Effingham Fire Department

Effingham Fire Department In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

Mission Statement

The Effingham Fire Department's mission is to protect life and property from loss, suffering and damage due to fire, rescue situations, environmental and homeland security emergencies within the community, as safe as possible, through public education, code management, and incident response. Vision Statement

The Effingham Fire Department, based on the strategic planning proce

ss, endeavors to:
•Maintain community involvement and promote continuity through the use of full-time and part-time personnel
•Strive to sustain a high level of service
•Promote high training standards for all firefighters
•Focus on the physical fitness of all firefighters
•Strive to attain the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives
•To continually improve

The Effingham Fire Department is proud to host the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association’s Introduction to Fire Inspectio...
09/07/2026

The Effingham Fire Department is proud to host the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association’s Introduction to Fire Inspections class!

📅 October 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
📍 Effingham Fire Department, 505 W. Fayette Avenue

There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so register early at www.IllinoisFireInspectors.org.

🚜 HARVEST SEASON SAFETY 🌽Harvest season is beginning across our area. As farmers head to the fields and large equipment ...
09/07/2026

🚜 HARVEST SEASON SAFETY 🌽

Harvest season is beginning across our area. As farmers head to the fields and large equipment returns to the roadways, the Effingham Fire Department reminds everyone to slow down, stay alert, and help keep this harvest safe.

For motorists:
• Watch for slow-moving farm equipment, especially on rural roads and near field entrances.
• Slow down early and allow plenty of following distance.
• Never pass unless you have a clear view and can do so legally and safely.
• Remember that equipment may need to swing wide before turning.
• Be patient—a few extra minutes is never worth risking a life.

For farmers and equipment operators:
• Make sure lights, reflectors, and slow-moving vehicle emblems are clean and visible.
• Inspect equipment regularly and remove accumulated dust, chaff, and crop residue from hot surfaces.
• Keep properly rated fire extinguishers on combines, tractors, and support vehicles.
• Shut equipment down before clearing blockages or performing repairs.
• Keep children and bystanders away from operating equipment, grain bins, and moving vehicles.
• Always carry a phone and know the address, nearest roadway, or field location in case you need to call 911.

Harvest is one of the busiest and most important times of the year for our farming community. Please give farmers the room and patience they need to work safely.

From everyone at the Effingham Fire Department, we wish our area farmers a safe and successful harvest! 🚒🌾

🥪 A Big Thank You to Jersey Mike's Subs! 🚒A huge thank you to Jersey Mike’s for stopping by the Effingham Fire Departmen...
09/04/2026

🥪 A Big Thank You to Jersey Mike's Subs! 🚒

A huge thank you to Jersey Mike’s for stopping by the Effingham Fire Department today and providing subs for our crews!

We truly appreciate you thinking of our firefighters and taking the time to bring lunch by the station. The subs were great, and the kindness and support from our local businesses never goes unnoticed.

Thank you, Jersey Mike’s, for supporting the Effingham Fire Department and our firefighters! 🚒🥪❤️

08/29/2026

Today reminded us just how fortunate we are to live in a community that shows up when it matters most.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Effingham Fire Department, Effingham Volunteer Firefighters, Effingham Police Department, 911 Dispatchers, and all emergency responders who quickly responded to a small fire at Crisis Nursery of Effingham County today.

Thanks to their professionalism, expertise, and rapid response, the situation was quickly brought under control. Most importantly, everyone remained safe, and there was no damage to our building.

We are also incredibly proud of our staff, who followed emergency procedures and evacuated safely.

Thank you to the men and women who dedicate themselves to protecting our community every day. We are deeply grateful for your service and support.

❤️ We are blessed to call Effingham home.

🚨 SEMI-TRUCK CRASH & FIRE – INTERSTATE 70 🚨On Saturday morning, the Effingham Fire Department responded to westbound Int...
08/29/2026

🚨 SEMI-TRUCK CRASH & FIRE – INTERSTATE 70 🚨

On Saturday morning, the Effingham Fire Department responded to westbound Interstate 70, just east of Mile Marker 90, for a crash involving two semi-trucks, with one reported on fire.

