Bloomington Fire Department to expand social services while keeping fire prevention central

The Bloomington Fire Department is working to expand social service offerings while maintaining a focus on fire prevention; Capt. Frank Friend highlighted basic prevention steps such as working smoke alarms and two exits. The department reported recent community work including sheltering displaced residents after a Tracy Drive fire and conducting mass CPR and prevention engagements.

The Bloomington Fire Department is reinforcing fire prevention work while expanding social service offerings and other department resources. Capt. Frank Friend said prevention remains the top priority even as the department seeks to raise awareness of its broader services. He pointed to simple prevention measures taught in school and noted those were absent in a fatal house fire last November. The department also described recent responses where social services were used to reduce the impact on residents. What we know: - The department is working to expand social service offerings alongside ongoing fire prevention and code enforcement efforts. - Capt. Frank Friend identified working smoke alarms, two exits from a home, and closing doors at night as key ways to prevent fatal house fires. - A fatal house fire last November that killed Tashika Stover, 40, and her 17-year-old son, Hayden, was reported as lacking those prevention measures. - A recent Tracy Drive fire displaced 29 people; no injuries were reported and the Bloomington Fire Department partnered with the American Red Cross to provide shelter. The property had been recently inspected and had smoke alarms, functioning fire doors, and multiple exits. - The department reported 64 preventative engagements last year, including mass CPR training that reached about 400 outgoing eighth graders and 70 State Farm volunteers. - BFD partners with Illinois State University’s nursing program, has piloted outreach work, and plans to hire a graduate student to assist with data collection and resource outreach; the department estimates about 50% of calls could use some type of social or follow-up service. Summary: Expanding social service outreach is presented as a way to reduce the longer-term impact of emergencies while maintaining core prevention work. The department plans to continue pilot programs with Illinois State University and to bring a graduate student on board for data and outreach this year.