Ward & Associates Forensic Fire Investigations, Inc.

09/09/2026

The In Memory Of Our Fallen Heroes, Elwood Community Days 5k Run & Walk 2026 is on Friday September 11, 2026.

09/01/2026

🎓🔥 Back-to-School Fire Safety: Know Your Escape Routes!

This week, the OSFM is featuring 7 back-to-school fire safety topics to help students stay safe this school year.

Most students have been on campus for a week or two now. Have you taken a few minutes to plan your escape and identify the ways out of your on- or off-campus housing?

📚 It’s just as important to study your fire escape plan as it is to prepare for your first big test!

🚪 Don’t wait—find your escape routes today. Know two ways out of every room, keep exits clear, and make sure everyone you live with knows the plan.

08/30/2026

🔥🍫 The crackle of a campfire + the gooey goodness of s’mores = the perfect weekend treat! 😋

As you enjoy the fire, keep safety in mind. 🪵🔥 Keep campfires a safe distance from anything that can burn, never leave them unattended, and make sure the fire is completely out before you leave.

And don’t forget about burn safety when cooking and enjoying those s’mores! Supervise children around the fire, use long roasting sticks, and give those toasted marshmallows a chance to cool before taking a bite.

Have fun, stay safe and enjoy those s’mores! 🔥❤️🍫

08/28/2026

🔌 more than 3,000 home fires originate with extension cords each year?

Planning a midweek project or simply need a little extra power around your home? Make sure you’re using the right extension cord for the job.

✅ Choose a cord rated for the intended use and electrical load.
✅ Inspect cords for damage before using them.
✅ Keep cords away from heat and water.
🚫 Never plug one extension cord into another.
🚫 Don’t use extension cords as a permanent wiring solution.

A few simple steps can help keep your next project safe! 🔥🏠

08/27/2026

🚨 2026 Smoke Alarm Blitz 🚨

Departments from across Illinois are signing up to be part of the 2026 Smoke Alarm Blitz! Join the OSFM and our friends and partners at Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance to help get as many working smoke alarms as possible into homes across the state. 🏠🚒

📅 October 18-24

Busy that week? No worries! Pick a week that works for your department and Blitz Your Community! Every smoke alarm installed can help save a life.

Let's work together to make Illinois safer—one home at a time! ❤️‍🔥

Register here: https://www.ifsa.org/prevention-resources/blitz/

08/24/2026

🔥 End-of-Summer Fire Safety Tips 🚒

As we enjoy the final days of summer, remember that hot, dry conditions can turn a small spark into a wildfire. Keep these tips in mind:

🏕️ Campfires: If your campfire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Follow the Drown, Stir, Drown, and Feel method to make sure it’s completely out.

🔥 Debris burning: Never leave a debris burn unattended. Only burn when conditions are safe and burning is permitted in your area.

🚗 Watch where you drive and park: Avoid driving or parking on dry grass or tall weeds, which can ignite from hot vehicle components.

⛓️ Check your tow chains: Make sure they’re properly secured and never dragging on roads or grass—they can create sparks and start a wildfire.

🛠️ Maintain your equipment: Regularly inspect vehicles, trailers, and outdoor equipment for anything that could create heat or sparks.

🌬️ Know the conditions: Don’t burn or use spark-producing equipment when weather conditions are hot, dry, or windy.

A few extra precautions can help keep your community—and our wildlands—safe. ❤️‍🔥

08/22/2026

Hello Everyone-

Please remember to register now for our 2026 Chapter Conference and Business Meeting! If you are a Chapter member and you register before September 1, 2026, your registration fee will be $295. If you register after September 1, the registration fee is raised to $395. This year’s conference is lined with great instructors, and the fellowship is always fun and festive. Don’t wait- come join us!

Below is a copy of the conference brochure and registration instructions.

08/18/2026

As we prepare for the 31st Annual Terrence Hoyle Memorial Golf Open, we want to recognize the businesses, organizations and individuals whose generous support makes this event possible.

To all of our Gold, Silver, Lunch and Hole Sponsors — THANK YOU!

We also extend our special appreciation to Bliss Creek Golf Course and Head Golf Professional Alex Chapple for their hospitality and continued support of our outing.

We are incredibly grateful to have each of you as part of the Terrence Hoyle Memorial Golf Open. Your support helps us continue a tradition that has made a difference for more than three decades.

Please join us in thanking our 2026 sponsors!

08/15/2026

08/14/2026