Deer Creek Fire Department - Website Archives

Website Article Archives

New Fire Extinguisher Trainer - 12/1/08

The Deer Creek Fire Department has taken delivery of a new digital fire extinguisher training system. This new training tool was purchased with funds from a donation by State Farm Insurance. The BullEx system uses a computer-controlled propane burner to accurately simulate different classes of fires. Participants use special extinguishers that can easily be recharged using compressed air and water. The system senses whether the trainee is using the proper sweeping motion with the extinguisher and adjusts the flames accordingly. This new tool will allow the department to offer free fire extinguisher training to area businesses and residents. In the past, offering this type of hands-on training was cost-prohibitive because of the expense of recharging and maintaining an adequate supply of extinguishers. If you live or have a business in our district and would like to participate in a free hands-on training course, please email us.

Thermal Imaging Camera Placed in Service

The Deer Creek Fire Department recently placed a new Scott Eagle Imager 160 thermal imaging camera (TIC) into service. This heat-sensing camera can be used to search for victims in smoky environments, find hidden hotspots and fires, and for many other operations.

Car Fire 10/18/08

Deer Creek firefighters were called to an early-morning car fire on Interstate 74. The Goodfield Fire Department responded as a mutual aid agency and was able to quickly extinguish the fully involved vehicle. Deer Creek and Goodfield firefighters were on scene for about an hour. The vehicle was a total loss.

EVOC Training 9/27/08

Department members recently took a course in Emergency Vehicle Operations. The classroom portion of the course included information on laws and standards regarding emergency vehicle operations on roadways. After the classroom session, firefighters completed a drive test through an obstacle course to show proficiency in operating department apparatus.

Trailer Fire 9/13/08

Firefighters were called to the scene of a commercial vehicle trailer that had started on fire. The trailer was not connected to a truck, and the fire was quickly extinguished. Fire crews were on scene for about 30 minutes.

Motor Vehicle Accident 9/2/08
Firefighters and EMTs were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident. The vehicle had left the pavement and become lodged across a creek. Occupants were able to exit the vehicle. Deer Creek Fire Department personnel attended to the patients and secured the scene until the vehicle could be removed.

Debris Fire 8/6/08
Firefighters were called to the scene of a debris fire that had grown out of control and was threatening several adjacent buildings. Upon arrival, firefighters found the debris pile fully involved and quickly extinguished the fire and protected the exposed buildings, preventing fire spread. Firefighters were on scene for approximately one hour. More pictures from this fire can be found here.

Deer Creek Firefighters Support St. Jude

On Saturday, August 2nd the St. Jude marathon runners made their way through Deer Creek on their run from Memphis, TN to Peoria, IL. The Deer Creek Fire Department showed their support for the runners by welcoming them into town and escorting them on their route down US Highway 150.

Storm Damage Cleanup - 6/15/2008

On Father's Day a line of severe thunderstorms made their way through the Village, causing storm damage including several large trees that fell throughout town. Firefighters assisted residents with clearing trees and debris from Village roadways.

New Tanker Arrives! - 3/24/08

The Deer Creek Fire Protection District has taken delivery of a new 2008 Pierce Contender DX series tanker. This tanker replaces a 1978 converted farm truck. The new truck has a 3000 gallon tank and a 500 gallon per minute PTO pump. The truck was purchased with funds from a federal FIRE Act grant. This new tanker will offer a significant improvement in safety and response capabilities for the Deer Creek Fire Department. To see more pictures of the tanker being delivered, click here. To view the Department's press release announcing the new delivery, click here.

Deer Creek Fire Department Awarded $171,000 FIRE Act Grant for New Tanker - 11/23/07

The Deer Creek Fire Department has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $171,000. The money will be used to purchase a new water tanker fire truck to replace the department's 1978 tanker. The truck to be replaced is a 1978 converted farm truck that was never designed to be a firefighting vehicle. The AFG award will allow the department to purchase a new tanker that is reliable, holds more water than the old truck, and meets the latest NFPA vehicle standards.

See the list of awardees

The Deer Creek Fire Protection District has received new set of hydraulic rescue tools and vehicle stabilization jacks. These tools are used to extricate patients who have been trapped in their vehicles in car accidents. They can also be used for other rescue operations. The equipment, which is valued at over $18,000, was purchased with funds awarded by the Illinois Small Equipment Grant Program. This is a competitive grant program administered by the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office. Before receiving these tools, the Deer Creek Fire Department had to rely on neighboring departments to provide extrication tools if they were required at an accident scene. With the new tools in service, the department will be able to begin rescue operations immediately upon arriving on the scene of an accident, which will lead to quicker removal and better patient care. Click here to view a press release. Click here to view photos and video of the tools in action when the were being evaluated for purchase.

