Description of the Fire Department
The Alton Fire Department is an organization whose purpose is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Alton. The prevention and mitigation of fires, and other unsafe conditions, in the community shall be considered the Department's primary objective.
The Alton Fire Department consists of 53 uniformed personnel and one secretary. In addition to fire prevention and extinguishment, the Department also provides Advanced Life Support (A.L.S.), medical service, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and other types of community service.
The Department operates out of two modern fire stations strategically located on each side of town. All members are certified by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Personnel
(1) Fire Chief
(1) Deputy Chief
(4) Assistant Chiefs
(16) Captains
(15) Engineers
(16) Firefighters
(1) Secretary |
Organization
(2) Stations
(1) Engine Companies - 3 men
(2) Quint - 4 men
(1) Paramedic Rescue Squads - 2 men
(1) Assistant Chief |
| Run Statistics for 2009 |
| Structure Fire |
47 |
|
Vehicle Fire & Boat Fire |
35 |
| Fire Other |
28 |
|
Refuse Fire |
24 |
| Trees, Brush, Grass Fire |
20 |
|
Hazardous Condition |
10 |
| Emergency Medical Call |
3,033 |
|
Power Line Down |
21 |
| Spill/Leak No Ignition |
55 |
|
Service Call |
31 |
| Arcing/Shorted Elec. Equip. |
28 |
|
Good Intent Call |
118 |
| Lock-out |
22 |
|
Steam, Other Gas or Smoke |
5 |
| Smoke Scare |
36 |
|
Malicious/Mischievous False |
9 |
| False Call |
135 |
|
Bomb Threat |
0 |
| Assist Police |
4 |
|
Marine Rescue |
7 |
| System Malfunction |
116 |
|
Other (Unauthorized Burning and Carbon Monoxide Incident) |
107 |
| Motor Vehicle Collision |
203 |
|
TOTAL |
4,094 | |
Listening to the Fire Department
The Alton Fire Department is dispatched and operates on a frequency of 154.385. The PL is 156.7 for those with advanced scanners. Current frequencies for any organization can be found at www.radioreference.com. Many public safety agencies have converted to digital radios which cannot be heard on an analog scanner. We do not anticipate converting to digital radios in the near future.
Leaf Burning Regulations
The burning of leaves is permitted on WEDNESDAYS and SATURDAYS during the months of OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, and from APRIL 15 through MAY 30 from 10:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. The burning of anything other than leaves, plants, or shrubs is a violation of City ordinance. It is illegal to burn trash, garbage, or other disposables at any time. The Police Department tickets violators. Burning leaves on the street damages the asphalt. Leaf burning must be done in a container. Please read the other restrictions on leaf burning in the ordinance by clicking here.
Special Permits for Bonfires, Campfires, and Other Events
The Fire Chief has the authority to grant a special permit for burning after hours or materials other than yard waste. It will only be granted at his discretion. The burn site will also be inspected for compliance with the restrictions. To view a copy of the restrictions, please click here. Please call the Department to request a permit.
Fire Reports
Fire reports are required by insurance companies and relief organizations such as Red Cross. A copy of fire or other incident report can be obtained from the secretary during normal business hours for a $5.00 fee.
Building and Event Inspection
The Fire Department conducts a free fire and life safety inspection of every business annually. Inspections are done by the fire companies between emergency calls. New businesses are inspected by the Building and Zoning Department prior to opening. The Fire Department also inspects tents and booths at fairs, circuses, and other events. For information regarding the requirements, please call the secretary.
CPR Classes
CPR classes are offered to the public once a month at Station One on 20th Street. You must call to reserve a spot.
Child Car Seats
The Fire Department has a limited number of certified car seat installers. Please call the secretary to find out when the next installer is on duty.
Cats in Trees
Contrary to popular belief, the Fire Department does not rescue cats, iguanas, baby squirrels, parrots, or other animals from trees. Tree trimming services and arborists have the training and equipment needed to safely do this type of work. Many local tree trimmers and arborists are listed in the yellow pages and can perform this type of work. Most have rescued animals before and will work for a fee ranging from $50 and higher depending on the job. You must negotiate the fee in advance. For more information and tips, please visit www.meowcatrescue.org.
City of Alton Emergency Operations Plan Synopsis
Click here for the City of Alton Emergency Operations Plan Synopsis.
Insurance Services Office (ISO) Rating Class 3
The ISO conducted an extensive audit of the Department and water system in 2009. We received a Class 3 on a 1-10 scale. Class 10 areas have no fire protection while a Class 1 rating is the best fire protection and water supply available.Insurance companies combine this information with other factors, such as actual fire losses, to set premiums for homes and businesses.The rating is a reflection of how well the department protects its buildings and cannot be used to compare fire departments. ISO is only concerned with property losses. As such, EMS, auto extrication, trench rescue, rope rescue, and other important activities are not rated. More information can be found at www.isomitigation.com.
Safety Links
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Mangement Agency (FEMA)
Emergency Mangement Institute (EMI) FEMA Independent Study
Illinois Emergency Mangement Agency (IEMA) Madison County Emergency Agency
United States Fire Administration (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA)
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI)
Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)
|
Greg Bock
Fire Chief |
Mark Harris
Deputy Chief
333 E 20th Street
Alton, IL 62002
PH: 618.463.3565
FAX: 618.463.3539
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
SMOKE DETECTORS
SAVE LIVES
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