Upon arrival, crews found one tractor-trailer heavily involved in fire, with debris and cargo covering both westbound lanes. Firefighters deployed a hose line and used water and firefighting foam to bring the fire under control. Crews also extinguished fire that had spread into the roadside vegetation.

The incident resulted in an extended closure of westbound I-70 while firefighters, law enforcement, IDOT, and cleanup crews worked to make the scene and roadway safe.

RuralMed EMS evaluated both drivers. One driver was transported to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital with minor injuries, while the other was evaluated at the scene and declined transport. No firefighter injuries were reported.

🤝 EFD was assisted by the Shumway Fire Department, Altamont Fire Protection District, RuralMed Effingham County, Illinois State Police, and Illinois Department of Transportation, along with additional personnel and resources involved in the roadway cleanup.

We also want to thank Effingham Police Department Dispatch for coordinating the numerous agencies and resources involved in the response.

The crash is being investigated by the Illinois State Police.

🚒 Please remember: When approaching emergency vehicles on the interstate, slow down, move over, and give responders room to work. Our firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, highway workers, and tow operators are working just feet away from moving traffic.

Thank you to everyone who assisted with today’s incident and to motorists for their patience during the extended closure.

📸 Aerial photos courtesy of J Will Photography.

08/25/2026

If your personnel are unable to attend a Fire Inspection certification class due to time requirements or cost, this class may be for you. This is a FREE one-day class designed for personnel who would like to learn the basics of fire inspections. This is just an introduction class, and no certifications will be provided.

These Illinois Fire Inspectors Association classes will be offered at five locations around the state. Go to the training tab at iIllinoisfireinspectors.org and select Intro to Fire Inspections to register. Class size is limited.

✈️ Introductory Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Training 🚒Tonight, the Effingham Fire Department hosted an introductory ...
08/18/2026

✈️ Introductory Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Training 🚒

Tonight, the Effingham Fire Department hosted an introductory Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) class at the Effingham Police Department. More than 50 first responders attended the training, which provided a basic overview of aircraft familiarization, aircraft emergencies, scene safety, and considerations for first responders during an aircraft incident.

A special thank you to Instructors Chris Collins and Ron Bushwitz for sharing their knowledge and experience with our area responders.

Attendees represented the Effingham Fire Department, Shumway Fire Department, Watson Fire Protection District , Vincennes Township Fire Department, and the Effingham County Airport Commission.

Thank you to the Effingham Police Department for the use of their training room and to everyone who participated. Training together helps ensure our agencies are better prepared when an emergency occurs.

08/16/2026

Good morning! Today’s picture takes us to downtown Effingham on Jefferson Street.

This picture was taken by local photographer Alfred Fitch circa 1898, This shows the building that was located right next to the railroad tracks on the southeast side of Jefferson Street along with a pumper (fire engine) that was located there. (This would now be the parking lot just west of Baseball Card Connection.) This is the earliest picture I have of a pumper used in fighting fires in Effingham.

I believe in 1898 it was still a volunteer fire department in Effingham. A bell would sound and all available volunteer firemen would answer the call. Fire was an imminent danger due to the limited equipment and the water supply was often limited too. At one time the first courthouse built in Effingham was destroyed by fire. Another time most of the businesses around the courthouse square were destroyed by fire.

It wasn’t all just fighting fires. Many towns or communities were hoping to win bragging rights for having the fastest Fire Department. The firemen would also take their pumper to other communities and enter contests to see which fire hose team was fastest. Often, they would load their pumper up on a flatbed on the train and travel to the town where a contest was being held. The pumper was pulled by the strongest and fastest men available on the fire team and hose team. It was a joyous occasion when the Effingham Fire department won first place.

