Fire alarms in South Beloit raise concerns over emergency response
“We need a fire truck to respond to a fire alarm.”
The City of South Beloit experienced two fire alarms this week, prompting concerns about emergency response capabilities. A smoke investigation at Papa John’s on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 and a fire alarm at Clark Elementary School on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 required emergency services, though no actual fire was present at either location.
These incidents have raised concerns among South Beloit citizens and South Beloit School District Superintendent Scott Fisher. The initial response to both events was not from a fire engine but an ambulance, as the City of South Beloit had only two firefighters available during both shifts. Fire service is contracted through the Town of Beloit.
For the smoke investigation at Papa John’s on Monday, an ambulance arrived first, with the Town of Beloit Fire Department immediately dispatching a fire engine to the scene. The City of Beloit Fire Department, monitoring radio communications, dispatched Engine 111 from its headquarters, as it was closer to the scene.
On Tuesday, a fire alarm sounded at Clark Elementary School at 2:20 p.m. Superintendent Scott Fisher explained that when a fire alarm is triggered, a third-party vendor immediately contacts 911 dispatch. Although this was a false alarm, Fisher expressed concern that a fire engine was not the first to respond.
"You know, it's not acceptable. Obviously, we need a fire truck to respond to a fire alarm," Fisher stated. He added that the district is exploring its options and that he has proactively reached out to South Beloit City Council members and staff to address the issue.
These events highlight ongoing concerns about South Beloit’s emergency response capabilities, with some citizens urging local officials to address the staffing shortages in the fire department to ensure adequate coverage for future incidents.
