The City of Tulare allows “safe and sane” (California Approved) fireworks but only on private property. The city has a zero tolerance on the use or possession of illegal or dangerous fireworks. Anyone who is in possession of, or using, illegal fireworks will receive an administrative citation in the amount of $2000.00 for the first Offense. Please call 9-1-1 to report any illegal fireworks usage.
Does the City of Tulare Fire Department service fire extinguishers?
No; however, there are a number of private fire protection companies that offer this service. They can be found in the phone book or by doing a simple internet search for “fire extinguisher service."
How can I participate in the Fire Department's Ride-Along Program?
The City of Tulare Fire Department is excited to share our profession with our community. Citizens interested in participating in the Ride-Along Program may call Fire Headquarters at (559) 684-4360 for an application. The application will be reviewed and, if approved, the applicant will be contacted to schedule the ride-along. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and must comply with the dress code.
How do I become a firefighter?
The City of Tulare recruits for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic as needed. Information regarding application for a Firefighter/Paramedic position and the job description can be found on the City of Tulare web site under the employment tab. Most candidates have previously obtained some training and have their certifications already completed, usually through a fire technology or fire academy program provided at most local community colleges.
How do I report a leaking fire hydrant?
Contact the City of Tulare Water Division at (559) 684-8722 or submit a request online.
How do I schedule a tour of a fire station?
The Fire station visit program is an educational activity intended to allow school groups, service clubs, youth organizations, church groups and other civic-minded organizations to schedule and participate in a tour of a working fire station. The types of groups and organizations appropriate for inclusion in the fire station visit programs include, but not limited to, the following:
Pre-school classes or groups
Kindergarten classes or groups
Primary and secondary school groups
Chaperoned, organized youth groups that generally include persons 17 years of age and under and are sponsored and accompanied by adult representatives of a formal organization (e.g., Girl Scouts, boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Indian Scouts and Brownies).
Service clubs and organizations that are generally voluntary non-profit organizations, where members meet regularly to perform charitable work either by direct hands-on efforts or by raising money for other organization (e.g., Kiwanis, Rotary and Masons).
Contact the Fire Department Headquarters at (559) 684-4360 and we can help you with scheduling.
How much does a fire report cost and how do I obtain one?
Requests can be made by phone, email, fax, or in person. Please be prepared to provide the date and location of the incident so the report can be easily located. Reports can be mailed, faxed, emailed or picked up in person upon receipt of payment. Please contact us at 559-684-4360 or visit us at 800 S. Blackstone Street for more information and the current fee for the report. Refer to the link below for the cost of a fire report:
I own a business and have been told to get a fire extinguisher. What size fire extinguisher do I need?
There are a number of types and sizes of extinguishers depending upon the hazards within the business. Most businesses are required to have a minimum of one 2A:10BC fire extinguisher. The City of Tulare Fire Department will be happy to help explain the right solution for your business. Please feel free to contact our Fire Prevention Bureau at (559) 684-4360.
If I represent a civic group such as a church, a club, an association, etc. Is it possible to have someone from the fire department speak at one of our meetings?
The City of Tulare Fire Department is excited to share our profession with our community. If you are interested in having someone speak at one of your meetings, please call Fire Department Headquarters at (559) 684-4360 to make your request.
Is it okay to burn on my property?
Outdoor fires are only allowed for cooking in an approved appliance such as a gas or charcoal BBQ. The burning of trash or yard waste is never permitted. The San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District has the most restrictive rules in regard to open burning and can levy significant fines for improper burning. The fire department may charge for illegal fires as well. For more information on the rules concerning open burning please refer to the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District website at: http://www.valleyair.org/Home.htm or call the Air Pollution control District at (559)230-6000.
My smoke alarm is making a "chirping" noise. What's wrong with it and how do I know if it is working?
Typically the chirping noise is caused by a low battery. Replace it immediately. Remember to test your alarm monthly by pressing the “test button” found on the smoke alarm. Remember to change the battery when you change your clock to and from daylight savings time. Smoke alarms have a ten year life span, if your alarm is over ten years old it should be replaced with a new ten-year sealed style smoke alarm.
What is a Rapid Entry Box and should I have one for my commercial business?
The KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System was specifically developed for the fire department. With one master key, the fire department can gain access to commercial and residential properties without forcing entry and causing damage. If you are interested in participating on this program please contact the Tulare City Fire Prevention Bureau at (559) 684-4360 for an application or visit www.knoxbox.com and specify your order for the City of Tulare.
What is the City of Tulare Fire Department's ISO rating?
The Insurance Service Office (ISO) provides a fire protection classification or ranking on all fire agencies. The classification is a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the best possible rating. The City of Tulare Fire Department maintains a fire protection class rating of "Class 2".
Where can I purchase a fire extinguisher?
The Tulare Fire Department does not sell extinguishers; however, portable fire extinguishers can be purchased at a wide variety of retail stores. Home improvement centers and hardware stores generally carry an adequate selection to choose from.
Where do I report tall weeds or grass on vacant lots?
Contact our Fire Prevention Bureau at (559) 684-4360 or submit a request online.
Why do fire engines use lights and sirens, even in the middle of the night when there is no traffic?
Studies show that one of the most dangerous activities for fire departments is getting their vehicles to the emergency incident. The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers and pedestrians know that an emergency vehicle is on the way to an emergency. If we do not provide reasonable warning, we could be liable for any injury or accident. By state law, we are exempt from certain traffic rules; however, we must still ensure that all traffic is aware of us responding even in the middle of the night. This is balanced with the need to respond quickly to save a life or protect property.
Why do firefighters use fire engines for non-emergency purposes while they are on duty?
To ensure the fastest response at the time of an emergency, our crews must remain in their designated response district and within a few hundred feet of the fire engine during their entire shift. Our crews work 48-hour shifts with no scheduled breaks, and are occasionally required to stay 72 to 96 hours depending staffing levels. Meals for firefighters are not provided by the City; therefore, each crew must either purchase their own food or prepare their own meals. Firefighters are allowed to make trips to the grocery store to buy whatever they need to prepare their meals or to a local restaurant within their response district. It is also important to note that fire crews are not guaranteed a meal break, so their meal times are constantly being interrupted for emergency calls.
Why do I see 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?
Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident depending on the type of emergency. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation did not need all the responding units. All other responding units are then cancelled and put back into service, ready to respond to another call.
Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?
The City of Tulare Fire Department must be prepared to deal with the worst case scenario at any given incident. Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. A computer selects the closest unit or units to respond to an incident. Once the first crew arrives on scene, they can lower or raise the number of units responding; however, years of data has allowed us to determine the right number of units to send initially to ensure the quickest and safest resolution to the problem at hand.
Why does a fire engine respond along with an ambulance to medical emergencies?
When dealing with medical emergencies - seconds count. We send both types of crews so that the firefighters can provide rapid assessment and basic life support treatment for the patient, and then assist the ambulance crew when they arrive later with advanced life support measures and transporting of the patient. This deployment method is used throughout the nation as it is still one of most effective and efficient means to save lives.
