The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District is always looking for homes to use in practicing fire fighting skills such as searching for trapped victims, forcing open of doors and windows, cutting of roofs and walls to attack fire, and burning of small fires inside rooms to simulate a real fire. All of these things can be done using an existing building that is scheduled for demolition. The use of donated homes allows the Fire Department to conduct the best possible training for its fire fighters and insure better service to the community.

For each house used, the Fire Department enters into a Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement with the property owner relieving him or her of responsibility and liability for the house during the time the Fire Department is using the house.

In order for the fire department to fully utilize the structure, we require access to and use of the house for a minimum of eight consecutive days. Additionally, we require four weeks prior to this to secure the necessary permits from the state and county. In order for us to conduct this type of training we must adhere to national regulations which dictate that we inspect and prepare each house before training on them begins. Since a house may not be demolished without environmental remediation first, working with the fire department should not affect a homeowner or builders timetable.

Ideally, the earlier you notify us that we can use the house the better it is for us to plan our activities and prepare. So if you are considering demolition and could accommodate us, please call us as soon as possible. Your ability to accommodate us will be greatly appreciated. We can accommodate requests to limit training to only certain activities, such as not burning.

If you are interested in donating the use of your home to the Fire Department or have any questions about this program contact Deputy Chief Drew Smith at the fire station at 847-253-8060 or by email at dsmith@phfire.com.