Welcome to the Fire Department’s page! There is information about what we provide, burning permits, burning containers, tornado sirens, community CPR/AED training, and much more here. Scroll down to read about the new procedures for burning permits effective January 1, 2013. 

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Staff
Interim Fire Chief Fire Marshal Assistant Fire Chief Training Coordinator EMS Coordinator Fire Inspectors Fire Prevention Office Coordinator Phone Number Fax Number	John Pender, ext 2001 Jeffrey Williams, ext 2003 Jeff Stout, ext 1002 John Pender, ext. 2001 Chris LaGerould, ext 2002 David Ostertag, ext. 2000 Anton Roths, ext. 2000 Chris Hagan, ext. 2000 Sherri Bowers, ext. 2000 (248) 391-0304  (248) 393-6858

Burn Permit Renewals - Send an email to oriontwpfd@comcast.net

Fire Protection Services

Fire protection services are provided through a voted millage (1 mill) for both the Township and the Village of Lake Orion. There are four fire stations located in the community from which paid-on-call firefighters respond to fire, accident, and medical emergencies.

Stations: Locations & Apparatus

Burning Permits

All open burning requires a “Burning Permit” issued by the Fire Department. To apply for a permit, please come to the Fire Administrative offices located in Township Hall, 2525 Joslyn Road.

You may obtain a permit during the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. If you are wanting to just renew a permit from last year, email us at oriontwpfd@comcast.net with your information and permit number from last year, and we will answer your request within a few days.

Burning Containers

We have receive numerous calls inquiring about portable burning containers being sold that allow you to have small campfires. 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 as dangerous as any other campfire! To apply for a permit, call (248) 391-0304, ext. 2000.

Outdoor Warning Sirens

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.

On 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 and February due to winter weather.

Downed Power Lines

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!!! 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.

Report downed power lines to DTE Energy at (800) 477-4747.

Smoke Detectors

Are Your Smoke Alarms Up-to-Date?

How would you answer the following?

• Do your smoke detector(s) work?
• When was the last time you tested your smoke detector(s)?
• When was the last time you changed the batteries in your smoke detector(s)?

More than half of all fatal fires occur at night while people are asleep. Every home needs to have working smoke detectors to alert sleeping occupants of smoke and fire. The National Fire Chief’s Association has adopted a policy to change smoke detectors that are at least 10 years old and to change the batteries whenever you adjust your clock for daylight savings time. Remember this fall, when you set your clock back, change your batteries, and if your detector is at least 10 years old, or if you are not sure how old it is, then change your detector too. Test your smoke detector(s) weekly and replace the batteries at least twice a year at daylights savings time.

Did you know that not all smoke detectors are the same? Which one is the right one?
Your local hardware store sells so many different types that are designed to operate in different parts of your home. Ionization smoke detectors respond quickly to fire and should be used in the basement, outside sleeping areas and in the bedrooms. Photoelectric smoke detectors are more suitable around the kitchen or bathroom area. Whether you have smoke detectors wired together or battery operated, place the right detector in the area that it is designed to operate in, instead of disarming it every time it goes off when you burn the toast or step out of the shower. Most manufacturers will state on the package where to use their detectors. If you are still not sure, check with your local retailer or fire department to make the right choice

Children & Fire

Show children how to crawl low below the smoke to get out of the house. Teach children to alert other members of the family if the smoke detector goes off. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke detector. Practice with children; do not assume they know what to do if they have an emergency. Statistics show that, although children can explain what to do in an emergency, they often panic when faced with a realistic fire drill. Practice by setting off the smoke alarm while the child is asleep and see their reaction.

Community CPR/AED Training

We have instructors available to provide CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training for community groups or individuals. If you are interested, classes are scheduled periodically. If you have a group of eight or more, an independent class may be scheduled by calling (248) 391-0304, ext. 2000.

Firefighters Needed

We need people to serve as “volunteer” Paid-on-Call Firefighters. We depend on the willingness of citizens to step forward and make a commitment to help their neighbors. If you are interested in helping to protect our community, we are now accepting applications. We will supply you with the equipment and basic schooling to become Fire and EMS trained and all we ask in return is that you are available to respond to emergencies. It will take sacrifices and hours away from your family but the reward in the end is well worth it.

