Evanston Fire Department

09/05/2026

A member of our water rescue team taking a Citizen Fire Academy participant out on Lake Michigan to discuss water rescue.

09/05/2026

It was a perfect day for the Citizen Fire Academy Water Operations class today. We were able to get participants out on our jet skis, boat and review water rescue operations with them.

09/04/2026

September Fire Safety Message:
College Housing

As students head back to college this fall, the Evanston Fire Department reminds students and families to make fire safety part of the move-in process.

Before settling into a dorm, apartment, or other college housing, take a few minutes to check for working smoke alarms, clearly marked exits, two ways out, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and safe electrical outlets.

Knowing how to get out before an emergency happens can save valuable time when every second counts.

Visit usfa.fema.gov for more information or resources.

08/07/2026

UPDATE: 8/7 at 1:30 p.m. - The gas leak in front of 2145 Ridge Avenue has been stopped. Evanston Fire Department crews are packing up their equipment on scene, and the NICOR team will remain on site completing repairs over the next few hours.

Residents no longer need to shelter in place. It’s still unknown when Ridge Ave will reopen to traffic. Please continue to avoid the area until it does.

GAS LINE STRUCK IN FRONT OF 2145 RIDGE

A gas line was hit directly in front of 2145 Ridge Avenue. Ridge is closed from Noyes to Simpson. Evanston Fire Department and NICOR gas crews are on site.

- No evacuations at this time
- Fire personelle monitoring gas levels on scene
- Nearby structures are safe
- Shelter in place for the area is encouraged

Please avoid the area and let crews work. Ridge (between Noyes and Simpson) will remain closed for the next 2-3 hours.

https://lnks.gd/3/3ZZZMNP

UPDATE: 8/7 at 1:30 p.m. - The gas leak in front of 2145 Ridge Avenue has been stopped. Evanston Fire Department crews are packing up their equipment on scene, and the NICOR team will remain on site completing repairs over the next few hours.

Residents no longer need to shelter in place. It’s still unknown when Ridge Avenue will reopen to traffic. Please continue to avoid the area until it does.

GAS LINE STRUCK IN FRONT OF 2145 RIDGE

A gas line was hit directly in front of 2145 Ridge Avenue. Ridge is closed from Noyes to Simpson. Evanston Fire Department and NICOR gas crews are on site.

- No evacuations at this time
- EvaEvanston Fire Departmentnitoring gas levels on scene
- Nearby structures are safe
- Shelter in place for the area is encouraged

Please avoid the area and let crews work. Ridge (between Noyes and Simpson) will remain closed for the next 2-3 hours.

https://lnks.gd/3/3ZZZMNP

08/04/2026

The Evanston Fire Department Explorers are holding their annual Car Wash Fundraiser this Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 5, located at 2830 Central St. All proceeds go towards equipment and gear purchases for the Explorers. Please come out and support kids considering a career as firefighters!

07/31/2026

The 2026 Citizen Fire academy is coming! Have you ever wondered about the services we provide and how we provide them? All the training that is put in to this profession? Wonder what it is like to go on calls with a company? Well, you get your chance to answer those questions in this highly interactive, fun, physical and mentally challenging 10 week program. Please contact Tim Gobat for more details at [email protected].

07/27/2026

⛈️ Storm-Related Updates

We're actively responding to today's severe storms across the city. For the latest information on who to call, service impacts, and closures, please view our full storm update: cityofevanston.org/news_detail_T10_R159.php.

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For downed power lines, please stay away and report them right away to 911 or ComEd: 1-800-EDISON-1. For non-emergency issues, contact 311.

07/22/2026

All are invited to join us today at at 2:30PM at Firefighters Park at the corner of Simpson & Maple Streets to Honor our Fallen Firefighters and Police Officers. Today is the 41st Anniversary of Firefighter/Paramedic Marty Leoni’s Ultimate Sacrifice at a house fire at 1927 Jackson. We would be honored to have you join us.

07/11/2026

Tomorrow… Be there!🍔🍔🚒🚔

07/11/2026

Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger! Be at the Firehouse Grill tomorrow to watch the Fire Department douse the Police Department’s flames at the Grill Off! All proceeds go to the Evanston First Responders Foundation that helps support the Fire & Police Departments.

The proprietor of Chicago's famed Billy Goat Tavern, immortalized b...