IL HB4601

Fire protection districts may appeal to the State Fire Marshal when a county denies their request for multiple access points (streets or driveways) to a new fire station.

Appeals must include evidence such as the number of apparatus bays and emergency vehicles, operational necessity for simultaneous deployment, and proposed location and function of each access point.

Counties may submit counter-evidence showing why a single access point is sufficient, including safety concerns, traffic impacts, or alternative solutions.

The State Fire Marshal must issue a binding decision within 90 days of receiving the appeal (or 90 days after receiving additional requested information) and must conduct a site visit before deciding.

The State Fire Marshal's decision is final and cannot be appealed by either the county or the fire protection district.