This is the official Web site of the Byron Fire Protection District
Welcome to the Byron Fire Protection District’s website! Our duty is to provide the community with outstanding service aimed to safeguard our citizens and visitors, as well as their property. The Byron Fire Department strives to deliver high quality paramedic and rescue, fire suppression, fire prevention and public safety education services.
The Byron Fire District was formed in 1956. The District covers 55 square miles and serves a population of about 11,500 people, which includes the city limits of Byron. A Fire Protection Class of three (3) in the City and ten (10) in the rural area served by the District makes for the lowest fire insurance rates in Ogle County, and one of the lowest in Northern Illinois.
In recent years, the fire service has been challenged with emergency medical services, fire related incidents, water rescue, hazardous materials, and all aspects of technical rescue. The Byron Fire Department will continue and stay focused on its main goal of protecting life and property. Training our personnel to meet these challenges will continue to be a high priority.
The Fire District employs a Chief, 1 Deputy Chief and 2 Battalion Chiefs, 3 Full-Time Shift Officers, 9 Full-Time Firefighters, 31 Part-time Firefighters, an Administrative Assistant, an Accounting Manager and a Administrative Assistant / Paramedic. 1 Full-Time Deputy/Battalion Chief, 1 Full-Time Shift Officer and 3 Full-Time Firefighters work a 24-on/48-off hour shift with 3 additional Part-time Firefighters working from 5p.m. to 7a.m. each day. Byron Fire Protection District operates 2 Engines, a Heavy Rescue, 95’ mid-mount Aerial, Pumper/Tender, 2 ALS Ambulances, Grass Rig, a Special Incident Unit and a Rescue Boat. Byron Fire Protection District is also in charge of storing the MABAS Division 18 Technical Rescue Trailers.
We hope that you find the information on our website to be interesting and helpful! Any questions, concerns and, of course, compliments regarding the fire department. Please feel free to contact the station by calling 1-815-234-4911.
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What do the Sirens Mean?
- Steady Tone on the First Tuesday of each month at 10 AM – Monthly Test of the Emergency Siren. Steady Tone is for testing purposes.
- Steady Tone at Other Times: Denotes major emergency situation.
- Up and down Tone: Severe Weather alert.
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Residents should tune to local TV/Radio Stations for Information
Radio Stations to tune into
In the case of an emergency, please tune your radio to WRHL 1060 AM or WRHL 102.3 FM.
History of Community
The City of Byron was incorporated in 1878, although the town officially commemorates its founding in 1835, the year in which Jared Sanford stopped to stake a claim on his way to Midway (now Rockford).
Byron is a historic city and quaint tourist destination which is showcased by the beautiful Rock River. Byron boasts a wonderful natural setting with numerous recreational venues, such as the Byron Forest Preserve, Byron Park District and the Byron Museum of history.
The population is 3,753 within city limits (per 2010 Census), and 11,259 in the Greater Byron Area.
Community Profile
Byron at a Glance
- County: Ogle
- Townships: Byron, Marion and Rockvale
- Area Churches: Thirteen
- Schools: Two preschools, one elementary, one middle school and one high school
- Area Colleges / Universities: Four
- Police Department: One Station – Chief of Police, two Sergeants and four Patrol Officers
- Post Office: Once Branch, zip code 61010
- Government: Elected Mayor and City Council
- Utilities: NICOR Gas, Commonwealth Edison, Comcast and Frontier
- Water Supply: Three municipal wells
- Parks: Blackhawk Meadows Park, Byron Forest Preserve, Hamas Memorial Park, Sunshine Park and Tiger Town Park
- Golf Course: Prairie View Golf Club