2008 was the 31st consecutive year the Downers Grove Fire Department participated in the Keep the Wreaths Red Program.

A wreath displaying red bulbs is hung at each of the four fire stations. If a holiday-related fire occurs between Dec. 1 and Jan. 1, one of bulbs in each of the wreaths must be changed to white. Therefore, it is our goal to “Keep the Wreaths Red.”

There have been very few years that the wreaths did not stay red, and 2008 was no exception. The community remained fire-safe throughout the holidays.

As 2009 gets into full swing, I thought it might be interesting for residents to review the Downers Grove Fire Department’s calls during 2008. In 2008, the department responded to a total of 5,811 calls. Of those calls, 3,736 were emergency medical services calls, and 2,075 were fire related calls.

All fires were investigated and causes determined. The nature of these calls ranged from cooking, Dumpster, clothes dryer, electrical wiring and equipment fires, to food left on the stove, carbon monoxide detector activations, assistance for wind and storm conditions, gas leaks, and incendiary or malicious intent.

The good news is that Downers Grove experienced no civilian or firefighter deaths due to these fires. Commercial fire alarm systems and residential smoke alarms helped to alert occupants and notify the fire department during the early stages of fires, which helped protect lives and property. Commercial sprinkler systems did their job when the heat of fires triggered their activation, even when no one was on the premises, and helped to extinguish fires before the department arrived.

What were some of the most common causes of theses fires in Downers Grove? It is not surprising that the reasons for our fires closely mirror those represented by national fire statistics; human error, electrical malfunction, unsafe housekeeping habits, improper disposal of fire place embers, improper use of smoking materials, unattended cooking and intentionally set fires. We continue to adjust our education and prevention efforts based on this data.

To start this new year safely, we recommend that all families take the time to perform a home inspection. Better yet, call the fire department and have a member visit your home to check out conditions with a trained eye, and to make suggestions for improved safety.

Chief Phil Ruscetti commented: “The department has placed a great deal of effort into preventing fires. Although the Village is well prepared to fight fires when they occur, we would rather not have the lives of residents and firefighters, as well as anyone’s precious property, placed at risk.The department has adopted a very pro-active education program that reaches all ages and demographics within our village. We are also assisted in this endeavor by a highly motivated Fire Prevention Division. The Division works professionally and with a great emphasis on customer service to assure the buildings in Downers Grove are fire safe.”

The Downers Grove Fire Department takes pride in its highly trained firefighters and paramedics, and its state-of-the-art equipment. They will always be there when you need them, but let’s all try to avoid the devastation of a fire in the first place by practicing fire safety throughout the year.

We look forward to a safe 2009!