Fire Department

How do I get a copy of a fire incident report?
Call the Fire Department at 314-822-5883. You can either pick up the report or we'll mail you a copy. The cost for this service is $6.00.

Does the fire department offer CPR and/or First-Aid classes to the public?

Yes, the fire department holds classes for both individuals and groups in CPR and First-Aid training. These classes follow the American Heart Association guidelines. The department also assists Scout troops in obtaining merit badges related to fire safety and first aid. Classes are scheduled on an "as-needed" basis.

How do I get rid of old gasoline that I have 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.

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 is no unsafe condition(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.

What are the educational and physical requirements to be a firefighter?

The physical demands can be great for short periods of time. We function in hazardous environments and under great stress during emergency operations. Current educational requirements to become a Kirkwood Firefighter are a minimum high school education and certification through the St. Louis County Fire Standards Commission (314-726-6251). In addition, all firefighters must be licensed by the State Bureau of Emergency Medical Services as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P). Local EMT and EMT-P classes are taught through St. Louis Community College (314-984-7777 or 314-644-9175).

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 jurisdiction of the Kirkwood Fire Department. Commercial buildings are routinely inspected one to two times each year. Homeowners can request a fire safety inspection of their home at any time. Contact the Fire Marshal to set up an appointment.

Do I need a permit to have a campfire in my backyard?

The fire department can issue a burn permit for bonfires if all of the safety requirements have been met, including the fire being at least fifty feet from a building. Typically though, permits are not issued for single family residential areas.

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.

Are tours of the firehouses available?

Yes, fire station tours are offered at all three stations. School-aged children are the most prevalent visitors to the stations, but everybody is welcomed. Call the individual fire station that you are interested in visiting to set up an appointment.

Does the fire department install smoke detectors?

Yes, the fire department will install smoke detectors in your home. Please call firehouse #1 to set up a time to do this. The department also oversees "Project Sleep Safe," a program that is run entirely on the donations of our citizens to purchase smoke detectors for citizens in need.

How do I get a permit from the fire department to build my building?

All permits are issued by the building department. The fire department will do the plan review simultaneously with the building department and forward our comments to them. Once all of the comments have been addressed, the actual permit will be issued by them.

Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?

Yes, blood pressure screening is available at all three fire stations. This service is normally provided between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and no appointment is needed.

Is counseling available if my child is setting fires?

Yes, call Fire Marshal John Bailot at (314) 984-6970 for information on Juvenile Fire Setter Counseling.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?

Please pull to the right and stop. This will allow fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response.

Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Kirkwood Fire Department responds with adequate resources when they reacting for a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help than not enough.

A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks almost simultaneously. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams.

Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, assessed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control or that a single unit could handle the emergency. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle with red lights and sirens go through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call to which they were responding.

Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire?

This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous superheated gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment or for victims to survive. When a hole is made in the roof, and the building is “vented,” the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It increases the victim’s chance for survival and makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft (explosion) and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof and cut holes to access the attic to stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

Why do firefighters break windows in a building that is on fire?

Dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. By venting the window (horizontal ventilation) of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house. Breaking the window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause. Replacing broken glass is much less expensive than repairing structural damage from the fire.

Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?

Two reasons. First, automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Second, Kirkwood firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics. They assist the fire department rescue squad with patient care or assist in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls?

As mentioned in the statement prior, firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics. Our primary mission is to save lives and alleviate suffering. Due to the strategic location of Kirkwood’s three Fire Stations throughout the city, we can arrive quickly and begin emergency medical treatment or life saving techniques such as CPR and/or use cardiac defibrillators. Kirkwood Fire Department EMTs and Paramedics arrive on the scene quickly and stabilize the patient’s medical condition. Presently, the Kirkwood Fire Department does not provide ambulance services; therefore, a private ambulance company arrives later to provide transport to the hospital.