FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How can I obtain a fire incident report?
You must complete a Report Request Form. You may call (251) 621-2836 to request a form be faxed to you. This form must be returned for review and you will be notified when your report is ready to be picked up. You may pick up the report at Fire Station #2 (28280 N. Main Street). There is no charge for this service.
- return to list of questions - Does the fire department offer CPR/First Aid classes to the public?
Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to offer these classes to the public.
- return to list of questions - How do I properly dispose of old gasoline that I have stored in my garage?
The best way to get rid of gasoline is to use it in your lawn mower. The fire department cannot accept the gasoline as we do not have a method for disposal. A second option is to call a hazardous materials waste hauler to dispose of it for you.
- return to list of questions - Do you get cats out of trees or rescue pets?
It depends on the situation. We will evaluate the situation and assess the risk to our firefighting personnel. Provided that there are no unsafe conditions(s), we may attempt a rescue. We will usually require that the owner of the pet be present to accept liability should one of our personnel become bitten or scratched and require medical treatment. Often times a rescue is not required. With cats in trees, we strongly suggest opening a can of tuna (this usually works), leaving the immediate area and waiting for the cat to get down on its own.
- return to list of questions - What are the requirements to be a firefighter?
Current requirements to become a City of Daphne firefighter are: 21 years of age or older, a minimum of a high school diploma or G.E.D certificate, to be insurable by the City of Daphne insurance carrier, pass a background check and drug screening. In addition, you must pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) through the Alabama Fire College (http://www.alabamafirecollege.org/CPAT/cpat.htm), be in the top percentile of an entry level written test and pass an oral board interview. It will be up to the Fire Chief to decide if his requirements will be more astringent at the time of the job opening announcement.
- return to list of questions - Will the fire department inspect my home for fire safety?
The fire department has an on-going fire prevention program that is aimed at reducing the incidences of fire within the City of Daphne. Commercial buildings are routinely inspected one to two times each year. At this time, we are not set up to do home inspections, but would be glad to assist you with safety tips and suggestions. Please contact the Fire Marshal’s office at (251) 621-2815 for fire safe home suggestions.
- return to list of questions - Do I need a permit to have a campfire in my backyard?
The Fire Marshal’s office can issue a Bonfire Permit if all safety requirements are met, including the fire being at least 50 feet from any structure.
The fire department can issue a Burn Permit to burn natural vegetation such as leaves, limbs and straw. There is no charge for this permit, but you must be present to sign the permit and you will be required to abide by the provisions set forth. A copy of the permit must be kept on scene during the burning.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has set forth a burn ban every year from May 1 to October 31. We will comply with their provisions and no burn permits will be issued between these dates. (www.adem.state.al.us)
- return to list of questions - Was it really necessary to break the windows and
put holes in the roof?
As a fire burns, it moves upward then outward. Removing windows and cutting holes in the roof (ventilation – in firefighting terms), stops that damaging outward movement of smoke and heat and enables the firefighters to locate potential victims and fight the fire more efficiently. These actions results in less damage in the long run and reduces the risk of serious injury to firefighters.
- return to list of questions - Why did the firefighters put hole in the walls and
ceiling?
Putting holes in the walls and ceiling is a search measure,
making absolutely sure there is no ‘hidden’ fire
inside the walls, ceilings and partitions.
- return to list of questions - What is an ISO rating and why is it important to me?
To help establish appropriate fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties, insurance companies need reliable, up-to-date information about a community's fire-protection services. Insurance Service Office (ISO) provides that information through the Public Protection Classification (PPCTM) program.
ISO collects information on municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States . In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). A Public Protection Classification is assigned from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary public protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire-suppression program doesn't meet ISO's minimum criteria.
By classifying a communities' ability to suppress fires, ISO helps that community evaluate their public fire-protection services. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, staffing and training. And by securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.
A Community's PPC Depends on:
- fire alarm and communication systems, including telephone systems, telephone lines, staffing, and dispatching systems
- the fire department, including equipment, staffing, training, and geographic distribution of fire companies
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the water supply system, including the condition and maintenance of hydrants, and a careful evaluation of the amount of available water compared with the amount needed to suppress fires
We are very happy to report that the City of Daphne Fire Department’s Public Protection Classification Rating is 4. Please make sure your insurance company is basing your insurance premiums on this great rating.
- return to list of questions - What do I do after a fire?
Please see our After the Fire section for more information.
- return to list of questions - Does the Fire Department Service Fire Extinguishers?
The Fire Department does not service fire extinguishers. There are many fire extinguisher companies in the telephone book that have the proper equipment to service them. You may find these service companies in the phone directory under ‘fire extinguisher’
- return to list of questions - Are tours of the Fire House available?
Yes, fire station tours are offered at all locations. School-aged children are the most frequent visitors, but everybody is welcomed. Call the Public Fire and Life Safety Educator to schedule a tour and/or educational class at (251) 621-2815.
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