Fire chief warns of spike in residential fires; department offers smoke-detector installations

Fire Chief Poplar reported a recent cluster of residential fires in and around St. Francis and urged residents to make use of the department's prevention programs, including free smoke-detector installations and battery distribution. "If it doesn't happen, we don't need to respond," Poplar said, describing prevention as the fire department's top duty.

Poplar recounted several recent calls, including incidents with no working smoke detectors and a case the department said could have resulted in multiple fatalities if an occupant had been asleep. He said the department conducts public-education outreach in schools and will install detectors and batteries in homes when requested.

Poplar also described proceeds from a recent community chili cook-off in which Engine House 19 placed first. Part of the cash award will go to local public-outreach programs and the St. Francis High School track and field team; the department said teams donated portions of their winnings to a Kenosha fire family after a recent line-of-duty death.

Police Chief Hunter said two department vehicles—a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2020 Dodge Durango—will be placed on Wisconsin Surplus for sale, with proceeds going to capital funds for future vehicle purchases. Hunter said he would provide council members with links when the listings are active.

No formal votes or policy changes were taken on public-safety programs during the meeting. The chiefs asked residents to contact the respective departments for smoke-detector installation, battery replacement, or other public-safety assistance.