacts
$0 $75,000
Medal of Honor Ceremony, Scholarships and Fireghter
Memoral Maintenance
$199,071 $300,000
Total - Fire Fighter Memorial Fund (510) $199,071 $375,000
$ Actual
FY23
Expenditures
FY24
Appropriation
Fire Prevention Division Fund (580)
U.S. EPA Underground Storage Tank Program Grant $592,853 $1,000,000
Total - Fire Prevention Division Fund (580) $592,853
$1,000,000
TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $41,498,495 $57,540,000
General Funds $0 $0
Other State Funds $40,905,642 $56,540,000
Federal Funds $592,853 $1,000,000
$ Actual
FY23
Expenditures
FY24
Appropriation
Subtotal - Other Operations $301,953 $366,100
Chicago Underground Storage Tank Program $550,000 $550,000
Subtotal - Grants $550,000 $550,000
Total - Underground Storage Tank Fund (072) $4,533,939 $5,564,300
9
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
OSFM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
OSFM has taken signicant action to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
within its organizational culture. We have afrmed our commitment to DEIA through memorialized
policy and by creating essential infrastructure. Our DEIA goals are rmly incorporated into our
Agency’s strategic plan. These goals are both internally and externally focused. Our progress and
outcomes are measured utilizing relevant universal and industry specic metrics coupled with direct
feedback from Agency staff as well as our regulatory stakeholders. Furthermore, the rst OSFM
Diversity Ofcer is now with the Agency, reecting OSFM’s commitment to DEIA efforts.
During the past year, OSFM has continued progressing through various DEIA objectives. The
Agency DEIA Peer-to-Peer Working Group met seven times last year. The working group members
shared their life experiences and current news trends impacting our communities. This active group
is a safe space where everyone is free to be their authentic selves. Furthermore, this space brings
education and awareness to our staff on DEIA topics. This group also worked on our agency’s
diversity recruitment plan. Finally, the agency launched its rst internal DEIA survey.
OSFM participated in nine outreach events tailored to the Black, Hispanic, Asian, and LGBTQ+
communities to bring awareness about our agency. OSFM proudly marched in its rst Chicago Pride
Parade since our agency’s inception. Also, OSFM participated at the Fiesta del Sol, the largest Hispanic
fest in the Midwest, and joined the Black community at the Bud Billiken Parade, our nation’s largest
African American parade. The Chinese American Service League and OSFM partner up to deliver
a grassroots event for its community. These are just some events where our goal was to inform the
community of OSFM’s mission and, most importantly, build trust and a long-term relationship.
As we embark on a new year, OSFM has put forward an extensive DEIA plan for 2024. OSFM’s external
goals focus on engaging with the most marginalized communities in our state via the grassroots
model. OSFM plans to build genuine relationships with community-based groups and trusted
community partners located in black and brown communities. The Agency will tailor its resources
to t the needs of targeted communities through bilingual presentations and print media, ease of
accessibility, and workshops. OSFM’s vision is to be a true trusted partner, informing communities
of color about our great work and our focus on public safety. OSFM also plans to work with our re
partners and advance DEIA in their departments and communities through our Diversity Ofcer. OSFM
provided a grant to ISFI to develop an online DEIA training for reghters to go live in 2024.
Our internal efforts will include our rst diversity recruitment plan to be implemented to help
diversify the Agency workforce to reect our state demographics more accurately. This plan is a
long-term investment involving all eld divisions to present ways for marginalized communities to
join the re service.
The Governor’s Ofce of Equity will be an essential partner in these efforts. The Governor’s team
had previously laid out six total goals to enable the Agency to address DEIA needs. The new Agency
Diversity Ofcer, in coordination with the Governor’s Equity team, will collaborate during the year to
tackle each goal effectively. The OSFM looks forward to the coming year as we continue to work to
achieve our DEIA goals and objectives.
The OSFM looks forward to the coming year as we continue to work to achieve our DEIA goals
and objectives!
10
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Small Fire-Fighting and Ambulance Service Equipment
Grant Program
The Small Fire-Fighting and Ambulance Service Equipment Grant Program provides grants
up to $26,000 for the purchase of small reghting and ambulance equipment by a re
department, re protection district, township re department or a volunteer, non-prot,
stand-alone ambulance service. Applicants who are re departments are required to have
fully participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for a minimum of two
years immediately prior to the date of the grant application. Applications are assessed by
blind review process by a committee who recommend grant awards based on equipment
needs and nancial need.
0% and Low-Interest Revolving Loan Programs
The Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program provides interest free and low-interest loans for the
purchase of re trucks or brush trucks by a re department, re protection district, or township
re department. Loans for re trucks may not exceed $350,000 and must be repaid within 20
years. Loans for brush trucks may not exceed $100,000 and must be repaid within 10 years.
The Ambulance Revolving Loan Program provides interest free and low-interest loans for
the purchase of ambulances by a re department, re protection district, or township re
department or non-prot ambulance service. Loans may not exceed $200,000 and must
be repaid within 10 years. Applicants who are re departments are required to have fully
participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for a minimum of two years
immediately prior to the date of the grant application. Eligible applications are assessed by
blind review process by a committee who recommend loans based on equipment need and
nancial need. Applications recommended for funding are forwarded to the Illinois Finance
Authority for an evaluation of creditworthiness prior to funding a loan.
Grants and Loans
11
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
The Division of Personnel Standards and Education (DPSE) is responsible for the standardization
and enhancement in the levels of education and training for reghters and professionals in
Illinois with the highest priorities placed on safety and career advancement. It operates under
the mandate of the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act (50 ILCS 740), which provides for the
promotion of standards to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
Fire Service Outreach serves as a point of contact for re departments and our re service
partners with the purpose of ensuring good communication and support. Fire Service
Outreach represents the OSFM to increase the agency’s visibility and accessibility and
provides resources for re departments to assist them in their re safety education efforts.
The Division operates with 9 full-time and 10 intermittent staff members.
The Division continues to update certication programs to comply with current National Fire
Protection Association Standards and applicable needs of the re service.
