Park Forest Fire Chief Urges Residents to Call 911, Not Social Media, for Concerns

Burning garbage or yard waste is prohibited in the village, and officials say the fastest way to get help is by calling emergency services.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:37am

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Park Forest Fire Chief Mark Cotrano is advising residents to call 911 or the non-emergency number if they have concerns about issues like neighbors burning garbage or yard waste, rather than posting about it on social media. The village's municipal code limits what can be burned outdoors, and officials say burning household waste can pose health risks and be a nuisance, especially during dry conditions when fires can spread quickly.

Why it matters

This guidance from the fire chief highlights the importance of using proper channels to report public safety concerns, rather than relying on social media which may not be monitored closely by authorities. It also underscores the fire risks and health hazards associated with improper outdoor burning, which is prohibited in Park Forest.

The details

According to Cotrano, a Park Forest resident recently turned to social media to raise concerns about a neighbor allegedly burning garbage in a backyard. However, the fire chief says the best way to report such issues is by calling 911 or the non-emergency number, as village officials were unable to locate the original social media post. The village's municipal code only allows small recreational fires using clean, dry, untreated wood, and burning household garbage or yard debris is strictly prohibited.

  • This week, temperatures are trending warmer, leading more residents to spend time outdoors and begin spring yard cleanup.

The players

Mark Cotrano

The Park Forest Fire Chief who is advising residents to call 911 or the non-emergency number to report concerns, rather than posting about them on social media.

Park Forest

A village in Illinois where burning household garbage or yard debris is prohibited by municipal code, and where the fire department responds to calls for service even in unincorporated areas within the village boundaries.

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What they’re saying

“Oftentimes, people vent on social media about things that are happening in the community, but reaching out to police and fire via calling should be their first line of defense.”

— Mark Cotrano, Park Forest Fire Chief

“We want people to understand that if something is actively happening and it concerns safety, the fastest way to get help there is by calling.”

— Mark Cotrano, Park Forest Fire Chief

What’s next

Village officials encourage residents with questions about open burning regulations to contact the Park Forest Fire Department directly for clarification before lighting any outdoor fire.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of using proper emergency reporting channels like 911, rather than relying on social media, to address public safety concerns in a timely manner. It also underscores the fire risks and health hazards associated with improper outdoor burning, which is prohibited in Park Forest to protect the community.