Fire Department
“We’re There, We Care”

I’d Like To..

• join the Fire Department team.
• find the nearest fire station.
• learn about the department’s background, structure, and personnel.
• view a map of fire incidents
• learn about building a small fire for an event or get-together.
• reserve a community room.
• learn what an ISO 2 rating means and how it affects me
• learn more about fire lane code requirements

Fire Safety and Prevention

Fire prevention is our goal! We'd much rather you never have a fire than need to call us to put one out. Through safety surveys, smoke alarms, common safety tips and a fire safety checklist, you can prevent fires from becoming your reality. Refresh your memory on home fire safety with a sheet of smoke alarm tips.

Do you know the danger signs of car fires and how to prevent them?
The danger signs are:
• Cracked or loose wiring or electrical problems, including a fuse that blows more than once
• Oil or fluid leaks
• Oil cap not on securely
• Rapid changes in fuel or fluid level, or engine temperature

Ways to prevent car fires are:
• Have your car serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic. If you spot leaks, your car is not running properly, get it checked. A well-maintained car is less likely to have a fire.
• If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep a window open for ventilation.
• Gas cans and propane cylinders should never be transported in the passenger compartment.
• Never park a car where flammables, such as grass, are touching the catalytic converter.
• Drive safely to avoid an accident.
For more information on car fires click on this link.

Did you know... Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week (FPW) has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9th falls. Here are dates for future Fire Prevention Week campaigns:
2013: October 6-12 The theme for this year is" Prevent Kitchen Fires."
This theme is to encourage greater care when cooking and an awareness of kitchen fire dangers. Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. This is an opportunity to promote safe kitchen habits with stoves, microwaves and other appliances. To ensure family safety, it is important to remain attentive when cooking and manage how close children and pets are to anything hot.

2014: October 5-11
2015: October 4-10

Did you know... you should plan and practice finding two ways out of every room in your home with your family? See if you can find two ways out of this maze. You can also download and print a bookmark.

Did you know... Smoke alarms are missing in half of all manufactured home fires. Since they are required to be sold with smoke alarms, this may mean people are removing them. If you own or are thinking about buying or renting a manufactured home, knowing a few tips, as well as the facts and the safety requirements for manufactured homes can help you keep your family safe. Get more information on Fire Safety in Manufactured Homes.

Did you know... Portable medical oxygen fires have been increasing and keeping a few safety tips in mind can keep you safer. Fire needs oxygen to burn so there is no safe way to smoke anywhere there is oxygen in use. Portable oxygen cylinders should be kept at least five feet away from open flames and other heat sources. Get more information on Medical Oxygen Safety.

Did you know...

• Smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States and in 2010, there were an estimated 90,800 smoking-material fires in the United States. These fires caused 610 civilian deaths, 1,570 civilian injuries and $663 million in direct property damage.
• One home structure fire was reported every 87 seconds in 2009 and most deaths result from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms and dens or in bedrooms
• On average,seven people died in home fires every day. Adults 65 and over face the highest risk of fire death and nearly half (45%) of fatal home smoking-material fire victims were age 65 or older.
• In 2009, U.S. fire departments responded to 362,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 12,650 civilian injuries, 2,565 civilian deaths, $7.6 billion in direct damage

Did you know... A scald injury can happen at any age. Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Children, older adults and people with disabilities are especially at risk. Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries. Learn how to prevent scald burns.

Did you know... If you are a homeowner and live within the city limits, the Springfield Fire Department will install a new smoke alarm at no charge? Call 864-1500 to schedule an appointment.

If you rent, your landlord is responsible to provide a working smoke alarm on every floor. If you need a 9 volt battery replaced in an existing smoke alarm, this service is provided free of charge to renters and home owners by calling 864-1500. We also provide hearing impaired smoke alarms at no charge.

Smoke Alarms for Deaf or Hearing Impaired

Smoke alarms save lives. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may not be able to depend on the traditional smoke alarm to alert them to a fire. If you live within the city limits, give the Springfield Fire Department a call at 864-1500 to ask about hearing impaired smoke alarms. Get more information with a disability safety tips flyer.

Did you know... the Springfield Fire Department offers FREE HOME SAFETY SURVEYS? Just call 864-1500 to schedule your safety survey.

Remember to test your smoke alarms monthly!

Campus and Dorm Fire Safety Tips

With school starting back, college students living away from home should take a few minutes to make sure they are living in a fire-safe environment. Educating students on what they can do to stay safe during the school year is important and often overlooked. You should ensure working smoke alarms are inside each bedroom and tested on a monthly basis. Structure fires in dormitories, fraternities and  sororities are more common during the evening hours between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., and on weekends. The main source of these fires are cooking related and started in the kitchen or cooking area.

You should only burn candles if the school permits their use. A candle is an open flame and should be placed away from anything that can burn. Never leave a candle unattended. Blow it out when you leave the room or go to sleep.

If you smoke, smoke outside and only where it is permitted, Use sturdy,deep, non-tip ashtrays. Don’t smoke in bed or when you’ve been drinking or are drowsy. For more safety information, download our campus safety tips for additional safety information.

Gel Fuel Safety-RECALL ALERT

There has been a SAFETY RECALL ON GEL FUEL AND THE NFPA AND CPSD ARE WARNING CONSUMERS TO STOP USING THE POURABLE GEL FUEL. Gel fuel is used with fire pots, personal fireplaces, and patio torches. These devices can create a warm, cozy environment. However, they should be considered an open flame and extreme caution is necessary when using or adding fuel. Get additional gel fuel safety tips.

Home Fire Sprinklers

Home fire sprinklers (1 MB) can save lives and property from fire by responding quickly and effectively.

KNOX-BOX for Rapid Entry

The KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System provides non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property. More than 9,000 fire departments and government agencies use KNOX-BOX key boxes and other products for safe and secure rapid entry.

If you're using a KNOX-BOX, call 864-1500 for the system code.

What If I've Had a Fire?

Unfortunately, fires do happen, but we can help point you toward recovery. Things to consider after a fire include:

• property damage not caused by the fire, water, or smoke
• insurance issues
• utilities and construction