During 2023, the Division dispersed $1,450,000 to local re departments and re protection
districts for claims for reimbursement. The division processed 1,766 claims for a total of
154,442 hours of training to 124 departments.
The Division also processed 8,461 certications and administered 7,253 examinations to
Illinois reghters.
“Be Alarmed!” Smoke Alarm Program
The OSFM, in cooperation with the Illinois Fire Safety
Alliance, operates the “Be Alarmed!” smoke alarm
installation program. This program distributes smoke
alarms with 10-year sealed batteries to Illinois re
departments to install in the homes of their at-risk
citizens, as well as re safety education materials. The
educational materials and smoke alarms are provided to
re departments at no cost.
2023 Statistics:
• 280 active Illinois re departments from 61 different counties participating in the program
• 9,120 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms distributed to Illinois re departments
• $232,800 worth of life-saving smoke alarms distributed to Illinois re departments
• 8,495 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms installed in Illinois homes
• 2,000 Illinois homes protected with new smoke alarms
• 68% of pre-existing smoke alarms in homes that received new 10-year sealed battery
smoke alarms were non-functional or were expired (2,815 of 4,138 pre-existing alarms)
• 4,600 (2,349 high-risk) Illinois residents educated on smoke alarm maintenance, home
re safety, and home re escape plans, as well as protected by new smoke alarms
Personnel Standards and Education
12
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)
The Illinois State NFIRS Program’s mission is to serve local re departments by providing
training, analysis, account and reporting assistance to meet the goals set forth by the United
States Fire Administration (USFA), Ofce of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and the local
departments. The re departments can meet the community’s safety needs with better-
quality data.
Illinois Fire Departments are urged by (425 ILCS 25/6.1) to report all incidents, including
medical incidents, to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which the United
States Fire Administration administers. Providing data to the State and USFA allows re
departments to apply for and receive grant funding, improve budget and resource
allocations, recruit and retain re service personnel, and create assessments to reduce
risks in their communities.
In 2023, Illinois re departments were called to over 1.5 million incidents. 129 civilian lives
were lost, and nearly $554 million in property damage resulted from res.
Thanks to 1,013 re departments reporting data to NFIRS, we can better understand our
communities’ need for re department response.
Illinois Fire Museum
The Illinois Fire Museum is inside the state fairgrounds in Springeld at Main and Central
Avenue. The building was originally a re station built in 1938 for the Illinois State Fair Fire
Department and later the Springeld Fire Department. The museum is currently unavailable
for tours until further notice for capital improvements to the building. Please check our
website for updates. https://sfm.illinois.gov/iam/individual/illinois-state-re-museum.html.
Fire Equipment Exchange Program
The Fire Equipment Exchange Program allows re departments, re protection districts, and
township re departments to donate or sell equipment to, trade, or buy equipment from each
other. The agency maintains a website allowing re departments, re protection districts, and
township re departments to post information and photographs about needed equipment
and items for trade, donation, or sale. The website may be found at
https://reequipmentexchange.sfm.illinois.gov/.
State Fairs
The Division of Human Resources
and Special Projects coordinates our
ofce’s presence at both the Illinois and
Du Quoin State Fairs. In Springeld,
personnel support the various re
service organizations as they provide re
safety information and entertainment to
thousands of children. In Du Quoin, our
ofce leads the re safety campaign with
assistance by local re departments.
13
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Line of Duty Death Gold Badge
The Gold Badge is presented to the families of reghters who died while in, or as a result of,
the performance of their duty. As we remembered our fallen reghters from the past, we
were fortunate there we no line of duty deaths.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor Award is the highest award given by the State of Illinois to a reghter
for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism, by which the reghter has demonstrated in
great degree the characteristics of selessness and personal courage above and beyond the
call of duty, under adverse conditions, with the possibility of extreme personal risk. The 2023
recipients of the Medal of Honor were:
Engineer/Driver Ryan Mahoney, Belleville Fire Department
Probationary Fireghter Alexander Kuhl, Belleville Fire Department
Fireghter/Paramedic Kyle Haemker, Bradley Fire Department
Fireghter Jason Warner, Collinsville Fire Department
Fireghter/EMT Juan Gonzalez, Chicago Fire Department
Fireghter/Paramedic Matt Mullins, Plaineld Fire Protection District
Medal of Valor
The Medal of Valor award is given by the State of Illinois to a reghter for an act of heroism
or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in
the performance of duty. The 2023 recipients of the Medal of Valor were:
Engineer John Eachus, Belleville Fire Department
Battalion Chief Dan Wagner, Elgin Fire Department
Fire Chief Joseph Schrage, Highland Park Fire Department
Deputy Fire Chief Frank Nardomarino, Highland Park Fire Department
Lieutenant John Brens, Highland Park Fire Department
Lieutenant Paul Grzybek, Highland Park Fire Department
Lieutenant Albert Lopez, Highland Park Fire Department
Lieutenant Erik Mocogni, Highland Park Fire Department
Lieutenant Eloy Salazar, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Kevin Best, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Peter Caruso, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Peter Goss, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Christopher Gottschalk, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Brian McDonald, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Michael Miniscalco, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Trevor Mount, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Beneiamin Oros, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Michael Pacocha, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Michael Schmidt, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Andrew Seibel, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Micah Swislow, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Peter Tameling, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Nicholas Traske, Highland Park Fire Department
30th Annual Illinois Fallen Fireghter Memorial,
Fireghter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony
14
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Fireghter Excellence Award
The Fireghter Excellence Award is awarded for an act of service in the line of duty,
demonstrating excellence and professionalism in service to the citizens of the State of Illinois.
