On April 24, 2025, firefighters and staff from the Champaign Fire Department, Building Safety Department, and Equity & Engagement department collaborated in a proactive effort to enhance fire safety within the community. Their joint initiative involved a thorough canvassing of the neighborhoods surrounding Spaulding Park. This groundwork was laid in preparation for the upcoming Fire Alarm Blitz, scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd.
The Fire Alarm Blitz, sponsored by the Sheehan Family, is a vital community service program designed to provide crucial preventative fire safety measures directly to families in need. During this event, trained personnel will conduct essential testing of existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within residents’ homes. For families lacking these life-saving devices or whose current detectors are non-functional, the team will provide and professionally install new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, free of charge. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and fatalities by ensuring that vulnerable households have the necessary early warning systems in place.