Rockford Fire

On National First Responders Day, the Rockford Fire Department proudly recognizes and thanks our dedicated 911 telecommunicators. You are the calm voice in the chaos, the first connection to help, and a vital part of every emergency response. You may not be seen on scene, but you are there for every call. Thank you for all you do to keep our community and first responders safe!

Every day, our firefighters hit the streets, answer every call, and stand ready to serve our community. This National First Responders Day, we thank them for their courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting others.

On 10/6/26, at 0308, Rockford firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 500 block of Buckbee St. First arriving units found a large, vacant, commercial building with heavy fire in the front of the building and coming through the roof. Fire was brought under control in 15 minutes. The estimated total loss was $100,000. No firefighters or civilians were injured during operations. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Rockford Fire Department crews responded to two separate residential structure fires overnight. At approximately 10:50 p.m., crews were dispatched to the 3100 block of Summerdale Avenue. The first arriving unit encountered smoke coming from the front door and eaves. The fire was quickly brought under control. Three adults and two children were displaced. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Damage is estimated at $35,000, and the cause remains under investigation. Later, at approximately 4:43 a.m., crews responded to the 2800 block of Lapey Street, where firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the front porch with extension to the eaves. Crews brought the fire under control within 5 minutes and limited the damage to the exterior of the home. The resident was not displaced, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Damage is estimated at $25,000, and the cause also remains under investigation.

Tonight at City Council, Chief Tyo formally recognized two members of our Technical Rescue Team for their outstanding work on a recent high-angle rescue. FF/PM Quittschreiber and FF/PM Rodriquez were among the TRT members who climbed 275 feet up the broadcast tower on N. Meridian Road to reach a worker in medical distress. They carried approximately 45 pounds of rescue equipment with them on the ascent, completed the rigging and pick-off, and safely lowered him to waiting medical care. The climb itself required serious physical endurance. Doing it while wearing and carrying that load, then executing a technical pick-off as weather moved through the area, is exactly why our Technical Rescue Team trains the way it does. Proud of these two, the rest of the team, and our MABAS 8 partners who brought this operation to a safe conclusion. #RockfordFire #TechnicalRescue #MABAS8

Thank you Bay to Brooklyn riders for stopping by the Winnebago County 9-11 Memorial on your honor ride across the country today. We hope you enjoy your rest day in Rockford tomorrow. Safe travels 🇺🇸. A special shoutout to Rockford Fire’s very own Dr/Eng Kowalski who is participating in the 3600+ mile trek 🫡

Early this morning the Rockford Fire Department responded to the 2400 block of River Oaks Ln. for a carbon monoxide alarm activation.l in a 3 story townhome. When the responding Engine arrived, they found a 2-story townhome complex with heavy fire through the roof. The incident was upgraded to a working structure fire bringing additional units to the scene. The first Engine initiated an aggressive attack to contain the fire. 2 additional alarms were requested to bring additional manpower to the scene. The fire was contained to the original fire unit with smoke and water damage to 2 adjacent units. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for evaluation. No civilian injuries were reported with 3 residents displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

TECHNICAL RESCUE | 1900 BLOCK OF MERIDIAN RD. Rockford Fire responded as part of a mutual-aid response with West Suburban Fire District, our MABAS 8 partner to the 1900 block of N. Meridian Rd. for a worker experiencing a medical emergency approximately 275 feet up a television tower. Rockford Fire and MABAS 8 Technical Rescue Team members quickly went to work, ascending the tower to reach the victim and executing a pick-off rescue. The victim was safely lowered to the ground and transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Rescue Timeline • 31 minutes — TRT ascent to the victim • 48 minutes — Rigging and pick-off operation • 11 minutes — Lowering/rappel to the ground This was a complex, technical rescue requiring specialized training, equipment, and teamwork at height. We’re proud of the Rockford Fire TRT members and our MABAS 8 partners who worked together to bring this operation to a safe conclusion.