The Deer Creek Fire Protection District has received new turnout gear for all of its firefighters courtesy of FEMA. The new gear, which is the protective clothing worn by firefighters, replaces gear that in some cases was over twenty years old. The new protective clothing is lighter, better fitting, and safer than the old gear it replaces. In addition, the new gear meets the latest NFPA standards, which require safety features such as reflective striping and a built-in drag rescue device (DRD). Click here to see more pictures of the new gear. Click here to view a press release.


	Home About Us Apparatus History Get Involved Call Log Ordinances Sign Rental Community Archives Calendar Contact Us	Website Article Archives New Fire Extinguisher Trainer - 12/1/08 The Deer Creek Fire Department has taken delivery of a new digital fire extinguisher training system. This new training tool was purchased with funds from a donation by State Farm Insurance. The BullEx system uses a computer-controlled propane burner to accurately simulate different classes of fires. Participants use special extinguishers that can easily be recharged using compressed air and water. The system senses whether the trainee is using the proper sweeping motion with the extinguisher and adjusts the flames accordingly. This new tool will allow the department to offer free fire extinguisher training to area businesses and residents. In the past, offering this type of hands-on training was cost-prohibitive because of the expense of recharging and maintaining an adequate supply of extinguishers. If you live or have a business in our district and would like to participate in a free hands-on training course, please email us. Thermal Imaging Camera Placed in Service The Deer Creek Fire Department recently placed a new Scott Eagle Imager 160 thermal imaging camera (TIC) into service. This heat-sensing camera can be used to search for victims in smoky environments, find hidden hotspots and fires, and for many other operations. Car Fire 10/18/08 Deer Creek firefighters were called to an early-morning car fire on Interstate 74. The Goodfield Fire Department responded as a mutual aid agency and was able to quickly extinguish the fully involved vehicle. Deer Creek and Goodfield firefighters were on scene for about an hour. The vehicle was a total loss. EVOC Training 9/27/08 Department members recently took a course in Emergency Vehicle Operations. The classroom portion of the course included information on laws and standards regarding emergency vehicle operations on roadways. After the classroom session, firefighters completed a drive test through an obstacle course to show proficiency in operating department apparatus. Trailer Fire 9/13/08 Firefighters were called to the scene of a commercial vehicle trailer that had started on fire. The trailer was not connected to a truck, and the fire was quickly extinguished. Fire crews were on scene for about 30 minutes. Motor Vehicle Accident 9/2/08 Firefighters and EMTs were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident. The vehicle had left the pavement and become lodged across a creek. Occupants were able to exit the vehicle. Deer Creek Fire Department personnel attended to the patients and secured the scene until the vehicle could be removed. Debris Fire 8/6/08 Firefighters were called to the scene of a debris fire that had grown out of control and was threatening several adjacent buildings. Upon arrival, firefighters found the debris pile fully involved and quickly extinguished the fire and protected the exposed buildings, preventing fire spread. Firefighters were on scene for approximately one hour. More pictures from this fire can be found here. Deer Creek Firefighters Support St. Jude On Saturday, August 2nd the St. Jude marathon runners made their way through Deer Creek on their run from Memphis, TN to Peoria, IL. The Deer Creek Fire Department showed their support for the runners by welcoming them into town and escorting them on their route down US Highway 150. Storm Damage Cleanup - 6/15/2008 On Father's Day a line of severe thunderstorms made their way through the Village, causing storm damage including several large trees that fell throughout town. Firefighters assisted residents with clearing trees and debris from Village roadways. New Tanker Arrives! - 3/24/08 The Deer Creek Fire Protection District has taken delivery of a new 2008 Pierce Contender DX series tanker. This tanker replaces a 1978 converted farm truck. The new truck has a 3000 gallon tank and a 500 gallon per minute PTO pump. The truck was purchased with funds from a federal FIRE Act grant. This new tanker will offer a significant improvement in safety and response capabilities for the Deer Creek Fire Department. To see more pictures of the tanker being delivered, click here. To view the Department's press release announcing the new delivery, click here. Deer Creek Fire Department Awarded $171,000 FIRE Act Grant for New Tanker - 11/23/07 The Deer Creek Fire Department has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $171,000. The money will be used to purchase a new water tanker fire truck to replace the department's 1978 tanker. The truck to be replaced is a 1978 converted farm truck that was never designed to be a firefighting vehicle. The AFG award will allow the department to purchase a new tanker that is reliable, holds more water than the old truck, and meets the latest NFPA vehicle standards. See the list of awardees New Rescue Tools Arrive! - 11/21/07 The Deer Creek Fire Protection District has received new set of hydraulic rescue