FIRE/EMS OPERATIONS

You may download a list of questions that are on the burn permit application HERE. To obtain the actual burn permit you must stop by any of the three stations and complete an application

Brown Water, What causes brown water and is it safe?

During the months of June and July Miami Township Fire & EMS personnel flush the water distribution system by letting water out of 2100 fire hydrants. Fire hydrants are periodically flushed to ensure good water quality and maintain firefighting capability. It also enables the fire department to identify faulty hydrants in need of repair or replacement.

Flushing the water system on a routine basis removes sediment from lines and keeps the entire distribution system refreshed. Flushing occurs on weekdays, only, between the hours of 8am-5pm. There will be no interruption of service during the actual flushing.

As a result of the flushing procedure, residents in the immediate vicinity of the work may experience temporary discoloration of their water. This discoloration consists primarily of harmless silt and precipitates and does not affect the safety of the water. Customers who experience discoloration of water can turn on their plumbing fixtures until the water runs clear. If possible, run an outdoor fixture, slop sink or bathtub until the water runs clear and then run water from other fixtures. The fire department realizes that hydrant flushing may cause some inconvenience, however, the maintenance of hydrants is necessary for proper fire protection.

For more information call 248-3700.

Cat in Tree, Do you rescue a cat from a tree?

We typically do not rescue cats from trees.

Cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire, Why do I see firefighters?

This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous 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. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft 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, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

Fireworks, Are fireworks permitted in Miami Township?

Ohio law prohibits the use of most fireworks. There are three classifications of fireworks sold in Ohio and only the first classification is legal to use in Ohio

Trick or novelty items
1.4G (consumer) fireworks
1.3G (display/exhibit) fireworks.

Only novelty item fireworks, such as sparklers, snakes, smoke-related items, and toy trick novelties can be purchased and used in Ohio. Even though these fireworks are legal, Ohioans should be extremely careful when igniting any fireworks device. All fireworks have the potential to malfunction unexpectedly,

Consumer fireworks now referred to as 1.4G fireworks (formerly known as "Class C" fireworks) can be legally sold in Ohio by a licensed wholesaler or manufacturer but cannot be used in Ohio. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, skyrockets, fountains, and missiles are a few examples of 1.4G fireworks. A complete list is detailed below. When purchasing these items, the buyer must sign an affidavit stating that they will be taken to a designated out-of-state address. After the items are purchased, Ohio residents must take these fireworks out of Ohio within 48 hours and out-of-state residents must do so within 72 hours. No one can legally discharge these fireworks in Ohio.

The last category of fireworks sold in Ohio are sold exclusively to licensed exhibitors for local displays operated by trained and licensed exhibitors. These 1.3G fireworks (formerly known as "Class B" fireworks) are not available for sale to the public.

Fireworks illegal to use in Ohio

Firecracker, Parachutes, Bottle Rockets, Morning Glories, Pin Wheels, Roman Candles, Fountains, Cones, Fancy Floral, Planes, Buzz Bombs, Helicopters, Repeaters, Shells, Mines, Missiles, Tubes, M 80's, Cherry Bombs, Silver Salutes

Fire Report, How do I get a copy of a fire report?

Call the station at 248-3700

Firefighter, How can I become a firefighter?

Ohio law specifies that all volunteer and part-time fire fighters must be trained and certified at the Ohio Fire Fighter 1A level. Career fire fighters must be trained and certified at the Ohio Fire Fighter 2 level. The Ohio Fire Fighter 1B level is optional under State law, but may be required by some departments. All fire fighter courses may be obtained through the Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development, other joint vocational schools, or your local fire department.

A High School Sophomore in the Greater Cincinnati area may be eligible to attend the Great Oaks Fire Fighter/Emergency Medical Technician program (2 years) on the Scarlet Oaks campus. A class description is available HERE Additional information is a available HERE

Firefighter Volunteer, How can I become a volunteer firefighter?

Contact your local fire department. Many suburban and most rural departments use volunteer fire fighters. Most departments have a hiring process that screens for some or all of the following: reading/comprehension ability, general knowledge, criminal activity, drug use, physical ability, pre-existing medical conditions, psychological balance, and truthfulness.

Fire Extinguisher Service, where can I get my fire extinguisher recharged/refilled?

There are a number of companies listed in the yellow pages that will service your fire extinguisher including some in the local area.. We do not recommend or endorse any specific company.

Fire Extinguisher Service Schedule, What is the recommended schedule for servicing my fire extinguisher?