It’s raining, we’re training. Our on duty HazMat Techs took advantage of a break in the heat to practice leak control strategies in Level A suits. Station 7 is home to our Hazardous Materials Response unit. Rockford Fire Hazmat is a technician level response unit that serves Rockford, and the surrounding region.

Residential Fire- Victim Rescued This morning, Rockford Fire Department crews responded to a reported apartment fire at a three-story multi-family building with reports of a person trapped inside. First-arriving firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions in a third-floor apartment and immediately initiated simultaneous fire attack and rescue operations. The victim was removed from the building within six minutes of our arrival and transported to a local hospital, where they remain in serious but stable condition. Firefighters successfully contained the fire to the apartment of origin and the cockloft, preventing further extension throughout the building. Working smoke alarms alerted the remaining occupants, allowing everyone else to safely self-evacuate. Due to the complexity of the incident, a third alarm was requested, bringing a total response of six engines, three ladder companies, three ambulances, four chief officers, and two fire investigators. The building contains 14 apartments. Seven displaced residents are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Fire investigators have determined the fire to be incendiary in nature. The investigation remains active, and investigators have identified a suspect of interest. Our crews remained on scene for approximately three hours. We appreciate the assistance of the Rockford Police Department, Rockford Building Department, Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD), Nicor Gas, ComEd, and the American Red Cross.

Rockford Fire Department Technical Rescue Last night, our crews and Technical Rescue Team assisted police and responded to a woman who had fallen into a steep, wooded ditch behind a concrete wall. Crews quickly deployed rope systems and used the aerial ladder to safely raise her from the difficult terrain. She sustained only minor injuries and was transferred to medical care. Rope Rescue is one of many specialty rescue services our department trains and prepares for.

The crew from Station 5 today is getting some pump operations training in on this beautiful Saturday. Rockford Fire members are dedicated to always learning and improving their operational skills. Training never stops.

Overnight, fire crews responded to the 500 block of Division St. for a residential structure fire. First arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from the 2nd floor. All occupants evacuated safely and the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. There were no injuries reported and the fire is under investigation. Unfortunately, the fire displaced four adults and four children.

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Class 2025-01 Last week, Class 2025-01 successfully completed Back to the Academy, marking the culmination of a year-long probationary period and one final week of evaluations. This group demonstrated the persistence, professionalism, and commitment expected of Rockford firefighters throughout the entire process. Their success is a reflection not only of their hard work, but also of the company officers who invested countless hours training, mentoring, and holding them to our standards every step of the way. Thank you to all of the officers who helped shape these firefighters, and congratulations to the probationary firefighters for earning their place on the line. The future of the Rockford Fire Department is bright. There are some future leaders standing in this photo. #RockfordFire #BackToTheAcademy #Class202501

Rockford Fire units are on scene of a working structure fire in the 2400 block of Eastmoreland Ave. The fire is under control with no injuries reported but units remain on scene. Please avoid the area.

Congratulations to Rockford Fire Recruit class 2026-01 for graduating from the fire academy! Graduating the academy is an important milestone. But it’s just that, a milestone. The academy has prepared you for your first day on company. The firehouse will prepare you for the rest of your career. Earning the badge was never the final goal. Living up to it is. Stay coachable. Learn from the people around you. Listen more than you speak. And never stop trying to improve. #BeTheStandard

Today we celebrate Captain Doug Allen’s last shift as he retires after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Rockford. Thank you, Captain, for your leadership, professionalism, and everything you’ve given to the department and our community. Wishing you all the best in retirement — you’ve earned it!

ANOTHER RESPONSE UPDATE: The material released on Skyline Drive was WaterSOLV BC, a peroxide-based cleaning and water treatment solution. The spill was quickly contained, and a professional environmental cleanup company has secured and thoroughly cleaned the affected area. There is no ongoing release, and additional personnel may remain on scene this morning as crews complete final cleanup and safety checks. We appreciate the public’s patience as this work is finalized.