Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

The volunteer emergency worker credit is a $500 non-refundable credit that can be used to reduce your Illinois individual income tax liability.  The credit is awarded to volunteer fire service emergency workers that apply for, qualify for, and are awarded the credit.  The aggregate amount of all tax credits awarded in any calendar year may not exceed $5,000,000. Credits shall be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The holidays are here and that means many will be decorating their homes. Hanging up decorations is fun, but keep in mind, holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire.

Christmas trees are the center of many homes holiday decorations. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) more than one of every four home Christmas tree fires are caused by an electrical problem. A heat source too close to the tree caused one in every four of those fires.

​Candles can be pretty to look at, but they are a cause of home fires and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can ignite anything that can burn. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is the peak month for home candle fires. More than one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom with three of every five candle fires starting when things that can burn are too close to the candle.

Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera and Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) Executive Director Chris Meister issued nearly $7.2 million in no interest or low interest loans to emergency responders across the state. The loans are made available through the Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program and Ambulance Revolving Loan Program.

The OSFM is excited to announce the application period is now open for the Small Equipment Grant Program. The OSFM will award $4 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM electronically or postmarked no later than December 15, 2023.