Buffalo Grove Firefighters Install 539 Smoke Detectors During Blitz

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — During the recent statewide Smoke Alarm Community Blitz, the Buffalo Grove Fire Department installed 539 smoke detectors, one of the largest efforts in Illinois. The smoke detectors were installed in senior housing units between Oct. 22 and Oct. 24.

According to officials, approximately half of the units had no fire protection (no detectors, bad batteries or old batteries).

BGFD was among 48 participating fire departments in the state to have received a donation of 10-year, sealed battery smoke detectors from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and Camp I Am Me. IFSA has expanded the program this year after securing grant funding this past summer.

"In a fire, seconds count, and properly working smoke detectors can alert you and your loved ones to a fire and give you the proper warning needed to make a safe escape," Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Collins said. "This combined effort significantly decreased the likelihood of a fatal fire at this housing facility."

BGFD firefighter/paramedics and volunteers from the Village's Community Emergency Response Team performed the smoke detector installations in 208 senior housing units in Buffalo Grove's Cambridge on the Lake neighborhood, according to the Village. The smoke detectors replaced older models dating back to 1993.