Alto Pass Fire Dept.

09/26/2025

This is spot on to what we deal with day in and day out. We appreciate all of the support we get from our district and our surrounding communities. Thank you all.

Rural fire departments are being squeezed by "fire inflation". What does that look like?
Between 2018 and 2023, the average cost of structural PPE surged by 35-40% (Source: NVFC-OSHA-Comments-071624.pdf). Since obtaining a quote in January 2025 for wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the KFS grant, the cost of this PPE has increased by 12.4%, from $928.92 to $1061. Similarly, the quote for our Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) wildland PPE on September 16, 2024, was $887.17, reflecting a 16.4% increase over eight months.

The cost of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) rose 32% between 2018 and 2023 (Source: NVFC-OSHA-Comments-071624.pdf). The current prices are even higher, although exact figures are unavailable. LCFD #5's SCBAs are 24 years old and in need of replacement. Each SCBA costs approximately $9,000 and we would require a minimum of 12.

The price of fire apparatus has doubled. In 2016, a new fire engine cost $586,000, whereas in 2025, the price escalated to $1,300,000. Delivery times have extended to four years, prompting many departments to seek the same used engines we would typically pursue, thereby driving up prices further on quality used apparatus.

The cost of used pickups has also soared compared to pre-pandemic levels. For instance, the prices for used Chevy 3500s (source: Cargurus) were as follows:
• 2020: $46,764
• 2021: $50,564
• 2022: $55,027
• 2023: $59,636

08/14/2025

With school starting up. Here are some things to keep your kiddos safe.

🚸 School buses are back on the road!
Remember to slow down, stay alert, and give them plenty of space. 🚌
Here are a few safety reminders from our partners at the Department of Transportation:
✅ Stop for school buses with their stop arm extended
✅ Watch for children crossing the street
✅ Never pass a bus loading or unloading passengers

Let’s keep our kids safe this school year! 💛

07/30/2025

07/02/2025

Thank you to all brothers in wildland firefighting. But especially our own Jacob Hess we are lucky to have him.

July 2, 2025 marks the fourth annual National Wildland Firefighter Day. Established in 2022, National Wildland Firefighter Day is an opportunity to honor wildland firefighters and fire support personnel, whose contributions to public safety and the safeguarding of natural resources are often unseen by the public. Thank you to all of our fire personnel fighting against the growing threat of wildland fires - we appreciate you!

06/14/2025

This is so true. Everybody please read and be prepared.

🔥 A Critical Message from Your Murphysboro Fire Department: Every Second Counts! 🔥

The nature of home fires has changed dramatically in recent decades, making early detection and rapid escape more critical than ever.

Did you know?

* Just 40 years ago, residents typically had around 17 minutes to escape a house fire after it started.
* Today, that crucial window has shrunk to a mere 3 to 4 minutes.

This drastic reduction in escape time is a direct result of changes in modern construction and home furnishings. Contemporary materials and synthetic products ignite faster, burn hotter, and produce more toxic smoke, accelerating fire spread exponentially.

What does this mean for YOU and YOUR FAMILY?

It means that preparedness isn't just important—it's essential for survival. There's simply less time to react. The speed at which fires now develop underscores the absolute necessity of working smoke alarms and a well-practiced home escape plan. It also highlights why a rapid, professional fire response is paramount; minutes saved by firefighters mean lives saved.

Your Action Plan for Fire Safety:
* Test Smoke Alarms Monthly: Ensure alarms are installed on every level of your home and inside every sleeping area. Replace batteries annually, or alarms every 10 years.
* Develop & Practice an Escape Plan: Work with your family to create a clear plan. Identify at least two ways out of every room.
* Establish a Meeting Place: Choose a safe, identifiable spot outside your home, a reasonable distance away.
* Get Out & Stay Out: Once you've escaped, never re-enter a burning building for any reason.

The Murphysboro Fire Department is here 24/7, ready to respond to emergencies. But our strongest tool is a prepared community. Please take these steps seriously – your life, and the lives of your loved ones, depend on it.

05/29/2025

It may not be pool weather today, but summer is here and pools will become a hot spot to cool off. It's important to be aware of electrical hazards while enjoying the water. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe this summer.

04/14/2025

Our friends and partners from Illinois State Police remind drivers to SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER for STOPPED EMERGENCY VEHICLES!

Already in 2025, ISP has suffered five move over crashes resulting in four troopers injured. Since the beginning of 2019, ISP has suffered 71 Move Over Law injury crashes, including three troopers killed. There were hundreds more Move Over Law crashes over those years involving fire and IDOT vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, and others.

04/02/2025

03/27/2025

A fire in a garage can spread quickly to the house. Keep these tips in mind to help prevent an accidental fire from occurring.

⛽Store oil, gasoline, paints, propane and varnishes in a shed away from your home.
⚠Keep items that can burn on shelves away from appliances.
🔌Plug only 1 charging appliance into an outlet.
🚫Don't use an extension cord when charging an appliance.