The 2023 individuals awarded the Fireghter Excellence Award were:
Captain Joseph Garland, Belleville Fire Department
Probationary Fireghter Michael Schwent, Belleville Fire Department
Fireghter John McClement
, Blue Island Fire Department
Fireghter Anthony Parillo, Blue Island Fire Department
Battalion Chief William Brennan, Highland Park Fire Department
Battalion Chief Ryan Hughes, Highland Park Fire Department
Lieutenant Kevin Maslon, Highland Park Fire Department
Lieutenant Matthew Stanley, Highland Park Fire Department
Lieutenant Grifn Van Black, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Nathan Abbott, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Richard DiSalvo, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Jacob Emmerson, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Brian Fabbri, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Jacob Flosi, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Matthew Grasso, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Kevin Lavazza, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Michele Molini, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Thomas Richards, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Michael Shimanski, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Steven Urban, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter Jeffrey Wilmot, Highland Park Fire Department
Fireghter/Paramedic Paul Ortiz, Huntley Fire Protection District
Assistant Chief Raymond Scott, Sesser Fire Protection District
Fireghter Excellence Unit Citation Award
The Fireghter Excellence Unit Citation Award is awarded for an act of service in the line of
duty, demonstrating excellence, teamwork, and professionalism in service to the citizens of
the State of Illinois. The 2023 departments awarded the Fireghter Excellence “Unit Citation”
Award were:
Blue Island Fire Department
Plaineld Fire Protection District
Ofce of the State Fire Marshal Fire & Life Safety Award
The Fire & Life Safety Award is presented to recognize the extraordinary efforts in furtherance
of re prevention and life safety by re departments, reghters, and staff from the
Ofce of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. There are three eligible recipient categories – Fire
Departments/Fire Protection Districts/Township Fire Departments (may be a department or
an individual), OSFM Operations Staff, and OSFM Administrative Staff – with awards given to
one nominee from each category. Nominations for this award are due to OSFM by March 1 of
each year. The 2023 recipients were:
Matt Hedges, Woodstock Fire Rescue District
Thomas Andryk, Ofce of the State Fire Marshal
Thomas Manis, Ofce of the State Fire Marshal
15
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
2023 Statute Changes
The OSFM introduced the following legislation:
• P.A. 103-0151 (HB2258): Revised the Furniture Fire Safety Act to acknowledge new
federal regulation.
Other bills passed related to OSFM’s activities:
• Senate Resolution 7: Established the Recruiting & Retaining Public Employee Fireghters
and Paramedics Task Force for which OSFM is providing administrative support.
• P.A.103-0009 (HB1963): Enacted a volunteer reghter tax credit which includes
submitting information to OSFM.
• P.A. 103-0307 (HB2372): Created the position of Youth Firesetter Interventionist
Coordinator within OSFM.
• P.A.103-0377 (SB1250): Created the Sprayed Fire-Resistant Material Applicator Act which
requires registration by re-resistant material applicators.
2023 Rule Changes
The OSFM updated Agency-related administrative rules through the Joint Committee on
Administrative Rules (JCAR) process in the following sections:
• 41 Ill. Adm. Code 172, 174, 175, 176, 177, and 178 (new) Underground Storage Tank Rules
These rulemakings updated requirements for petroleum equipment contractor licensing,
including revising provisions on citations and nes and adding options for certied
employees to be qualied, requirements for spill containment equipment and piping,
eliminated certain requirements, and provided for other simplied forms and processes.
• 41 Ill. Adm. Code 251 (update) Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Standards and 41
Ill. Adm. Code 280 (repeal)
These rulemakings updated licensing requirements, fees, and incorporated standards, as
well as reorganized and claried other items affecting re equipment distributors.
• 41 Ill. Adm. Code 1000 Elevator Safety Rules
The rulemaking extended the deadline to perform witnessing of testing of the Fireman’s
Emergency Operation, updated rules to align with statutory changes of Public Act 102-
0715, claried language relating to temporary use, and made other minor updates.
• 41 Ill. Adm. Code 109 Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Rules
The rulemaking added qualications and requirements to obtain a re sprinkler inspector
license (required beginning January 1, 2024) and updated and claried other items
affecting re sprinkler contractors.
Advisory Boards, Committees, and Commissions
Illinois Fire Advisory Commission
The Illinois Fire Advisory Commission is a statutorily created body (20 ILCS 2905/3) that
provides advice, counsel, and assistance to the State Fire Marshal on matters related to
the exercise of powers and duties of the agency. Commission members are appointed by
the Governor for a term of three years. Appointed members of the Commission include
three professional, full-time, paid reghters, one volunteer reghter, one re protection
engineer who is registered in Illinois, one representative of the insurance industry in
Illinois, two representatives with knowledge of re alarm and re extinguisher systems, and
three persons with interest and knowledge in re prevention methods. In addition to the
appointed members, the following individuals serve in an ex ofcio capacity: Chicago Fire
Legislative Affairs
16
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Commissioner, executive ofcer of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, executive ofcer of the
Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts, executive ofcer of the Illinois Fire Inspectors
Association, executive ofcer of the Illinois Professional Fireghters Association, executive
ofcer of the Illinois Firemen’s Association,
executive ofcer of the Associated Fireghters of
Illinois, executive ofcer of the Illinois Society of
Fire Service Instructors, the Illinois Society of Fire
Service Instructors, executive ofcer of the Illinois
Chapter of the International Association of Arson
Investigators, executive ofcer of Mutual Aid Box
Alarm System (MABAS) Illinois, and the head of
the Illinois Fire Service Institute. Members of the
Commission do not receive compensation but are
reimbursed for travel expenses.
Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Committee
The Committee is statutorily (20 ILCS 3985/3001) responsible for developing an annual award
program to recognize reghters who were killed, seriously hurt, or displayed exceptional
bravery or heroism in the line of duty, working with reghting organizations in the state to
design, develop, and procure a Fire Fighting Medal of Honor and selecting an appropriate
date or occasion for presentation. The Committee consists of ten members. There are two
statutorily designated members – the State Fire Marshal and Chicago Fire Commissioner –
and eight members appointed by the Governor. The members appointed by the Governor
include: three re chiefs from areas other than Chicago, three representatives of statewide
reghter organizations, and two retired Illinois reghters. Fire chiefs serve a two year term
while all other appointments serve a one year term. Members of the Committee do not
receive compensation but are reimbursed for travel expenses.
Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules
This statutorily created Board (430 ILCS 75/2) is responsible for formulating denitions,
rules and regulations for the safe and proper construction, installation, repair, maintenance,
alteration, inspection, use, and operation of boilers and pressure vessels in the state.
