Coordinated efforts throughout cities in Central Illinois are the reason emergencies like structure fires and other large events can be maintained in an efficient manner. This is called a mutual aid agreement.

Matt Lewis, is a firefighter with the Shelby County Fire Protection District and he explains that fires especially those in homes or structures burn fast and hot, but a radio call to the next protection district will have firefighters out to aid in the effort.

Lewis lays out the mutual aid agreements and the fast-acting nature of this valuable program. Depending on the city, travel times could vary. Constant communication is being made from district to district.

For the Shelby County Fire Protection District, contact 217-774-3433.

Matt Lewis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our Downtown Studios in Shelbyville.