Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

10/15/2026

🚒 HRFD Behind the Scenes: Annual Hose Testing

This week, the crew at Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department Station 1 performed annual pressure testing on our fire hoses.

Hose testing is an important part of keeping our equipment ready for emergencies. Each hose is pressurized to check for potential problems, including leaking couplings, abrasions, and holes that could compromise its performance.

Regular testing helps ensure our hoses are in good working condition and ready to perform when our community needs us most.

Keeping our equipment ready so we can keep our community safe! 🚒

10/13/2026

🚒 What's the Difference Between a Fire Engine and a Ladder Truck? 🚒

Have you ever wondered why a fire department has both fire engines and ladder trucks? While both play an important role in fighting fires, each has its own specialized equipment and responsibilities!

🚒 Fire Engine

A fire engine is primarily designed to put water on a fire. Engines carry water, fire hoses, and equipment used to supply water and extinguish fires. Firefighters use engines to stretch hose lines, attack fires, and protect nearby buildings. Engines may also carry tools for vehicle accidents, rescues, and other emergencies.

🚒 Fire Ladder Truck

A ladder truck is designed to help firefighters reach elevated areas and perform rescues. Depending on the truck's design and equipment, it may have an aerial ladder or platform, ground ladders, and specialized tools for ventilation, forcible entry, and search and rescue. Ladder trucks are especially valuable when firefighters need to reach upper floors or access the roof of a building.

👨‍🚒 Why Do We Need Both?

At a structure fire, the engine and ladder truck work together as a team. Engine crews focus on getting water to the fire, while ladder truck crews can assist with rescues, ventilation, searching the building, and accessing elevated areas. Their combined efforts help firefighters operate safely and effectively.

🔥 The Bottom Line: Fire engines bring the water and the hose lines, while ladder trucks bring the reach and specialized tools. Together, they help protect our community!

❤️ Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department is proud to serve our community, one call at a time!

10/11/2026

The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Camp I Am Me through the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

The grant funds will be used to purchase a portable, inflatable smoke house, which will serve as a valuable tool for fire prevention and safety education. The smoke house will allow firefighters to provide hands-on demonstrations, teaching children and community members how to recognize fire hazards, practice safe evacuation techniques, and safely escape a smoke-filled environment.

The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department thanks Camp I Am Me and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance for supporting our efforts to educate the community and help keep our residents safe!

10/10/2026

Fire Prevention Week Safe Charging Tip 6

10/09/2026

The crew at Station 2 wishes everyone a happy, enjoyable weekend! 🚒 Stay safe out there. From all of us at the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department!

10/09/2026

Fire Prevention Week Safe Charging Tip 5

10/08/2026

Fire Prevention Week Safe Charging Tip 4

10/08/2026

Fire Safety Visit to Kid’s Spot

On Tuesday, Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department firefighters from Station 1 stopped by Kid’s Spot to check smoke detectors and teach the children what to do in the event of a fire.

To help the children become familiar with what a firefighter looks and sounds like in an emergency, one firefighter put on full personal protective equipment. The children were taught that if there is a fire, they should go to a firefighter for help.

The children also learned important fire safety skills, including:

Crawl low to an exit if there is smoke.
Check doors for heat before opening them.
Stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.
Line up and calmly follow instructions when exiting a building.

The visit also included a tour of the fire engine, giving the kids an opportunity to see the equipment firefighters use every day.

A big thank you to Kid’s Spot for having Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department spend time with the kids and help teach them these important fire safety lessons!

10/07/2026

Fire Prevention Week Safe Charging Tip 3

10/07/2026