Through its Fire Prevention Bureau, the District provides a balanced approach to fire protection and application of the five Es – Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Early Warning & Early Suppression. This is accomplished with five key strategies:
- Educate the public on fire safety practices
- Building plan review to assure compliance with approved codes
- Inspections to assure compliance with applicable codes and standards
- Thorough fire cause & origin investigations to implement fire prevention action plans
- Hydrant tests to assure adequate suppression water supply
The Bureau is staffed with four full-time personnel that work Monday through Friday during normal business hours. While primarily assigned to the Bureau, these personnel maintain certification as firefighters and paramedics, regularly respond to emergency calls, and participate in regular training with shift personnel. Bureau activity also includes multiple inspection of over 1,200 commercial, educational, and multi-family occupancies, building plan reviews, fire investigations, counseling sessions with juvenile firesetters and their parents, and hydrant inspections.
Building & Fire Codes
For information on building and fire codes in use for a specific area within the District, contact the following:
| Jurisdiction | Contact Information |
| Village of Vernon Hills | Building Division (847) 367-3704 http://www.vernonhills.org/departments/BuildingDivision.asp |
| Village of Long Grove | Building & Permitting (847) 634-9440 http://www.longgrove.net/Building_and_Permitting.htm |
| Village of Hawthorn Woods | Building Department (847) 438-5500 http://www.vhw.org/index.aspx?nid=79 |
| Village of Kildeer | Building Department (847) 438-6000 http://www.villageofkildeer.com/building-division |
| Indian Creek & Unincorporated Lake County | Lake County Planning, Building & Development (847) 377-2600 http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Planning/Default.htm |
Additionally, the District’s Board of Trustees has adopted an amended version of the 2009 International Fire Code through Ordinance 12-O-12.
Public Education
Part of the Fire Prevention Bureau, the Public Education Division is responsible for communicating Countryside’s fire safety message to all of its customers from pre-school age through senior citizens. This is accomplished through community programs including block parties, CPR & first aid classes, the annual open house, and special events as well as through school programs reaching all grades from pre-school through eighth as well as high school students. The Public Education Division also provides safety education content for this website.
Personnel
Isabel “Bella” Ogurek
Director Community Outreach
Casey Stafseth
Fire & Life Safety Educator
Stanley Olson
Fire Inspector
Rudy Perocho
Fire Inspector
Joel Severin
Firemedic/Inspector
Ron Cielek
Lieutenant/Firemedic-Division Chief of Fire Prevention