The Board also establishes fees for examinations, commissions, inspection certicates,
inspections, annual statements, shop inspections, and other services. The Board consists
of seven members appointed by the Governor who serve a term of four years. Members
of the Board include: representative in state owners of high pressure boilers and pressure
vessels in utilities, manufacturing, or processing, representative in state owners and users of
low pressure vessels in commercial buildings, multiple housing, or hotels, representative of
boiler manufacturers in state, representative of a boiler insurance company licensed to insure
boilers and pressure vessels in the state, representative of the boilermakers, representative
of the steam operating engineers, and one mechanical engineer, registered in Illinois, on the
faculty of and engineering college, or equivalent experience. Members of the board do not
receive compensation but are reimbursed for expenses.
Elevator Safety Review Board
This statutorily created Board (225 ILCS 312/25) reviews and adopts rules for the enforcement
of the Elevator Safety Act. The Board also has the authority to grant exceptions and variances,
hear appeals, hold hearings, establish fee schedules, and authorize licenses. The Board
consists of seventeen members who are appointed to four-year terms, with three members
appointed by the State Fire Marshal and fourteen members appointed by the Governor.
Members of the Board include: three representatives of the re service community, one
representative from a major elevator manufacturing company or its authorized representative,
one representative from an elevator servicing company, one representative of the
17
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Division of Arson Investigation
The mission of the Division of Arson Investigation is to provide re investigation and law
enforcement services to the re service and federal, state, and local law enforcement
agencies throughout the State of Illinois through complete and thorough investigations,
evidence collection and professional expert testimony in court proceedings.
The Division is responsible for investigating res and explosions as well as providing re
and explosion origin and cause investigations when requested by the re service and law
enforcement agencies throughout the state. Nationally, Arson (and suspected Arson) is the
primary cause of property damage due to re in the United States, and the second leading
cause of re deaths. To combat this serious problem, certied Arson Investigators respond
to assist re departments, law enforcement agencies, communities and state and federal
agencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reports of potential Arson res can be made via
a 24-hour, toll free Arson Hotline number at (800) 252-2947. When the requesting agency
calls the hotline, they are immediately connected with an Arson Duty Investigator who has
authority to dispatch an Arson Investigator anywhere in the state, anytime, day or night.
Arson Investigators are sworn peace ofcers authorized to conduct re and explosion origin
and cause investigations, interview witnesses and suspects, conduct follow-up investigations,
execute search warrants, collect evidence, make arrests and testify in court.
Also available are nine canine teams consisting of a certied Arson Investigator and a
certied Accelerant Detection Canine. Canines can detect minute traces of ignitable liquids
often used in res and can lead Investigators
to a specic location where physical samples
can be secured, analyzed and conrmed by
special laboratories.
Arson Investigators and canine teams
investigate on average over a thousand
res each year. Together with federal, state,
county and local law enforcement agencies,
many arsonists are arrested annually. Their
service to the state is invaluable, especially
in the rural areas where re departments
do not have certied Fire and/or Arson
Investigators.
Arson Investigators attend many hours of
continuing education classes and seminars
each year. This increases their knowledge
and expertise of re investigation and law
enforcement training.
The Division of Arson Investigation uses the
Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) for case
management and investigations. BATS is a
secure web-based system that links agencies
to the United States Bomb Data Center
(USBDC), which is a nationwide repository of
arson and explosives incidents.
18
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
The Youth Fire Setting Intervention Program is now being administered by the Arson Division.
The agency had 60 requests for Youth Fire Setting Interventions in 2023. The agency also
put on four Youth Fire Setting Interventionist training classes and certied approximately 56
students. We are working on adding several more training classes throughout the state in
2024. Inquiries regarding Youth Fire Setting should be done through the Youth Fire Setting
Intervention Hotline number at (844) 689-7882.
Division Statistics
Full-Time Equivalent Staff (as of 12/31/23) 20
Investigations Conducted 1134
Canine-Assisted Investigations 263
Cases Closed With An Arrest 44
Cause and Origin – Incendiary 335
Cause and Origin – Accidental 201
Cause and Origin –
Undetermined/Under Investigation
581
Cause and Origin – Explosion 12
Cause and Origin – Natural 4
Fatalities 75
19
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety
The Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety regulates the construction, installation,
repair, use and operation of boilers and pressure vessels and oversees in-service inspections
of pressure equipment as mandated by the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act (430 ILCS
75). Currently, there are 99,104 active boilers and pressure vessels in this program which
require professional inspections at different intervals. Professional safety inspections are
performed on boilers and pressure vessels that are typically used to generate steam to heat in
schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, ofce buildings, and places of public assembly,
retail locations, apartment buildings, manufacturing facilities, utility plants, reneries,
chemical plants, and any other location type in Illinois where pressure equipment is utilized.
Inspections identify hazards and provide an opportunity for repair to ensure public safety by
preventing accidents caused by explosions and leakage.
The Division is also responsible for administering the Illinois Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Repairer Regulation Act (225 ILCS 203/). The current total of Repair License Organizations,
under this Act, that perform repairs and alterations to pressure equipment is 143. These
Organizations are required to be audited every three years under this program.
The Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules is responsible for formulating denitions,
rules and regulations for the safe and proper construction, installation, repair, maintenance,
alteration, inspection, use, and operation of boilers and pressure vessels in the state.
The Board also establishes fees for examinations, commissions, inspection certicates,
inspections, annual statements, shop inspections, and other services.
Division Statistics
Full-Time Equivalent Staff (as of 12/31/23) 22
Inspections Performed 46,343
Violations Issued 5,629
% of Inspections That Are Past Due-State 0.98%
% of Inspections That Are Past Due-Insurance Compa-
nies
1.58%
Audits Conducted 22
Commissions Issued – New and Renewals 220
Repair Permits Issued 104
Repair License Organizations – New and Renewals 143
Fees Collected $3,768,932.44
20
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Division of Elevator Safety
The Division of Elevator Safety enforces the
Elevator Safety and Regulation Act (225 ILCS 312).
