Peoria Standard

May 30, 2024 (PEORIA, IL) — Sterling Towers will soon be equipped with 180 SmartBurner systems, as announced by the Peoria Fire Department and Peoria Housing Authority at a media event on Thursday.

The installation and testing of SmartBurners in every unit at 2601 W Reservoir Boulevard began on Thursday and is expected to be completed by Friday. The project comes at no cost to the residents and is part of the Peoria Fire Department’s renewed Community Risk Reduction efforts, which draw on training from October 2023.

“While fire prevention is a major component of Community Risk Reduction (CRR), CRR encompasses any method that focuses on fostering a safer, healthier and more resilient community,” said Nathaniel Rice, Peoria Fire Division Chief of Prevention.

SmartBurners are designed with a built-in thermostat that prevents stovetops from reaching dangerous temperatures, thereby reducing the risk of cooking fires. They have a maximum set temperature of 662 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the maximum of 1,650 degrees for normal electric coils. These devices require minimal maintenance, consume less energy, and are expected to last at least seven years.

Sterling Towers was chosen for this program because it was identified as the leading location for cooking fire calls in the city from 2018-2022. The project received funding through Capital Fund grants awarded to the Peoria Housing Authority.

"SmartBurners are worthwhile investments, as the Peoria Housing Authority seeks to improve resident safety at Sterling Towers,” said Armeca Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Peoria Housing Authority. “We are both grateful and pleased to collaborate with Chief Rice on this Community Risk Reduction pilot.”