tools and vehicle stabilization jacks. These tools are used to extricate patients who have been trapped in their vehicles in car accidents. They can also be used for other rescue operations. The equipment, which is valued at over $18,000, was purchased with funds awarded by the Illinois Small Equipment Grant Program. This is a competitive grant program administered by the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office. Before receiving these tools, the Deer Creek Fire Department had to rely on neighboring departments to provide extrication tools if they were required at an accident scene. With the new tools in service, the department will be able to begin rescue operations immediately upon arriving on the scene of an accident, which will lead to quicker removal and better patient care. Click here to view a press release. Click here to view photos and video of the tools in action when the were being evaluated for purchase. New Turnout Gear Arrives! - 11/1/07 The Deer Creek Fire Protection District has received new turnout gear for all of its firefighters courtesy of FEMA. The new gear, which is the protective clothing worn by firefighters, replaces gear that in some cases was over twenty years old. The new protective clothing is lighter, better fitting, and safer than the old gear it replaces. In addition, the new gear meets the latest NFPA standards, which require safety features such as reflective striping and a built-in drag rescue device (DRD). Click here to see more pictures of the new gear. Click here to view a press release. Deer Creek Fire Department Awarded $40,613 FIRE Act Grant for Turnout Gear - 7/27/07 The Deer Creek Fire Department has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $40,613. The money will be used to purchase new protective turnout gear for firefighters. Many department members are currently using turnout gear that is over ten years old, and in some cases, over twenty years old. The AFG award will allow the department to purchase new gear that is lighter, safer, and more comfortable than the old gear that is currently being used. The new gear will also meet the latest NFPA standards that the old gear does not meet. See the list of awardees Award Announcement on Firehouse.com Recent Extrication Training and Tool Evaluation at DCFD The members of the Deer Creek Fire Department recently evaluated several different brands of hydraulic rescue tools. These types of tools are used to extricate patients that have been trapped in motor vehicle accidents. Manufacturers' representatives first demonstrated the equipment and then allowed department members to participate in hands on training and evaluation. Click here to see more pictures of the evaluation and training. Dry Hydrant Training at DCFD The members of the Deer Creek Fire Department recently trained on drafting from dry hydrants. Dry hydrants are pipes that are placed in ponds and other bodies of water to allow easy access to a water supply for rural fires. These are different from hydrants placed in towns because they are not pressurized. Instead, a fire truck is used to suck water from the pond. Click here to see more pictures of the training. If you live in our district and have a pond or stream that you are interested in placing a dry hydrant in please contact us. Deer Creek Fire Department Awarded $18,700 Small Equipment Grant from Illinois Fire Marshall's Office - 6/31/07 The Deer Creek Fire Department has been awarded a grant in the amount of $18,700 through the Illinois Fire Marshall's Small Equipment Grant Program. The funds will be used to purchase a set of hydraulic extrication tools, which are more commonly known as "Jaws of Life". The department does not currently have any hydraulic rescue tools, which can make it difficult to extract patients from vehicles that have been involved in traffic accidents. The new tools will greatly increase the department's response capabilities and will result in better patient care. The department will be evaluating tools from several different manufacturers throughout the coming weeks before making a purchase. Recent Live Fire Training at DCFD The Deer Creek Fire Department recently conducted vehicle extrication and live car fire training. Two donated vehicles were provided for the training, which allowed firefighters and EMTs to practice their skills in trapped patient removal and firefighting. Click here to see more pictures from the training event. New Carbon Monoxide Detector Law In Effect as of Jan 1, 2007 The Illinois Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (Public Act 094-0741), requires that Carbon Monoxide detectors be placed within 15 feet of every bedroom for all residences in Illinois. This law took effect January 1, 2007, and applies to both existing residences and new construction. The carbon monoxide alarm may be combined with a smoke detector, or it can be a separate unit. Landlords are required to supply tenants with the devices. For more information about the new law, you can read the full text of the law on the Illinois General Assembly's web page or a synopsis sheet created by the Illinois Fire Chief's Association. For more information on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide and how to make sure your home is safe, see U.S. Fire Administration's Carbon Monoxide information site. If you have any questions about the new law or about the dangers of carbon monoxide, please contact us. Did You Know? The Deer Creek Fire Protection District includes portions of both Tazewell and Woodford counties. Click here to see our district coverage map.