The Act requires that the design, construction,
operation, inspection, testing, maintenance,
alteration, and repair of elevators, dumbwaiters,
escalators, moving sidewalks, platform lifts,
stairway chairlifts, and automated people
conveyances are in accordance with all applicable
statutes and rules.
The Division also issues licenses to contractors,
inspectors, mechanics, apprentices and helpers
and inspection companies.
The Elevator Safety Review Board approves rules
for the administration and enforcement of the
Act. The Board has the authority to hear appeals
on exceptions and variances and, depending on
the outcome, grant or deny an exception for a
variance, hold hearings, establish fee schedules,
approve continuing education programs, and
authorize all licensing.
Elevator inspectors work in the eld making random checks for registration tags, checking
the work of licensed inspectors, and checking mechanic licenses. Inspectors also visit
municipalities that have agreements with the agency to enforce the Act to ensure that they
are abiding by all relevant laws and rules. Additionally, inspectors investigate incidents and
accidents, which are given the highest priority. Any complaint received is also given priority
attention.
There are 37,361 registered conveyances in the state. Of this total, 14,339 are under state
jurisdiction, and are 23,022 under the jurisdiction of the 180 municipalities with an agreement
with the agency.
Division Statistics
Full-Time Equivalent Staff (as of 12/31/23) 11
Permits Issued 645
Certicates of Operation Processed 11,626
Conveyances Registered 588
Licenses Processed 1,151
Fees Collected $1,567,765,00
21
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Division of Fire Prevention
Inspections: The Division of Fire Prevention is charged with ensuring no building
endangers persons or property by reason of faulty construction, age, lack of repair, or any
other cause that would make it especially susceptible to re. Under the authority granted
in the Fire Investigation Act (425 ILCS 25), the Division conducts re safety inspections
in accordance with the applicable laws and administrative rules adopted to ensure such
re safety. These inspections primarily concentrate on state-owned or regulated facilities
including day care centers and group day care homes licensed by the Department of
Children and Family Services, the Illinois Department of Aging, Correctional Centers,
public schools (in cooperation with the Illinois State Board of Education), race tracks
regulated by the Illinois Racing Board, permanently moored gaming facilities regulated
by the Illinois Gaming Board, and telecommunications switching ofces. Enforcement also
ensures compliance with regulations pertaining to LP-gas tanks larger than 2,000 gallons in
capacity or at any installation intended for purposes of dispensing LP-gas, and inspection of
aboveground bulk and dispensing tank installations of ammable and combustible liquids.
The Division also concentrates its efforts on certain “target” hazards, including the inspection
of hotel/ motel occupancies, and any occupancy where a re hazard has been reported by
the local re authority or the general public. The Life Safety Code published by the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), has been adopted as Illinois’ rules for re prevention and
safety and serves as the primary enforcement tool of the Division of Fire Prevention when
conducting building inspections. The Division also regulates the storage of volatile liquids,
the handling and storage of liqueed petroleum gases, furniture re safety regulation, and
reworks storage.
The Division also does inspections at the Illinois State Fair in Springeld and the Du Quoin
State Fair. Fire inspections are conducted at public assembly areas, livestock barns, buildings,
exhibits, concession areas, and tents prior to and during each of the events. Fire Prevention
personnel provide re awareness training to vendors and grounds security workers. Fire
Prevention personnel also conduct routine re patrols of the entire grounds of each facility.
Licensing: Fire Prevention Licensing section of the Ofce of the State Fire Marshal licenses
and oversees the regulatory compliance for several industries including Fire Sprinkler
Contractors, Fire Equipment Distributors and Employees, Pyrotechnic Distributors and
Operators, and registration of Consumer Fireworks Retailers and Distributors. Beginning July
1, 2026, registration will also include Sprayed Fire-Resistant Material Applicators.
Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing: Any individual or business entity that installs, maintains,
repairs, or inspects any re sprinkler system in Illinois must be licensed as a Fire Sprinkler
Contractor by OSFM in accordance with the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act (225
ILCS 317). OSFM regulates the licensing and compliance for approximately 221 Sprinkler
Contractors and their employees state-wide. This Act establishes minimum standards for
licensure and qualication for Fire Sprinkler Contractors and their employees who design,
inspect, and test water-based re protection systems.
In 2024, OSFM began individually licensing Fire Sprinkler System Inspectors with nearly 450
applications received in the rst month and an anticipated total application number in the
range of 850 statewide.
22
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Licensing: Individuals and business entities who
sell, install, service, maintain, or test re extinguishers and xed re protection systems are
licensed as Fire Equipment Distributors under the Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee
Regulation Act (225 ILCS 217). This Act requires Fire Equipment Employees be certied at
the appropriate level and licensed to perform re equipment installation or service work in
Illinois. The scope of this program includes re extinguishers, pre-engineered restaurant/
industrial suppression systems, and complex engineered extinguishing systems. OSFM
regulates the licensing and compliance for approximately 175 Fire Equipment Distributors
and nearly 700 licensed Fire Equipment Employees in various classications.
OSFM has recently updated this licensing and compliance program to include multi-year
licensing for Distributors and Employees as well as more stringent insurance and operational
requirements.
Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing and Consumer Fireworks Regulation:
Individuals and business entities that engage in the possession, use, distribution, and display
of all types of reworks, pyrotechnics, and ame or special effects must be licensed or
registered with OSFM in accordance with the Pyrotechnic Use Act (425 ILCS 35) and/or the
Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act (225 ILCS 227).
Individuals or business entities that possess, use, distribute, or display professional grade
reworks and pyrotechnics, including ame and special effects, must be licensed with OSFM.
The scope of this licensing program includes traditional outdoor aerial reworks, stage and
entertainment special effects for theaters, concerts, festivals, and sports venues, as well as
the television and movie industry. Licensing includes verication of training, experience,
compliance with concurrent federal, state, and local regulations, as well as industry standards
for performance and indemnity. OSFM licenses and provides regulatory compliance for
approximately 50 Pyrotechnic Distributors and Production Company Distributors, along
with approximately 400 Lead Pyrotechnic Operators, and over 3000 Registered Pyrotechnic
Assistants. All professional pyrotechnic displays must be reported to the OSFM. As part of
the oversight of the pyrotechnic industry, OSFM provides training and other resources to
local jurisdictions that permit pyrotechnic displays and/or consumer reworks sales.
