How Do obtain A Copy of My Fire Report or Ambulance Report for My Insurance?

To obtain a copy of your personal fire report or ambulance report, contact Administrative Assistant Angie Koehne at akoehne@beecherfire.org, (708) 946-6585 for a release form. A driver’s license or state I.D. is required to submit a request.

I Received an Ambulance Bill and I Have a Question; Who Do I Contact?

For ambulance billing questions or concerns please contact the following: Andres Medical Billing, Ltd. 3223 North Wilke Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 

Phone: (800) 244-2345  Fax: (800) 329-5274

What Is Your Patient Privacy Policy?

The Beecher Fire Protection District is strict about maintaining the privacy of patients. We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We will not release any information regarding patient care except under the provisions of HIPAA. Information will be released to the patient, legal guardian of minors, legal documentation authorizing the release to a certain person(s), authorization through court orders, and other provisions of HIPAA. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to protect everyone’s privacy.

How Do I Submit a Freedom Information Act (FOIA) Request?

Download a FOIA Form print and submit by mail, in person, or by email to akoehne@beecherfire.org.

Freedom of Information Officer Contact:
Angie Koehne
Administrative Assistant
711 Penfield Street
P.O. Box 759
Beecher, IL 60401
(708) 946-6585
akoehne@beecherfire.org

How Do I Know What Fire District I Live In?

Your tax bill will be your first go-to for this question. 
 

Can I Burn Leaves?

If you choose to burn your leaves, please do so safely. It is illegal to burn leaves and large piles within the Village limits.
Leaves can only be burned on private property and burning is not permitted in the right-of-way or on any street. Fires in the right-of-way damage the
pavement and are a hazard to pedestrians and the traveling public.
 
Keep your fire at a manageable size, do not leave fires unattended, and avoid burning on windy days. If a fire gets out of control, call 911 immediately.
Leaves generated on your property may be burned on your property. As a reminder, the burning of grass clippings, large branches, or garbage is prohibited.
 
Do I Have to Call the Fire Department If I Plan on Having a Controlled Burn?

Yes, but first check local ordinance to see if it is legal to burn in your area.  Once you have confirmed you can conduct a controlled burn contact our fire station at (708) 946-6585. We will need to gather the following information:
 
Name and callback number, address, and length of time you plan to burn for.
Remember, keep your fire at a manageable size, do not leave fires unattended, and avoid burning on windy days. If a fire gets out of control, call 911 immediately.
 
Who Should I Call For An Emergency?

Dial 9-1-1 for Emergencies.
 
I Bought A New Swimming Pool. Can the Fire Department Fill It?

No. We do not provide this service.
 
Can I drop off my old medication and sharps at the fire station to be disposed of?

We do not accept medication or sharps containers. Below are drop off locations for expired medications:

Beecher Police Department 
724 Penfield Street
Beecher, IL 60401

Phone: (708) 946-2341

*Cannot accept controlled substances, narcotic medications, illegal drugs, bio-hazard materials, sharps/needles, radioactive materials, and household wastes. Personal information should be blacked out with a marker.
For Sharps Disposal: In Illinois, household containers that are puncture-proof with a tight-fitting lid, such as plastic detergent bottles, can be used if heavy-duty tape is used to secure the lid to the container. Write the words “Do Not Recycle” on the container with a permanent marker and place it in the regular garbage bin. Never place the container in the recycle bin. Please refrain from using clear or glass containers.
Please visit the following website for additional medical disposal information: http://www.willcountygreen.com/greenguide/pharm.aspx

How Do I Dispose of Household Chemicals?

To dispose of latex paint, simply let it air dry or mix some absorbent material into it. When dry, set it out for your regular refuse service. You may need to leave the lid off the can to demonstrate to hauler personnel that it is indeed a dry material and not a full, liquid can of paint.
To dispose of oil-based paints or other unwanted household chemicals, check with the IEPA at www.epa.state.il.us for a current list of the one-day household hazardous waste collection events in your area.

Fire Extinguisher Disposal

There are many companies in the area that will recharge a spent fire extinguisher.
If you have a small extinguisher, the company may not recharge it. It’s cheaper to buy a new one.
Larger metal fire extinguishers can, if not being recharged, be left for scrap.

FESSCO Fire Extinguisher Services
725 Old Monee Rd 
Crete, IL 60417
(708) 672-0411

How often should smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors be replaced?

It is recommended every 10 years for smoke alarms, 6 years for carbon monoxide detectors, and at least once a year for the batteries in those alarms/detectors. You should check the batteries once a month.

Can The Firefighters Assist With Smoke And CO Detector Installation?

If you have purchased new alarms, you can make an appointment for one of the firefighters to help you install them.  Please call the fire station to schedule an appointment at (708) 946-6585.

How Do I Dispose of My Old Smoke & CO Detectors?

Some can be disposed of in the regular trash, some may have to go to a recycling drop-off.  Read the instructions on the back of the detector/alarm.

Why Do I See A Fire Engine/Ambulance at The Grocery Store?

To ensure the most effective service at the time of an emergency, our crews must remain in/near their designated response territory with their fire trucks during their entire shift. Our crews work 12 and 24-hour shifts with no scheduled breaks, and meals are not provided by the District. Personnel on each shift must purchase their own food and prepare their own meals.
Fire and Ambulance crews do not have to be sitting in the fire station to be dispatched to a call. Since all District units maintain constant radio contact with Dispatch and the entire crew must always be together with their vehicle, they are always ready to respond to any emergency, regardless of their current location or non-emergency assignment. Our firefighters and paramedics may often spend long periods of their day running calls, without returning to the station or stopping to eat.

Can I Bring My Child/Or Group to Tour the Fire Station?

Yes, we are happy to provide tours based on the availability of personnel.  It is always helpful if you can call ahead and schedule.  For group tours: Please contact the fire station to schedule an appointment. Tours last approximately 30-45 minutes.

Can We Have a Birthday Party at The Fire Station or Have the Fire Engine Come to Our House for a Birthday Party?

Sorry, we are unable to host or attend birthday parties; however, you are welcome to schedule a tour for the birthday group and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Can A Fire Engine Come to Our Block Party?

Yes. We have to limit our visits to one hour. Due to inclement weather or emergency responses, we may have to cancel last minute. 

Is It Possible to Have A Firefighter Give A Fire Safety Presentation To Our Group?

Absolutely! Our Public Education Coordinator speaks on various fire safety topics.

Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act

In August 2001, the Illinois legislature passed the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act (Public Act 92-0432). Similar to other states, Illinois’ Safe Haven law allows a parent to safely relinquish an unharmed infant up to 30 days old, anonymously, without fear of prosecution.
The Beecher Fire Station serves as a safe haven under the Illinois Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act, which offers a protected legal alternative to unsafe infant abandonment.
There are many new parents who feel they cannot take care of their child and that there is nowhere to turn. The Illinois Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act allows parents to relinquish their unharmed infants to staff in safe havens while remaining anonymous and avoiding civil or criminal liability.
An unharmed newborn up to 30 days old may be handed off to a staff member at a hospital, an emergency medical care facility, a staffed police station, and/or a staffed fire station with NO QUESTIONS ASKED and NO FEAR OF PROSECUTION.

TOLL-FREE CRISIS HOTLINE
1-888-510-BABY
Beecher Fire Station
711 Penfield Street
Beecher, IL 60401