FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Prevention

Fire prevention and education play an important role in the fire service.  It is the first step in saving lives and property.  The Orting Fire Department has implemented an active fire inspection program for all commercial buildings within the city limits.  This program is headed up by firefighter Bill Hash in conjunction with the City of Orting Building Department (link to building page).  Inspections are done annually to insure that all city adopted, international fire codes and regulations are followed.  The safety of occupants and buildings are foremost, and the fire department crews routinely educate building owners and occupants of life safety hazards.  Complex buildings such as schools, nursing facilities and large businesses will have pre-fire surveys taken.  This survey is a method the fire department uses to identify specific hazards that may hinder firefighting operations or cause injury to civilians and firefighters.  The survey usually requires a floor plan if the structure that gives dimensions and a layout of the entire property.  The fire department will enter all data into a Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) program to keep “maps” of the property for use in the event of fire or emergency.

Hydrant Maintenance Program

In 2003, the Orting Fire Department working alongside the Orting Water Utilities assumed a fire hydrant maintenance program.  This program helps both fire and utilities identify an problems in the water system and assures hydrants are in good working order.  Currently, fire crews are assigned certain hydrants located on the city water system to inspect.  The hydrants are flowed and checked mechanically.

Education

The Orting Fire Department Public Education Program is led by Firefigher Debi Phillips, M.Ed. Firefighters participate in school activities during fire prevention week by putting on presentations and live fire hazard and safety awareness presentations.

Public Tours

The public are always welcome to tour the fire station and equipment anytime.  Tours are available to all including school groups, families and out of state visitors.

Public Outreach

The Fire Department personnel spend countless hours performing public outreach taskes including information booths at parades and festivals.

Classes

Public CPR classes are offered monthly.  Fire extinguisher classes can be scheduled by calling the fire department anytime.