Older Adults Face Higher Fire Risks, Experts Offer Safety Tips

State agencies provide guidance to help seniors reduce home fire dangers and increase chances of survival.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:53pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph showing the internal bone structure and veins of an elderly person's hand reaching for a ringing smoke alarm on a nightstand, conveying the fragility and urgency of the situation.An X-ray image reveals the urgency for older adults to have working smoke alarms that can provide early warning during a fire emergency.Peoria Today

Older adults over 65 are twice as likely to die in fires compared to the general population, with the risk increasing further as people age. The Illinois State Fire Marshal and Department of Public Health have issued safety recommendations for seniors, including sleeping on the ground floor, keeping essential items within reach, and practicing fire escape plans. Experts emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms and addressing common fire hazards like space heaters and overloaded electrical outlets.

Why it matters

Older adults often face greater mobility challenges and require more time to evacuate during a fire emergency. Providing education and resources to help seniors prevent and respond to home fires can significantly improve their chances of survival.

The details

According to the United States Fire Administration, adults over 65 are twice as likely to die in a fire compared to the general population. The risk increases to three times higher at age 75 and four times higher at age 85. In Central Illinois this year, two adults over 60 have died in fires in Chillicothe and Spring Bay. The state agencies recommend seniors sleep on the ground floor, keep essential items like eyeglasses and mobility aids near the bed, and practice fire escape plans. Preventing fires is also key, such as keeping space heaters away from flammable items and avoiding overloaded electrical outlets.

  • In 2026 so far, two adults over 60 have died in fires in Chillicothe and Spring Bay, Illinois.

The players

Sameer Vohra

Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Tyler Millar

Public Information Officer at the Chillicothe Fire Department.

Nate Rice

Division Chief of Fire Prevention at Peoria Fire Department.

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What they’re saying

“It's really often an issue of safety and mobility, and creating the right kind of educational pathway so that you're aware of the risks that can create fires and really the strategies that can be able to fix them.”

— Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health

“Most of the fires we respond to come from everyday situations, cooking, heaters, or electrical issues. For older adults, it really comes down to the basics. Make sure smoke alarms are working, keep clear pathways and exits, and don't let small things turn into bigger problems.”

— Tyler Millar, Public Information Officer at the Chillicothe Fire Department

“For the older generation who may have mobility issues, and it takes them a little bit longer to get out of their house, that early notification from a smoke alarm is so key in them surviving and getting out of the house.”

— Nate Rice, Division Chief of Fire Prevention at Peoria Fire Department

What’s next

The Peoria Fire Department has a program where firefighters will install smoke alarms in people's houses, which can be especially helpful for seniors who struggle with using ladders. Residents need to fill out an online form to use this service.

The takeaway

Older adults face a significantly higher risk of dying in home fires, underscoring the importance of proactive fire safety measures and education for seniors. By addressing common fire hazards, ensuring working smoke alarms, and providing resources to improve emergency preparedness, communities can help protect their most vulnerable residents.