Individuals or business entities that distribute Consumer Fireworks to the public, in addition
to securing local authorization, must register with OSFM as a Consumer Fireworks Distributor/
Retailer. OSFM registers nearly 140 seasonal Consumer Fireworks Retailers/Distributors
annually throughout the state.
OSFM also collects data related to injuries associated with reworks and pyrotechnics from
hospitals and healthcare providers throughout the state. The greatest portion of these injuries
are associated with the use of reworks by the general public.
During the reporting period in 2023, OSFM received reports from approximately 34 hospitals
with additional reports supplied by health care facilities. Information on those reports is
provided below.
Fatalities – 0
Injuries Reported – 108
Leading cause of Injuries
Mortars – 33
Roman Candles/Shots/Balls - 9
23
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Full-Time Equivalent Staff (as of 12/31/23) 33
Inspections Performed 13,418
School Inspections Performed by Division Personnel 2009
School Inspections Performed by Local Fire Departments 1308
% of School Inspections Completed Within the Statutorily Mandated
One-Year Timeframe
100%
Inspections Performed –State Fairs 1642
Fire Equipment Distributor Companies Licensed 161
Fire Equipment Distributor Employees Licensed 699
Fire Sprinkler Contractors Licensed 105
Pyrotechnic Distributor Companies Licensed - New & Renewal 20
Pyrotechnic Operators Licensed - New & Renewal 104
Pyrotechnic Use Act- Consumer Retailers 82 New
Production Companies Licensed 20 New
Fees Collected $445,635
Firecrackers - 8
Sky/Bottle Rockets – 7
Sparklers – Wire/Wood Core – 3
Leading locations of Injuries
Hands – 27
Eyes – 18
Torso – 16
Head/Face – 15
Legs - 15
Fingers - 13
Leading Types of Injuries
Lacerations – 23
Burns, Second Degree – 22
Abrasions – 16
Burns, First Degree - 14
Dismemberment/Amputation – 10
Other Injuries – 8
24
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Division of Petroleum and Chemical Safety
The mission of the Division of Petroleum and Chemical Safety (P&CS) is to protect against
threats to human safety and contamination of the environment that can occur by the
underground storage of petroleum products and other hazardous substances through
prevention, education, and enforcement.
To protect public health and safety, P&CS regulates Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)
containing petroleum products and other hazardous substances. In order for fuel to be
deposited in USTs facilities must pass a certication audit, which is done every two years.
The division works under a comprehensive program combining federal and state laws and
rules to regulate UST system management, fuel dispensing, UST installation, repair and
removal, emergency response, and nancial responsibility requirements.
Additionally, the Division administers the state Eligibility and Deductible (E&D) program. The
Division utilizes an online process for the submission of applications in order to expedite and
streamline this process. This is the rst step for UST owners to follow when they have had a
release or contamination incident and they wish to access the Leaking Underground Storage
Tank Fund (LUST Fund). The LUST Fund is administered by Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency (IEPA), but screening for eligibility to access the LUST Fund and determining the
deductible amount is done by P&CS staff. Requests are forwarded to IEPA after approval by
P&CS for nal processing.
The Division is also responsible for overseeing the Financial Responsibility program. As
with the E&D program, P&CS utilizes an online process to allow for Financial Responsibility
reporting. Financial Responsibility reports are required pollution liability policies UST facility
owners must have in case of environmental or third-party property and personal injury
damages caused by product releases from USTs. While the bulk of the coverage for post-
release corrective action and remediation comes from the State LUST Fund per statute,
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requires the agency to ensure
owners and operators of UST facilities demonstrate a current policy providing at least $20,000
of supplemental liability insurance to cover expected gaps for costs related to corrective
action and third party bodily injury and third party property damage.
The agency implemented its revised state UST regulations on May 2, 2023. States may use
more stringent regulations of USTs than required by the USEPA, but state regulations cannot
be less stringent.
In order to assist states in enforcing federal UST regulations, the USEPA provides grants to
states. Grants are generally awarded in two-year cycles and can be used on any UST related
activities that are approved by the USEPA. In August 2023 the agency was awarded more
than $1.2 million in federal funds from the USEPA to support the agency’s enforcement of
federal UST laws and regulations. The grant covers the period from October 1, 2023, to
September 30, 2025. Funding from the current USEPA grant is being used to continue the
development and maintenance of the P&CS UST information technology system and to
purchase other miscellaneous equipment and supplies used by the division in enforcing UST
laws and regulations.
While the agency has the responsibility for enforcing federal and state UST laws and
regulations, that enforcement mandate has been delegated by the agency to the City of
25
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Chicago for all USTs located within the city. UST regulation in Chicago is done by the Chicago
Department of Public Health (CDPH). The agency provides an annual $550,000 grant to
CDPH for the operation of the UST program in the City of Chicago.
Division Statistics
Full-Time Equivalent Staff (as of 12/31/22) 23
Active Tanks Registered 18,731
UST Inspections Conducted - OSFM 5,974
UST Inspections Conducted – City of Chicago 898
Field Investigations - OSFM 131
Field Investigations – City of Chicago 10
UST Emergency Responses – OSFM 7
UST Emergency Responses – City of Chicago 0
Initial Facility Certication Audits Performed – OSFM 2,766
Initial Facility Certication Audits Performed –
City of Chicago
326
% of UST facilities in Compliance with USEPA
Began Reporting on new measure in 2019
65%
UST Permits Granted - OSFM 1,453
UST Permits Granted – City of Chicago 261
Motor Fuel Dispensing Permits Approved 99
Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities Inspected - OSFM 3206
Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities Inspected – City of Chicago 327
Financial Responsibility Reports Processed 3,613
Eligibility and Deductibility Applications Processed 194
% of Eligibility and Deductibility
Applications Processed Electronically
100%
% of Permit Applications Processed Electronically 100%
Notice of Violations Issued (NOVs) Issued - OSFM 1,990
Notice of Violations Issued (NOVs) Issued – City of Chicago 269
Motor Fuel Dispensing NOVs Issued 556
Motor Fuel Dispensing NOVs Issued – City of Chicago 40
Facilities Red Tagged - OSFM 573
Facilities Red Tagged - City of Chicago 47
26
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Cases Referred to Agency Legal Staff for Non-Compliance 117
Enforcement Cases Resolved - OSFM 2,315
Enforcement Cases Resolved – City of Chicago 310
UST Equipment and Testing Forms Processed 19,131
Complaint Investigations - OSFM 23
27
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Technical Services
The Technical Services Section of the Ofce of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) supports
other operating divisions within the OSFM as well as the re service and general public
with technical and engineering expertise in the form of code interpretation and plan and
application review. Technical Services also provides expert advice in the agency’s rulemaking
processes for a variety of subjects, including aboveground tank storage regulation, liquied
petroleum–gas (LP-gas) regulation, motor fuel dispensing facility operation, re and life safety
rules, safe cigarette rules, and myriad of other re protection and petroleum and chemical
safety-related issues.
