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Area fire departments and districts seeking new revenue streams (more)
The Better Government Association recently published an editorial highlighting a growing practice among several fire departments in the Chicago area: charging non-residents for emergency services during motor vehicle accidents. This issue, often referred to as a "crash tax," has raised concerns about fairness, transparency, and the impact on accident victims.
As part of our mission to identify potential problems before they escalate, we looked into this trend after discovering that at least 15 Cook County suburbs now bill non-residents for emergency responses. This means that if you’re involved in a car accident, even if it’s minor or not your fault, you could end up receiving a costly bill from a fire department — especially if you're not a local resident.
Some departments charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $250 to $400 per engine and $35 to $75 per firefighter. Others use flat fees, which can go as high as $2,200 depending on the situation. These charges aren’t limited to major incidents — they can apply to routine tasks like traffic control, debris cleanup, or waiting for a tow truck.
Traditionally, these services were covered by property taxes paid by local residents. However, with many municipalities facing budget shortfalls, some are turning to alternative revenue sources, including billing accident victims. The idea is that insurance companies will cover these costs, but that’s not always the case.
Take the example of Daryl Jenkins Jr., who was hit with a $390 bill after a small fire broke out under the hood of his SUV. His brother had called 911, and the Broadview Fire Department responded quickly. Yet, despite the minor nature of the incident, Jenkins received a charge for one engine and four firefighters. He wasn't insured, and the bill eventually went to a collection agency.
The Broadview Fire Department argues that non-residents don’t pay local property taxes, so they shouldn’t expect free emergency services. While this logic may seem fair on the surface, the reality is that these fees often fall on individuals who are already in a vulnerable position — those who’ve just been in an accident and may not have the financial means to cover unexpected costs.
This practice raises serious ethical questions. First, it can feel predatory to target people who are already dealing with the trauma of an accident. Second, there's a risk of abuse — fire departments might send more personnel than necessary to increase the bill. And third, the process is inconsistent, relying heavily on whether an insurance company approves or denies a claim.
We understand that municipalities need innovative ways to fund their operations without increasing property taxes. But when it comes to emergency services, there must be clear safeguards in place to protect accident victims from being financially burdened again after an already stressful event.
It’s time for a conversation about how these fees are structured, who pays them, and how they’re enforced. After all, emergency services should be a safety net — not a second crisis.