Calls for service increase yearly on average 4.6%. Currently, in 2019, we are on pace for an 8.9% increase for calls for service.
Ever look closely at the collar of a firefighter? If you did, you'd see a bugle or speaking trumpet pinned to their dress uniform. The more bugles you see, the higher the rank. This tradition goes back through centuries of fire service, and yet modern-day personnel continue to cherish its significance.
The bugles are a symbol of not only rank or authority but responsibility to the men and women in the fire department. In the fire service, duty, pride, and tradition are important principles that we strive to pass along to the new generation of firefighters.
Officers wear insignias on their uniform to indicate their rank or position. These insignias and their meaning are universal to firefighters but generally, the public knows little of their significance.
The history of these insignias can be traced back to the early American fire service when speaking trumpets or bugles were used to communicate on the fire ground. The bugle was worn around the officer's neck so they could direct firefighting operations; therefore, the officer was easily identified.
Fire Administration/EMS Training has moved to Fire Station 4 located at 465 S. Baldwin Rd.
Fire Prevention has moved to Fire Station 3 located at 3365 Gregory Rd.
Telephone contact information remains the same.
The Orion Township Fire Department is an all-hazards Fire Department that provides fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) to the residents, businesses, and visitors of both Orion Township and Lake Orion Village. The department operates out of four (4) fire stations located throughout the community from which services are provided through a combination of career and paid-on-call firefighters.
Full-time personnel are assigned to one of three shifts that work 24 hours per shift, 7 days a week. Each shift is staffed with six (6) Firefighter/EMTs, some of whom are Paramedics.
The Fire Department operates under the administrative leadership of the Fire Chief and is supported by an Assistant Chief, Fire Marshal, two (2) Fire Inspectors, & EMS Coordinator. Fire Extinuishment Divsion personnel are comprised of: (3) Captains - Command Officer, (3) Lieutenants, (4) Firefighter/Paramedics, and (14) Firefighter/EMTs. We also are supported by (17) paid on-call Firefighters.
In addition to emergency response, personnel conduct daily training sessions on the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are expected to be performed as firefighters. The department shares a strong belief that the best way to fight a fire is to prevent it from ever happening. Through commitment to excellence and community risk reduction, the Fire Department emphasizes a strong fire prevention program to ensure the safety of the public. We also provide a variety of fire and life safety services including home and business inspections, fire cause and origin investigations, public education and outreach, child safety seat inspections, and community first aid and CPR.
As we continually strive to provide quality customer service and continual improvement, we would like to Thank You, the residents and elected officials for the continued support of your Fire Department.
Please check back often for updated news, announcements, and additional information.
All open burning requires a burn permit issued by the Fire Department - There is NO charage for a permit. Click here to read the General Burning Guidelines.
NOTE: You must be the property owner in order to apply for a permit or have a written authorization letter from the property owner stating that you, as the tenant, have permission to apply for a permit. Your name must appear in that authorization letter.
Burn permits are valid for a one year period, January 1 through December 31, and must be renewed annually.
Before you burn, PLEASE CALL (248) 693-1838 and listen to the prerecorded message, indicating if buring is allowed for the day.
These are either the small-screened cage receptacles or the ceramic chimney type. They are advertised to be safe for use on the patio or wherever your party is taking place.
Township ordinance states that, ANY OPEN BURNING REQUIRES A PERMIT ISSUED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. These containers are NO exception and you must apply for and have a permit before you are allowed to use them. Once you receive your permit, use caution in the placement and use of these containers. They can be just as dangerous as a campfire! If you have questions, contact the Fire Marshal at (248) 393-0304 ext. 2003.
Spring brings with it increased risk of severe weather. While tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can occur at any time, they are more likely to occur in the early afternoon hours.
A severe weather WATCH means conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur in the watch area. You should plan and prepare for the possibility of severe weather and listen to radio and television for later statements or warnings.
A severe weather WARNING means that severe weather is occurring and you should take the necessary safety precautions. If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, the outdoor warning sirens will sound a steady three (3) minute warning signal. Take cover immediately and listen to radio or television for more information.
The first Saturday of each month at 1:00 p.m. a test is conducted of the outdoor warning sirens. Click here to see testing schedule. NOTE: Siren tests are not conducted during December, January, or February due to winter weather.
Often severe storms have high winds that cause damage to trees and power lines. If you see a downed power line always assume it is energized with electricity - STAY AWAY! Even when a power line appears to be dead, it can still be energized and those wires that really are dead can be re-energized without warning.
Never approach a downed power line or try to move it. Even telephone and cable TV lines can be dangerous if they are in contact with a power line. Chain link metal fences can also be hazardous if a power line has fallen on them. Always keep children and pets away from any downed power lines and other downed or hanging wires.
