Show All Answers

1. What can I do to prepare my family for emergencies before they happen?

The Midland Fire Department offers tips on fire prevention and safety devices to aid in preventing emergencies as well as suggestions on how to develop a home escape plan.

2. How can I report a fire hazard?

To report a possible fire hazard, you may contact the Midland Fire Department at 989-837-3410, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. You may also send an email to the Fire Department.

If the hazard is imminent, call 911.

We will need information about the violation (including the address of property that is possibly in violation and the property owner's name, if available) plus your contact information. Your information will be needed if any Fire Department personnel need to reach you for further assistance or to inform you of the outcome of any inspections that are conducted as a result of your notification of the possible violation.

3. What kind of fire extinguisher should I have in my home?

The Midland Fire Department offers recommendations on fire extinguisher types and uses. Call 989-837-3410 to find out more.

4. What can I do with household-generated hazardous materials?

Some household hazardous materials can lead to contamination of groundwater, well water or other water sources when spilled on the ground, poured down the drain or placed in trash containers. To prevent this, the Midland County Health Department sponsors the Household Hazardous Materials Collection Program. The program provides an opportunity to safely and properly dispose of most hazardous materials you may have in your home including automotive, cleaning, paint, and garden products.

The Hazardous Materials Collection Program is usually offered during the months of June through September.

For more information, contact the Midland County Health Department at 989-832-6681 or visit the county's website.

5. Does the Fire Department provide training to the public in CPR or other First Aid training?

No. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other First Aid training are provided by organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

6. Why does the Fire Department come when I call for an ambulance?

Midland firefighters are trained and equipped to handle a wide variety of emergency medical calls and currently we are certified at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level.  By being licensed as a BLS agency it allows us to perform basic and intermediate airway procedures along with administering basic medications.  Fire Department personnel can typically be at your door before an EMS ambulance.

Additionally, MidMichigan Medical Center’s (MMRC) ambulance service has a larger area to serve – they aid people throughout Midland County, whereas the Fire Department serves primarily the city of Midland. Also, MMRC’s ambulance service transfers patients to other hospitals. Midland Fire Department personnel can begin life-saving treatments before an ambulance arrives on the scene of an emergency. This quicker response can lessen the effects of catastrophic injury or illness and lead to faster recovery time for those who experience critical illness.

7. How is the Midland Fire Department involved in the City's inspection process for new construction or remodeling projects?

Fire Department personnel perform annual fire safety inspections of new and remodeled buildings and notify the owner or occupant of any fire safety violations that need further attention.Read more information on the Fire Department's role in safety inspections.

8. Why does the Fire Department bring a fire engine on an inspection?

The fire engine is a firefighter's office away from the station; it holds the tools required to handle a wide variety of emergencies. If a needed tool were not available on the scene of an emergency, firefighters would need to return to one of Midland’s three fire stations prior to taking action.

Engine companies conduct fire inspections in their respective response districts. This allows them to respond to emergency calls in a time-efficient manner without having to return to the station for the necessary apparatus or equipment.

9. Are small fires allowed in the city?

Yes. Please be sure to read the Fire Department's rules on small fires. Recreational Fires

10. What are burning permits?

Burn permits are issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the purpose of burning large piles of brush or natural vegetation. These types of fires are not allowed within the city limits. However, if you reside in Midland County, you may call 866-922-BURN or go online to obtain a burn permit.

11. Will I be charged for any emergency services provided by the Midland Fire Department?

There is no charge for emergency services provided by the Midland Fire Department.

12. Does the Midland Fire Department offer tours or educational programs to schools or groups?

Depending upon staffing levels, Fire Department personnel can be available to lead tours of the department. Also, requests for educational programs may be made to the Fire Department's administrative offices by calling 989-837-3410.

13. How can I become a firefighter?

Interested persons must meet minimum State of Michigan qualifications including age eligibility, training requirements and physical conditioning. Those interested should contact their local community college or State of Michigan Office of Firefighter Training.