Need Help from Flossmoor Fire? Department Charges Some for Its Services

Should motorists driving through Flossmoor be involved in an accident, they might have more to pay than the repairs for their car.

The Flossmoor Fire Department is one of more than a dozen in the suburbs that will charge non-residents for services provided during an incident, report NBC5 and the Better Government Association.

At least 15 Chicago-area fire departments now charge fees for responding to accidents and vehicle fires. Approximately half of the departments began the billing practice last year as an alternative source of revenue. Most will be charged flat rates or flat fees for the services. 

Other departments that charge include: Alsip, Berkeley, Blue Island, Broadview, Calumet Park, Chicago Heights, Forest View, Hillside, Maywood, Midlothian, North Palos Fire Protection District, Roberts Park Fire Protection District, Stone Park and Westchester, according to the report. 

Departments have been allowed to charge for services since 1996. Some departments' billing practices are questionable, said an investigator with the BGA.

"They bill per firefighter and they bill per engine so it raises questions as to whether or not they are billing for the services that are actually needed on the scene," said BGA investigator Katie Drews.