Personnel in this section are supervised by the Section Chief, who is a re protection engineer
and reports to the Fire Prevention Division Manager. Technical Services personnel conduct
plan reviews, assist with interpretations of applicable codes, assist operating divisions with
the development of training sessions and the instruction of eld personnel at those sessions,
and create online training programs for Illinois re service personnel. Technical Services
personnel perform special functions for the OSFM, including representation on state and
national code committees and task forces as well as making presentations to the public and
the regulated community on technical issues. Additionally, staff accompany Fire Prevention
Division inspectors on eld inspections to assist in developing compliance strategies for
more challenging facilities. The work of the Technical Services Section is conducted from the
Chicago ofce of the OSFM at 555 W. Monroe Street, Chicago and the OSFM headquarters in
Springeld.
Technical Services staff participate in ongoing continuing education to maintain and improve
their credentials. Two staff maintain certication as NFPA Certied Fire Plan Examiners and
one staff member is a Certied Safety Professional, even though this certication is not
required for their job titles.
Details of Specic Work
1. Reviewed plans and applications submitted for installation or modication of
• Aboveground ammable and combustible liquid storage tanks, and
• Liqueed petroleum gas tanks.
2. Reviewed architectural and engineering drawings of new construction, renovations, and
additions for compliance with state codes, including submittals relative to
for compliance with state codes, including submittals relative to
• Life Safety Code compliance,
• Fire alarm system installation or modication,
• Fire sprinkler system installation or modication as well as review of existing water
supplies,
• Commercial kitchen hood and duct exhaust systems,
• Other specialized suppression system installation or modication, and
• Private and municipal water supply systems.
3. Analyzed Fire Safety Evaluation Systems (FSES) that offer building owners in certain
occupancy classications alternative methods for proving equivalent life safety in
nonconforming structures.
4. The review and processing of reports related to hull integrity and stability for Illinois
permanently moored crafts.
5. Analyzed Prison Fire Safety Plans submitted from Illinois correctional facilities.
6. Prepared technical recommendations for the State Fire Marshal to assist in his response
to variance requests.
28
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
7. Prepared and delivered training programs and materials for members of the agency’s
eld inspection workforce to familiarize them with applicable codes and changing
technologies in an effort to ensure consistency in code enforcement across the state.
8. Assisted Fire Prevention Division staff attain NFPA Fire Inspector I and II certication.
9. Delivered training to new Fire Prevention Division inspectors.
10. The Life Safety Code online training program was transferred over to the Illinois Fire
Service Institute where they will provide better technical support related to their online
learning platforms. Technical Services is still involved in the content of the program. This
program was developed for Illinois re service in December 2018 to upgrade the existing
knowledge of the Illinois reghter, who does not have formal inspection training or
certication for performing the inspections that are required by the Fire Investigation Act
(425 ILCS Fire 25/9).
11. Prepared and delivered training programs and materials for other state agencies,
specically IDHS and DCFS.
12. Assisted with the development of rules and statutes, either for OSFM or other state agencies.
13. Provided training to AHJs so they could become Qualied Fire Ofcials and participate in
the public school inspection program. Technical Services responsibility includes upkeep
of the checklists and glossary as well as answering code questions from education
administrators, local authorities, and OSFM staff related to existing public school buildings.
14. Provided training for various authority having jurisdiction organizations and public school
safety organizations throughout Illinois.
15. The Tier 2 online training program for the QFO program was transferred over to the Illinois
Fire Service Institute where they will provide better technical support related to their
online learning platforms. Technical Services is still involved in the content of the program.
The Tier 2 program is part of the requirements found in Title 41 Ill. Adm. Code 111.
16. Represented the OSFM on state and national working groups and code development
committees related to re prevention, life safety, and hazardous materials issues, as follows:
• Member of the NFPA Standards Council
• Member of the following NFPA Technical Committees:
• NFPA 1, Fire Code
• NFPA 101, Life Safety Code
• Chair, NFPA 401, Recommended Practice for the Prevention of Fires and
Uncontrolled Chemical Reactions Associated with the Handling of Hazardous Waste
• NFPA 420, Standard on Fire Protection of Cannabis Growing and Processing Facilities
• NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code
• Member of the Underwriter’s Laboratories Standard Technical Panels related to air-
conditioning and refrigeration systems (60335-2-40 and 60335-2-89).
• Member of CANENA’s Working Groups for multi-national harmonization for air-
conditioning and refrigeration systems (WG 60335-2-40 and WG 60335-2-89).
• Member of the National Association of State Fire Marshal’s Model Code Committee.
• Member of the National Association of State Fire Marshal’s Standards Committee.
• Participated on the ICC-International Fire Code’s Fire Code Advisory Committee.
• Represented OSFM on the statewide Water Distribution Water Quality Committee.
Other members include the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois EPA.
• Represented OSFM on the statewide Illinois Prescribed Burn Manager Certication
Board as created by Administrative Rule 17-1565–Illinois Prescribed Burning Act.
• Represented OSFM on the Illinois Hydrogen Economy Task Force, as created by Public
Act 102-1086.
