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Barrington chief questions fire district response
The *Daily Herald* recently published an article highlighting growing tensions between the Barrington Fire Department and the newly established Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District. The conflict stems from a recent house fire that occurred just outside the village’s border, raising questions about emergency response protocols and inter-department cooperation.
Barrington Fire Chief Jim Arie has publicly criticized the procedures used by the Barrington Countryside Fire District during the April 9 fire at 1025 S. Grove St. According to Arie, his department could have reached the scene in under three minutes, as their station is less than two miles away. However, the first engine from the Barrington Countryside Fire District arrived five minutes and 34 seconds after the call was made, traveling over 3.5 miles. Arie emphasized that this time difference could have significantly impacted the outcome of the fire.
“Fire doubles in size every minute,†Arie explained. “When the fire was reported, it started in the garage, but by the time the first responders arrived, it had already fully engulfed the home.†He added that it’s unusual for neighboring departments not to coordinate during emergencies. “It’s very unfortunate for everyone involved, especially the public.â€
In response, Barrington Countryside Fire Chief Jeffrey Swanson denied Arie’s claims, stating that his department handled the situation appropriately. He praised the efforts of his firefighters, who he said prevented approximately $200,000 in property damage. Swanson also pointed out that the dispatch process follows standard procedures, where neighboring departments are contacted based on pre-established lists and mutual aid agreements.
According to Swanson, Barrington Countryside does not include the Barrington Fire Department in the first group of agencies notified during fires south of Lake-Cook Road. Instead, departments from Carpentersville, East Dundee, Hoffman Estates, Cary, and Long Grove are prioritized. However, Barrington is listed in the second group, meaning they would be called if the initial departments are unable to respond.
Swanson said the district is currently reviewing its call list and is open to making changes if necessary. “If we need to adjust it, we will,†he said. Despite this, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about how emergency services should collaborate across jurisdictions, especially in areas where boundaries are close and response times can make a critical difference.
The situation highlights the importance of clear communication and coordination between fire departments, particularly in regions with overlapping jurisdictions. As both departments work through these challenges, the community is watching closely to ensure that public safety remains the top priority.
Thanks, Dan.