The Park Forest Fire Department is urging residents to prioritize electrical safety as emergency calls reach record levels, and electrical-related fires continue to pose serious risks.

Deputy Chief Mark Cotrano reported an increase in fires caused by issues such as overloaded outlets, faulty wiring, and damaged appliances.

While these incidents are not the leading cause of fires, they remain a significant concern, especially because they often begin out of sight—inside walls or ceilings—and can smolder unnoticed before suddenly erupting.

“These types of fires are particularly dangerous because the warning signs may not be visible until it’s too late,” said Cotrano. “Many of the electrical fires we respond to are entirely preventable.”

This warning comes as the department announced a record-breaking 5,189 emergency calls in 2024, the highest volume in its history. Of those calls, 1,287 were fire-related, which included 53 structure fires and nine cooking fires. The remainder involved hazardous conditions, service calls, and good intention responses.

Cotrano highlighted the importance of fire prevention at home due to the increasing demand for services.

“Simple actions, such as avoiding overloaded outlets, unplugging appliances when not in use, and replacing frayed cords can make a significant difference,” Cotrano said.

Cotrano also recommends that residents have older homes inspected by a licensed electrician, particularly if they notice flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, or outlets that feel warm to the touch.

While the department continues to invest in training, equipment, and community outreach, Cotrano stressed that public vigilance is essential in preventing avoidable emergencies.

“Our goal is always zero electrical fires,” Cotrano said. “We’re encouraging residents to take proactive measures so we can focus more on prevention and less on responding to tragedies that could have been avoided.”

For more information on alarm activity, along with a host of other informative facts about the department, click to view the Park Forest Fire Department’s latest annual report here.