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1. What fire codes do the Peoria Fire Department Utilize?

The Peoria Fire Department utilizes the 2012 International Fire Code and 2015 National Fire Prevention Association's (NFPA 101) 2015 Life Safety Code (LSC). Note: the NFPA 101 2015 LSC (State Code) is mandated by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). In the utilization of these identified codes; the most stringent shall be used when applicable.

The OSFM-adopted LSC is applicable statewide in all occupancy classifications with the exception of public elementary and secondary schools under the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Board of Education and single- two-family dwellings, where the code is adopted as a recommendation only.

The LSC requires compliance in both new and existing occupancies. While certain LSC requirements pertaining to existing occupancies are less stringent than those applicable to new occupancies, the State Code does not exempt or grandfather any existing occupancies from code compliance.

2. Does the City of Peoria provide food for firefighters?

No. Firefighters are responsible for providing all of their own food.

3. Do you fill swimming pools? Do you rent meters?

The Peoria Fire Department does not fill swimming pools or rent meters.

4. How can I get my blood pressure taken?

Just stop by your neighborhood fire station and ask one of the officers to take your blood pressure. See the Staff Directory for a list of stations.

5. How can I schedule a speaker?

You can schedule a speaker by calling our administrative office at 309-494-8700, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

6. I want to become a firefighters. What requirements do I need to fulfill in order to become a firefighter?

A list of job requirements and applications can be obtained from the Human Resources Department in City Hall, located at:
419 Fulton Street
Peoria, IL, 61602
Phone: 309-494‑8575 

Once an application is received, the applicant will be notified in advance of the next testing date. The Peoria Fire Department tests every two years.

7. I would like to arrange a visit to a fire station. How do I schedule this?

Tours for all fire stations can be scheduled by calling our administrative office at 309-494-8700, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

8. My cat is up a tree. Can you get it down?

We do not get cats down from trees, as this would delay our response to emergency calls such as medical, rescue, and fire. If you have such a problem, please contact Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) (phone: 309-672-2440), and they will assist you.

9. What is the City's ISO rating for fire protection?

In 2002, the City of Peoria received a “2” from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a provider of data, underwriting, risk management, and legal/regulatory services to property-casualty insurers and other clients.

10. When can I burn trash or yard debris in my backyard?

The City of Peoria has a strict policy against open burning in the City limits of Peoria. Open burning is only allowed for recreational purposes (camp fire, wiener roast, etc.), providing a fire permit ($10 fee) is obtained. For more information on open burning and/or recreational fire permits, contact Division Chief of Fire Prevention Nate Rice at 309-494-8700 or 309-494-8794.

11. When I'm driving down the road and hear or see a fire truck with its lights and sirens on, what's the best thing to do?

Slow down and try to move safely to the far right-hand lane, if possible.

12. Where is the Fire Station nearest to my house?

To find the nearest fire station, download the Fire Station map (PDF).

13. Why do a fire engine and an ambulance both respond to a medical call?

The City of Peoria EMS (Emergency Medical System) is a two-tier system. The Peoria Fire Department is the first responder, with 19 paramedics and 7 intermediates. The transport agency is the second component.

The Peoria Fire Department responds with basic life support (BLS-B Med) and advanced life support (ALS) non-transport capabilities first and provides life-savings techniques. When the advanced life support (ALS) transport agency arrives on scene, care is transferred to them.

This two-tier system works well because the Peoria Fire Department can respond, on average, in four minutes or less and have the patient stabilized and ready to go once the transport agency arrives.