There are no regulations mandating the servicing of fire extinguishers placed in single a family residence. In apartments and all commercial buildings, fire extinguishers are required to be serviced once a year.

Fire extinguisher placement, Where should fire extinguishers be placed in my home?

Having a fire extinguisher in the home is a good idea, but not mandated by the Miami Township Fire/EMS Department. If you have an extinguisher, it should be placed where it is easily accessible. The kitchen and garage are good sites for an extinguisher. However, do not place an extinguisher over the stove or buried in storage in the garage, but rather hang it on the wall between 4 inches and five feet from the ground.

Fire Extinguisher Rating. I just bought a 3A10BC fire extinguisher. What does "3A10BC" mean?

Your extinguisher is multi-purpose and is good for any fire likely to occur in the average home or office.

The Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC; UL in the USA) test and rate extinguishers for the class and size of fire that they will put out.

The letter refers to the nature of the flammable material. Class A fire extinguishers are effective for ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and straw. Class B fire extinguishers are for flammable or combustible liquids such as oil, gas, paint, thinners and grease. The extinguishers have to suffocate the fire, inhibit the release of combustible vapors, and interrupt the combustion chain reaction.

The first number in the sequence identifies the amount of fire-extinguishing potential on Class A fires. For example, a 4-A extinguisher will put out approximately twice as much fire as a 2-A extinguisher. The number before the 'B' indicates the relative fire extinguishing potential and approximates the square footage of deep-layer flammable liquid fire which the average trained operator can extinguish using that particular extinguisher.

The Class C rating has no number and indicates that the extinguishing agent does not conduct electricity. A Class C extinguisher is required for fires involving energized electrical wiring and equipment or appliances. Electrical equipment should be de-energized before attacking a Class C fire.

There is also a Class D rating. These are specialized extinguishers used to extinguish fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium and zirconium.

Fire Extinguisher Purchase, What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy?

We recommend a "dry chemical" type for home use, generally type 2A-10BC.

Fire Hydrant Bags, Why are there plastic bags on fire hydrants?

The fire hydrant has been inspected and found to be out of service for any number of reasons and is awaiting repair.

Fire Hydrant Painting, Can I paint the fire hydrant near my house?

We have a regular maintenance program for painting and applying reflective coating to hydrants. If you would like to volunteer to help with this program please call the station at 248-3700.

Gas turned off, How do I get the gas turned off in my home?

Call Cinergy at (513) 421-9500

Grocery Store, Why do I occasionally see a fire truck or ambulance at the grocery store?

All Miami Township Fire/EMS personnel are on duty for a minimum 24 hours shift and often more. The station is their home away from home and naturally, they prepare meals at the station, and on occasion need to purchase additional food. Because they remain with their Fire/EMS vehicle at all times you will occasionally see them along with their vehicle at the grocery store.

Garage Smoke Detector, Should I place a smoke detector in my garage?

A residential smoke detector is an early warning device to wake sleeping people and placing a smoke detector in the garage may provide an added measure of safety alert.

Smoke Detector Placement, Where should smoke detectors be placed in my home?

Residential smoke detectors are early warning devices to wake a sleeping person or persons. Smoke detectors should be placed in each bedroom (sleeping area) and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms. In addition, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.

Smoke Detector Purchase, What kind of smoke alarm should I buy?

We recommend electrical smoke alarms (hard wired) that are C.S.A. approved and any battery-operated smoke alarm that is U.L.C. approved. We cannot recommend specific manufacturers.

Early models of smoke alarms made under the brand name of University Security Instruments were recalled, and should be replaced.

Replace my smoke alarm, When should I ?

Studies have shown that smoke alarms should be replaced after 7 to 10 years.

Smoke Alarm Accidental, Is there a charge if I set-off my smoke alarm accidentally?

Typically, no, there is no charge

Sirens late at night, When responding to a call in the "middle of the night" do Fire/EMS have to sound the sirens even though traffic is probably light?

Yes, state vehicle code mandates that while responding Code Three, an emergency response vehicle must have all emergency lights on and the siren sounding. A Code Three response is initiated when life, property or the environment is in immediate jeopardy (ie. bleeding, breathing problems, fire, hazardous materials going down a storm drain).

Swimming Pool, Do you fill swimming pools?

No, we are not providing that service at this time. We suggest that you contact your local pool supply company for this service.

Ride-Along Program, Do you have one?

Under certain circumstances we do allow a ride-along. For details on the specific requirements and qualifications, please call the station at 248-3700