• Represented OSFM on the Northern Illinois Fire Inspectors Association.
• Represented OSFM on the Automatic Fire Alarm Association.
29
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Above ground ammable liquid storage tank plan
and application reviews
525
LP-gas tank plan and application reviews 72
Building construction, re suppression system, re
alarm system plan reviews, and FSES evaluations
299
Prison re safety plan reviews 27
Variance requests analyzed 13
Percentage of plan reviews completed in ≤ 10 days 99.1%
Training contact hours provided to the OSFM
and local re service personnel (presentation
and preparation)
435
Total of telephone, email, and written inquiries
and meetings with occupancy owners, enforcement
agencies, contractors, architects, and engineers relat-
ed to applicable rules, interpretations of codes, and
explanation of OSFM policies and procedures
8,676
Breakdown of Work for 2023
• Read re safety book and discussed re safety to second graders at Monee Grade
School (Will County)
• Participate on the emergency response team at the ofce at 555 W. Monroe Street,
Chicago.
17. Assisted the Fire Prevention Division with difcult or controversial inspections.
18. Prepared statistical data reports and legislative reports as required by executive staff.
19. Provided assistance in appeal hearings, subpoenas, court cases, and FOIA requests.
20. Participated in OSFM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Peer to Peer) Working Group.
30
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
2023 Illinois Fire Statistics Report
• Illinois re departments responded to 1,543,427 incidents in 2023.
• 40,682 of those incidents were res including:
• 17,439 structure res.
• 6,521 vehicle res
• These res resulted in nearly $554 million in property damage.
• 131 persons were killed in Illinois due to re.
• 66% of all re deaths occurred in the home.
• 49% of all fatal res were in buildings with smoke alarms.
• In 2023, Illinois saw an 8% increase in res compared to 2022.
• The number one known cause of res in Illinois is cooking.
• A re is reported every 13 minutes in Illinois.
• Every 21 seconds, an Illinois re department responds to an emergency.
• Mutual aid was given from other re departments on 103,950 incidents.
• 137,711incidents were determined to be false calls.
• Illinois re departments responded to 1,085,970 rescue and medical emergencies.
A Day in the Illinois Fire Service
Today, 4,229 calls for service will be resolved by the hardworking reghters in our state.
Of these calls:
• 111 will be res,
• 377 will be false alarms, and
• 2,975 will be medical or rescue calls (including MVCs).
• One in every 311 res will be fatal.
31
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Grand Total
132,933 124,989 135,649 138,425 146,934 147,298 153,401 150,433 135,773 134,828 126,471 120,737 1,647,871
NFIRS Dashboard Summary Report (All Incidents)
Report Period: 1/1/23 to 12/31/23
Summary By Incident Type Category
Monthly Incident Counts
Fire Service Casualties Fire-Related Non-Fire Grand Total
Fire Service Injuries 460 1,467 1,927
Fire Service Deaths 2 0 2
Total Fire Service Casualties 462 1,467 1,929
Incident Valid Status SummaryIncident Release Status Summary
Fire Service Casualty Summary
Incident Type Category Total Incidents Percent Aid Given Exposures Grand Total
Fires (100-173) 40,682 2.6% 14,591 457 55,730
Overpressure Rupture, Explosion, Overheat Calls (200-251) 991 0.1% 98 1 1,090
Rescue and EMS Calls (300-381) 1,085,970 70.4% 33,564 2 1,119,536
Hazardous Condition Calls (400-482) 50,277 3.3% 1,621 0 51,898
Service Calls (500-571) 136,238 8.8% 10,444 0 146,682
Good Intent Calls (600-672) 84,549 5.5% 37,638 0 122,187
False Alarm and False Calls (700-751) 137,711 8.9% 5,792 0 143,503
Severe Weather and Natural Disaster Calls (800-815) 1,330 0.1% 89 0 1,419
Special Incident Type Calls (900-911) 2,986 0.2% 94 0 3,080
Unknown or Not Reported 2,693 0.2% 19 34 2,746
Grand Total 1,543,427 100.0% 103,950 494 1,647,871
Incident Valid Status Total Percent
Valid 1,639,950 99.5%
Invalid 7,909 0.5%
No Activity 0 0.0%
Grand Total 1,647,859 100.0%
Incident Valid Status Total Percent
Released 943,346 57.2%
Unreleased 704,513 42.8%
Grand Total 1,647,859 100.0%
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grand Total
3,558 4,004 4,176 6,102 6,393 7,250 5,352 3,826 3,862 3,596 4,517 3,094 55,730
NFIRS Dashboard Summary Report (Fire Incidents)
Report Period: 1/1/23 to 12/31/23
Summary By Incident Type Category
Monthly Incident Counts
Dollar Loss Grand Total
Total Fire Property Loss $553,746,878
Total Fire Contents Loss $175,573,461
Total Fire Dollar Loss $729,320,339
Civilian Fire Casualties Grand Total
Civilian Fire Injuries 472
Civilian Fire Deaths 129
Total Civilian Fire Casualities 601
Fire Dollar Loss Summary
Civilian Fire Casualty Summary
Incident Type Group Total Incidents Percent Aid Given Exposures Grand Total
Structure Fires (111-118) 17,439 42.9% 11,049 272 28,760
Fires in Mobile Property Used as a Fixed Structure (120-123) 236 0.6% 116 4 356
Mobile Property (Vehicle) Fires (130-138) 6,521 16.0% 868 118 7,507
Natural Vegetation Fires (140-143) 6,629 16.3% 1,192 17 7,838
Outside Rubbish Fires (150-155) 7,289 17.9% 267 13 7,569
Special Outside Fires (160-164) 1,022 2.5% 168 14 1,204
Cultivated Vegetation, Crop Fires (170-173) 293 0.7% 137 1 431
Fires, Other (100) 1,253 3.1% 794 18 2,065
Grand Total 40,682 100.0% 14,591 457 55,730
32
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL | 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois 24-1310 02/24 60
State of Illinois
Ofce of the Illinois State Fire Marshal
https://sfm.illinois.gov/
