Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I obtain a fire or ambulance report?

• If you are requesting a fire report for yourself, you may call 630-365-6855, Ext. 114 to be sure your report is ready to be released. The completed report can be picked up from the Fire Department Administrative Office, 200 E. Route 38 Elburn, IL with valid identification. If you are requesting a fire report for anything other than your property, a Freedom of Information request form is required for release.

        CLICK HERE to submit a FOIA request.

• If you are requesting an ambulance report for yourself, you may call EMS|MC customer service at 866-827-8469 to be sure your report is ready to be released. An ambulance report is considered a medical record and can be released to the patient, with proper identification. If you are requesting an ambulance report on behalf of someone other than yourself, a proper release form signed by the patient is required before the report is released. Please contact the Fire Department Administrative Office for assistance, 630-365-6855.

• To request an ambulance report, CLICK HERE to access the EMS|MC patient portal.

• A Patient Authorization/HIPPA form will also be required. CLICK HERE for the Patient Authorization/HIPPA authorization form.

2. Who do I call if I need to provide insurance information for my claim or have billing related questions for ambulance services?

• To provide insurance information and/or with billing questions, please contact EMS|MC customer service at 866-827-8469

3. Can I burn leaves &/or brush on my property or in village limits? 

• CLICK HERE for Kane County’s Burning Regulations.  Check with your local village for any specific ordinances they may have.
• CLICK HERE for an ECFPD Burn Permit. 

4. How do I obtain a burning permit?

         CLICK HERE for FAQ Building Permits

5. What is a Supra Box and do I need one? 

• A heavy-duty key box for commercial buildings and residential homes.
• Kidde's Supra Box is a small wall-mounted safe that holds building keys for fire departments to gain quick access in emergency situations, while keeping unauthorized individuals out.  The industrial key boxes are strong and durable.

• Commercial buildings with fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, over one story tall and/or over 1,000 square feet are required to have a Supra Box. For further information:  https://lockbox.shopkidde.com/

• Residential, wall mount or over-the-door style, supra boxes are available at ECFPD.

6. How do I get a new fire sign?

• CLICK HERE to request a new or replacement fire sign

7. How do I dispose of an old fire extinguisher or get a fire extinguisher recharged?

• To dispose of a fire extinguisher: While outside, squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to ensure there’s no pressure or chemical inside.  After emptying the extinguisher, take the fire extinguisher canister to a local recycling center for collection and proper disposal.

• The average lifespan of a fire extinguisher is between 10 and 12 years.  The best place to go to recharge your fire extinguisher is a certified fire equipment dealer.  Someone there can recharge your device, usually for a small fee, so it will work when you need it most.

8. Do you offer free blood pressure checks? 

• Yes, you may stop in at any of our 3 fire stations.
• At times, there may not be anyone available due to being out of the station on a call or fire inspection. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

          Station #1, 200 E. Route 38, Elburn              

          Station #2, 39W950 Hughes Rd., Elburn      

          Station #3, 5N276 Wooley Rd., Lily Lake     

9. If I have an emergency, is it best to drive to one of your stations?

• NO! If you have any kind of emergency, you should dial 911. If you drive to the station, the firefighters might be on another call, and it will take longer to get help to you than if you had called right away.

10.  Can I bring my children to visit the fire station?

• Yes, please call first. 

          Station #1            630-365-6855

          Station #2            630-262-9911

          Station #3            630-642-5350

11.  What is an ISO rating?

• Using a uniform set of criteria, incorporating nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and American Water Works Association (AWWA), ISO issues a Public Protection Classification (PPC) grade rated 1 (Best) to 10 (Does not meet minimum requirements).

12.  What is the ISO rating for the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District (ECFPD)?

• Effective February 1, 2020, the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District will be an ISO Class 2 for all hydrated areas within the fire district. All rural areas within 1,000 feet of an approved draft hydrant will also be an ISO PPC 2. Any areas within the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District within 5 road miles from one of our Fire Station(s) or an auto-aid station and greater than 1,000 feet from a hydrant or approved draft hydrant will be an ISO Class 4.

• Areas that are outside of the above parameters may be an ISO Class 10. Many insurance companies utilize these independent evaluations as a factor for determining property insurance rates. Lower ISO rates may mean lower insurance premiums for our businesses and homeowners.

• Please visit our map, CLICK HERE, explaining how your property may fall within these regulations, and continue to follow us on Facebook (Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District)!   

13. Why does the engine come when I call for an ambulance?

• Our Fire District staffs Paramedic engines with advance life support providers and specialized equipment.  Often times the engine will be the first arriving unit to initiate care until the patient is transferred to the medic unit.  We also utilize a “Pit Crew” approach to critical emergency medical calls, where a team of emergency responders complete essential tasks in an independent, but coordinate manner.  This approach enables us to provide advance care in a time-efficient way.

14. Why do I see the engine and/or ambulance driving with their lights on and then they shut them off?

• Depending upon the information provided by a 9-1-1 caller we may be sending more than one piece of equipment to an incident.  Upon arrival of the initial unit on scene, they may cancel or downgrade the response for any additional resources.

15. Why do I see firetrucks or ambulances at the grocery store?

• We are staffed for twenty-four hour shifts, so the fire station is our “second home”.  There are often times where we need groceries, cleaning supplies, and other materials to feed our members and maintain our “homes away from home”.  Each station is limited to one visit per day, and are to be coordinated with other readiness, training, or maintenance activities.  Also, Firefighters are responsible for paying for their own meals.  Often they take advantage of daily sales and low cost items.

16. Can I get a department t-shirt?

• No, we do not sell or trade department t-shirts. Uniforms including t-shirts are only to be worn by district personnel.

17.  I collect department patches. Can you send me one or can we trade?

• No, we do not sell or trade department patches. ECFPD patches are assigned to district personnel only.