The Effingham Democrat newspaper had an ad on September 17, 1886 about the first annual tournament to be sponsored by the Effingham Fire Department. This would not be just a Hose Team competition but it would offer races, games, and activities for all ages. I will share part of that ad below.

The Fire Department of Effingham will give its
1st Annual Tournament
AT REICHELM’S GROVE,
EFFINGHAM, ILL.,
Friday, Oct. 1st.
Some of the best Hose Teams in Southern
And Central Illinois will be present to compete
for the three prizes, including those
from Teutopolis, Mattoon, Greenville,
Centralia, Litchfield and Champaign.

Here are the names of those men who helped put this first annual fire tournament together. This article also appeared in the Effingham Democrat on September 17, 1886.

Firemen’s Tournament
The Committee of Arrangements of the Firemen’s Tournament, consisting of I. F. Loy, Gus Naporra, R. Speck and F. W. Loy, met and appointed the following Sub-Committees, viz:
Committee on Printing – J. V. Costigan, Gus Naporra and H. Vogt.
Committee on Music – Jake Schneider, R. Speck and A. Gravenhorst
Committee to secure Railroad Rates – I. F. Loy, Jake Schneider and Wm. Jacobs.
Committee on Race Grounds – R. C. Harrah, Frank Kreke, A. Kreke, J. Thies
Committee on Invitations – Joe Worman, T. C. Wade, E. B. Gorrell.
Committee on Reception – Jake Schneider, G. F. Volkman and Frank Worman.

City Hall later was relocated to Banker Street. It was still also the home for the fire department. There was a bell tower and the bell was rung to indicated a fire. City Hall remained there for many years before moving to the southeast corner of Jefferson and Third streets.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about City Hall and the early fire department.

Wherever you may be, I wish you a wonderful day!

07/25/2026

Go to theblueline.com for full opportunity details!

07/25/2026

Press Release

Date: July 24, 2026
Incident: Structure Fire
Address: 1032 Northwood Drive

On Thursday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 9:28 p.m., the Effingham Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1032 Northwood Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire involving a second-floor bedroom.

Prior to the arrival of fire crews, an off-duty firefighter with the Altamont Fire Protection District, who was at the residence, utilized a portable fire extinguisher to knock down the fire and then closed the bedroom door. Closing the door helped limit the fire’s oxygen supply and slowed the spread of fire, heat, and smoke until firefighters arrived.

Firefighters quickly completed extinguishment, successfully containing the fire to the room of origin. Because the fire was largely confined prior to arrival, crews were able to use a minimal amount of water during suppression efforts, helping reduce additional property damage. While the fire remained confined to the bedroom, smoke damage extended throughout portions of both the first and second floors of the residence.

Rural Med EMS evaluated the occupants of the residence and the off-duty firefighter. No injuries were reported to the occupants, firefighters, or EMS personnel.

Damage to the residence and its contents is estimated at approximately $25,000. The fire was brought under control quickly, limiting both fire and water damage. The Effingham Fire Department was assisted on scene by Effingham City Dispatch, the Effingham Police Department, Rural Med EMS, and the Teutopolis Fire Protection District.

This incident serves as an important reminder that a few simple fire safety practices can make a significant difference during a residential fire. Working smoke alarms provide early warning, allowing occupants valuable time to escape safely. Keeping a portable fire extinguisher readily accessible can help control a small fire when conditions are safe to do so. Closing the door to the room involved in the fire helps limit oxygen to the fire, slows the spread of heat and smoke, and can reduce both property damage and the risk to occupants. Residents are also reminded to never leave burning candles unattended and to ensure candles are completely extinguished before leaving a room or going to bed.

Cause: Accidental – Candle
Estimated Damage: $25,000
Injuries: None

Brant Yochum
Fire Chief
Effingham Fire Department

Address

505 W Fayette Avenue
Effingham, IL
62401

Telephone

+12173422555

Website

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