Despite the advances in modern firefighting and building construction, today’s firefighters may find their jobs more challenging than ever.

The dynamics of structure firefighting have changed over the years, said Sycamore Fire Chief Bill Riddle.

Riddle said fires have decreased in the past 30 years because of factors such as better fire codes, less smoking and improved electrical and heating systems.

Older technology, such as wooden stoves, has also become increasingly rare, Riddle said.

But even with updated fire codes, newer buildings and furnishings can present a bigger threat in the event of a fire.

Not only can modern-day homes trap more heat in a fire due to energy-saving designs, they’re also filled with potentially flammable materials that can make for hotter and faster fires, Riddle said.

“It’s modern society,” Riddle said. “We’ve got more stuff.”

While homes with gas grills were almost unheard of 25 to 30 years ago, firefighters may now come across potentially explosive items such as propane cylinders during a fire, Riddle said.

Many homes are also vulnerable due to the heavy presence of oil-based plastics.

“So much of what we have in our homes today is plastic of one type or another,” DeKalb Fire Chief Lanny Russell said. “That tends to make the fires burn hotter and also generates toxic and thick smoke.”

Russell said the potential flammability of newer materials means smoke detectors are more important than ever to make sure people are alerted and get to safety when a fire occurs.

And while fire codes may be adequate, Russell said they are also difficult to enforce. DeKalb has one fire prevention officer on the job.

As firefighting techniques have become more effective, firefighters have also had to contend with an expanded list of duties, Russell said.

“What we’re expected to do now has increased greatly over the last several years,” Russell said.

Russell estimated emergency medical services made up about three-fourths of the department’s operations.

Firefighters are also required to be trained in dealing with hazardous materials and technical rescue services such as building collapse rescue, Russell said.

“The requirements for all of these are very stringent in order to do them and do them safely,” Russell said.

The lack of fires can be a double-edged sword when it comes to firefighting know-how.

“Since we’re having less fires, our firefighters aren’t as familiar working in those environments, so they don’t have a larger body of experience,” Riddle said.