Are Your Smoke Alarms Up-to-Date?
Do your smoke alarms(s) work?
When was the last time you tested your smoke alarm(s)?
When was the last time you changed the batteries?
More than half of all fatal fires occur at night while people are asleep. Every home needs to have working smoke alarms to alert sleeping occupants of smoke and fire. The National Fire Chief's Association has adopted a policy to change smoke alarms that are at least 10 years old and to change the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. Remember this fall, when you set your clock back, change your batteries, and if your alarm is at least 10 years old, or if you are not sure how old it is, then change your detector too. Test your smoke alarm(s) weekly and replace the batteries at least twice a year at daylights savings time.
Did you know that not all smoke alarms are the same? Which one is the right one?
If you are wanting to learn how to provide CPR, operate and AED, or administer First Aid, for either a community group or individually, please contact our EMS Coordinator, Captain Chris LaGerould at (248) 391-0304, ext. 2002.
We are looking for a few good men and women to join our team to serve as Paid-on-Call Firefighters. If you are interested in helping protect your community, we are accepting applications. For more information, contact Asst. Chief Pender at (248)391-0304, ext. 2005.
Is your stove top clean, no grease, spills or clutter?
Does a grown-up always stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove?
Are pot handles turned toward the back of the stove?
Are space heaters at least three feet away from the walls and anything else that can burn?
Does your fireplace have a sturdy screen to catch sparks?
Has your heating system been professionally inspected or serviced in the past 12 months?
Has your chimney been inspected or cleaned in the past 12 months?
Do you always dispose of your fireplace ashes in a metal container outside, away from the house?
Are candles blown out when grown-ups leave the room or go to sleep?
Do you have sturdy non-tip and non-combustible candle holders?
Are lit candles kept a safe distance from anything that can burn?
Are matches and lighters locked up high, out of children's sight and reach?
Do smokers wet all butts and ashes before throwing them away?
Are paints, gasoline, and other flammable liquids stored away from flames and sparks?
Are they outside the home in a shed or detached garage?
Do you limit the use of extension cords, make sure they are properly maintained, and do not overload them?
The leading causes of home fires and cooking, smoking, heating, electrical equipment, and intentionally set. Cooking fires lead to the most injuries and smoking fires lead to the most deaths.
Can I burn trash or brush? You are not allowed to burn trash or rubbish. However, you may obtain a burn permit for the on-site burning of residential tree cuttings and brush.
Can I have a fire pit or campfire in my backyard? Yes, but with some restrictions. A burn permit is required. To apply for a permit, please come to the Fire Administration located in Township Hall at 2525 Joslyn Road. You may obtain a permit Monday trhough Friday during the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; Monday through Friday. If you need to renew a permit from last year, email us at oriontwpfd@comcast.net with your information and permit number , and we will answer your request within 48 hours.
Is there a burning ban? There can be a burning ban issued, if deemed necessary by the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief can issue a ban due to drought, high winds, or other factors that affect the community.
Is Orion Township Fire Department (OTFD) a volunteer or full-time department? OTFD is a combination Fire Department with a Full-Time Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, EMS Coordinator, 18 shift personnel and 17 Paid-on-Call Firefighters.
If I have a non-emergency fire related question, what number do I call? Contact Fire Administration at (248) 391-0304, ext. 2000.
Can I get a home fire inspection? Yes, the Fire Department provides inspections for fire safety and evacuation plans free of charge. Contact Fire Administration at (248) 391-0304, ext. 2000 for more information.
Does the Fire Department give tours of the stations? Yes, Firefighters are happy to give tours when available. Contact Fire Administration at (248) 391-0304, ext. 2000 to schedule a tour.
Does the Fire Department provide free smoke alarms? Contact Fire Administration at (248)391-0304, ext. 2003 Free smoke alarms are available for residents who may not have the resources to purchase them. Firefighters will install them in your home and can assist you with replacing batteries if you are unable.Please purchase the batteries prior to the fire departments arrival.
How often should I check my smoke alarm? Test your smoke alarm(s) weekly and replace the batteries at least twice a year at daylights savings time. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
Why is it important to have a home fire escape plan? Because just awakened people, especially children, are often confused and may panic during a fire. A well-planned and practiced home fire escape plan can help people get out safely. Your plan should include two ways out of any room, especially bedrooms. If you have a multi-story home, you may want to purchase a fire escape ladder (sold at retail outlets). Also include in your plan a meeting place outside your home. Never go back inside for pets or toys and practice your plan at least twice a year. Follow this link for an interactive program for drawing out your home and an escape plan.
Does the Fire Department install car seats? Yes – To schedule an inspection or installation, free of charge, contact Fire Administration at (248) 391-0304, ext. 2000.