Fire Department Operations

The Skokie Fire Department provides Fire and Rescue Services to the community. Highly trained and motivated firefighters and officers respond to over 10,000 calls each year. The department is responsible for the 10.06 square miles that fall within the Village of Skokie's jurisdiction and services more than 67,000 residents. The department operates under a modern set of Standard Operating Guidelines.


Strategic Plan

View the Fire Department's Strategic Plan (PDF).

ISO Class 1 Department

Since 1995, the Department has maintained the highest classification rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO). ISO conducts evaluations of fire departments to determine their response capabilities. It uses a classification system that runs on a scale from 1 to 10, with a ISO classification of 1 representing superior fire protection. An ISO Class 1 rating places the Skokie Fire Department in the top one percent of fire departments throughout the country. 

Firefighters holding a ladder

Increasing Demands for Service

Service delivery to people is the hallmark of the Skokie Fire Department. Demands on the Department continue to increase, most notably in the areas of emergency medical services, special operations and special event services. This results in programmatic impacts on:

  • Equipment and Supplies
  • Time Management
  • Training Development and Maintenance

Early Detection

Increased use of smoke detectors and automatic sprinkler systems will result in earlier detection and control of structure fires, which will result in fewer fire fatalities, fire related injuries and structural fire loss.

Cooperation

The Department's positive relationship with other Village departments and other fire departments will be maintained and enhanced in an effort to provide highly effective emergency services to Skokie residents.

Dedicated Professionals

Members of the Skokie Fire Department are dedicated professionals committed to safely serving the community by protecting life, property and the environment through prevention, education and emergency services. The Fire Department currently operates with 117 members, including 101 shift firefighters, paramedics and officers operating from three stations with three engines, two trucks, three ambulances, one rescue, one squad and an incident command vehicle.