FAQ’S

Frequently Asked Questions

We receive many questions throughout the day. Reference to the list below regarding the most frequently asked questions. If your questing is not listed below, please call (630) 897-9698 for assistance.

What do I do when I am driving and see approaching emergency vehicles displaying sirens and red lights?

Safely pull to the right and stop until the emergency vehicles have passed. Be aware that, at times, there may be more than one emergency vehicle that needs to pass.

Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies?

Automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Secondly, firefighters are trained Emergency Medical Technicians that can assist with patient care or assist in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 dispatcher. Firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help than not enough.

A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishing, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention when firefighters become trapped or injured.

Why do I have to dial “911”? Would it save time if I call the fire station direct?

The firefighters might not be at the station when you call. Even if they are, the firefighters will still have to contact 911 so that other emergency responders are notified. The 911 emergency system is designed to save valuable seconds. When you dial 911, the system routes the police or fire unit that is closest to your home. Only call the fire station with non-emergency business.

How do I get a copy of a fire incident report?

Call the Fire Department at (630) 897-9698. It can usually be available for pickup, faxed to you, or sent via regular mail.

How many smoke detectors do I need for my home?

Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms or family rooms. Smoke detectors need to be tested once per month, and batteries should be changed when you change your clock to and from daylight savings time.

What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home?

Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle class A-B-C fires. This type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes including wood, paper, flammable liquids and electrical fires

Where can I get fire extinguishers refilled?

The fire department does not service or refill fire extinguishers. Look in the Yellow Pages under fire extinguisher or fire extinguishing systems.

Are fireworks legal in Kane County?

Fireworks are illegal in Kane County, unless used as part of a public display for which a permit has been issued. For more information, contact the Fire Marshall’s Office at (630) 897-9698.

Can I have a fire pit at my home?

Fire pits that comply with the North Aurora Fire Prevention Ordinance #2005-02 (Section 302.1) are allowed to be used at homes in North Aurora. [An outdoor fire utilized to cook food for human consumption, or wood fires burned in metal, or porcelain finished metal, portable outdoor fireplace structures manufactured by a qualified manufacturing firm, are allowed as long as the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper placement and operation of the fireplace are followed.]

I need help installing my child’s car safety seat. Who should I call?

The North Aurora Fire Department has certified car seat installers. You may call us at (630) 897-9698 to set up an appointment or reach out to us in the contact section.

When is a Lock Box required and how do I obtain one?

A Lock (Knox) Box is required for gaining access to or within a structure, or an area unduly difficult because of secured openings, or to gain access to fire protection controls, and where immediate access is necessary for life saving or fire fighting purposes. Keys for locked areas are kept in the Lock Boxes for fire department to gain access to the facility in case of an emergency.

Commercial Lock Box: $175.00
Residential Lock Box: $75.00 ($25 deposit for seniors)

How do I arrange a fire station tour or have someone come speak to our group?

Call the Fire Department at 897-9698 or e-mail [email protected].

Why does latex paint need to be solidified before disposing of it?

Paint cans pop open in garbage trucks, the paint leaks out of the truck onto local streets, and gets on peoples’ cars, resulting in VERY upset people.

How should I dispose of latex paint?

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency no longer accepts leftover latex (water-based) paint in its Household Hazardous Waster (HHW) collections. Modern latex paint is not considered hazardous for the environment. It can be placed in your regular garbage once it has been solidified. If there is just a small amount of paint remaining in the can, take the lids off and let the paint evaporate outside. For fuller cans, stir in an absorbent (either kitty litter or oil dry work well). Leave the lids off and place the solidified cans in your garbage. Empty, dry paint cans and lids can be placed in your recycling bin.

I have several old cans of paint, solvents and thinners. How can I safely dispose of household-generated hazardous materials?

The Naperville Fire Station #4 on the corner of Route 59 and Brookdale (1/2 mile south of I-88) accepts household hazardous waste every Saturday and Sunday (except holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more info, call 630-208-3841.

Acceptable Materials

Aerosol Products
Antifreeze, Motor Oil, Gasoline
Batteries – Auto & Household
Blacktop Sealer
Cleaning Products and Solvents
Hobby & Photography Chemicals
Lawn Chemicals and Pesticides
Mercury (Thermostats, Thermometers, and Fluorescent Tubes)
Oil Based Paints, Stains, & Finishes
Pharmaceuticals
Pool Chemicals

Non-Acceptable Materials

Ammunition or Gun Powder
Biological or Medical Wastes
Explosives or Fireworks
Farm Machinery Oil
Cleaning Products and Solvents
Fire Extinguishers or Smoke Detectors
Latex Paint

Can I come to the fire station to have my blood pressure checked?

Personnel at either North Aurora fire station can check your blood pressure free of charge. Contact [email protected] for further details.

How can I tell if someone near me might be having a stroke?

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify, and the ultimate determination should always be made by medical professionals. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and act immediately.

Now, doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking a few simple questions:

Ask the individual to SMILE and RAISE BOTH EYEBROWS
Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS
Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE

If the individual has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

What is the North Aurora Fire Department’s ISO rating?

Currently, the North Aurora Fire Department maintains a fire protection class rating of “Class 1” through the Insurance Service Office.

How big is your service area and population?

We serve 10 square miles with approximately 18,000 permanent residents within the fire protection district.

What do firefighters do when they are not on calls fighting fires?

When firefighters are on shift, training and equipment maintenance takes up a good deal of their time when they are not on calls. Firefighters constantly train so they are ready to handle any type of emergency. Firefighters also conduct fire safety inspections in businesses and provide public education for the local schools and community. Firefighters must also maintain and clean their stations.

Where do I submit plans for Fire Department review?

A minimum of 2 copies of plans to be reviewed for North Aurora need to be submitted to the Fire Prevention Bureau at the North Aurora Fire Department Administrative Offices at 2 Monroe Street, North Aurora, IL 60542.