Employment Application
For more information, call (248) 391-0304, ext. 143.

Fall Clean-Up, Getting Ready for Winter

DO NOT BURN YOUR LEAVES. Remember, you are not allowed to burn your leaves or grass clippings. You must compost them or have them recycled.

IS YOUR FURNACE IN GOOD SHAPE? This is the time to have your furnace checked, filters changed and inspected. Waiting for winter or until the unit breaks is too late. If you wait and it breaks, you may have to wait for a repairman because they become extremely busy in the winter time

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOUR CLOTHES DRYER WAS SERVICED OR CLEANED? Now would be a good time to have your dyer inspected and cleaned. Did you know dryer fires are caused by a build-up of lint in the vent? You must take a vacuum and clean under, inside and around the dryer and inspect the vent pipe for build-up of debris. Do not use flexible plastic or foil vent hoses – always use metal vent pipe.

HEATING WITH WOOD. Before using that fireplace or wood burner for the first time this season, have it inspected and cleaned. Check the interior of the chimney all the way up to the roof for critters that may have built nests in there during the summer

CANDLE SAFETY. Make sure you are careful while using candles. Do not leave them burning if you are not in the room. Make sure they are on safe fireproof surfaces. Do not let children play with or light candles. This is giving them the wrong message that makes them believe it is okay to play with matches.

Home Fire Prevention

Kitchen Safety

• Is your stovetop 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?

Heating Equipment

• 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?

Candles

• 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?

Smoking Materials

• Do you have large, deep, non-tip ashtrays for smokers?
• 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?

Hazardous Materials

• Are paints, gasoline, and other flammable liquids stored away from flames and sparks?
• Are they outside the home in a shed or detached garage?

House Wiring

• Do your fuses or circuit-breakers match the circuits they protect? (Have them professionally inspected.)
• Do you limit the use of extension cords, make sure they are properly maintained, and do not overload them?

Safety Tips to Live By

Cooking

• Pay attention while cooking
• If you must leave the room, shut off stove
• If you have small children, cook on back burners
• Keep children 3 feet away from stove
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking. Watch your sleeves!

Heating

• Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn
• Turn space heaters off when not in room
• Do not leave fireplaces unattended
• Do not throw fireplace ashes in a combustible receptacle or place in garage. Place them outside away from building
• Do not use cooking stove to heat house

Candles

• Extinguish candles when you leave the room
• Use flashlights, not candles, during power outages
• Keep candles away from curtains, paper or bedding
• Never let children play around candles or let them light the candles

U.S Fire Facts

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.

In 2010:

• U.S. Fire Departments responded to 386,500 home fires.
• Home fires killed 3,120 people.
• Roughly 8 people die in home fires every day.
• Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from home fires with no smoke detectors or no working smoke detectors.
  • No smoke detectors were present in 40% of home fire deaths.
  • In 23% of the home fire deaths, smoke detectors were present but did not sound.

Children & Fire

• Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable things in a secured drawer out of reach of children.
• Have your children tell you when they find matches and lighters.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but also to get out quickly or stay by a window.
• Show children how to crawl law below the smoke to get out of the house.
• Teach children to alert other members of the family if the smoke detector goes off.
• Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke detector.

Fireworks Safety

The new Michigan Law passed allows for the sale and use of “Retail Grade” fireworks. You are allowed to purchase and use these fireworks certain times of the year. Be aware of the times you are able to shoot off fireworks. Township Ordinance 143, Fireworks Safety Standards, prohibits the use of fireworks except the day before-day, day of, and day after a National Holiday. You can read the entire ordinance by following the link above.

Just because it is legal to obtain fireworks does not mean that you can ignore fireworks safety. These things hurt, injure and kill people every year because of carelessness, so the Orion Township Fire Department cautions you to follow the safety guidelines listed below.

• Kids should be supervised with fireworks. Even sparklers are dangerous. Sparklers can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt gold. As the embers drop away they are still very hot and if someone steps on them with bare feet or try to pick them up without the embers being sufficiently cooled will result in burns and the embers sticking to the skin and continuing to burn until cooled by water.
• Never try to make your own fireworks. Stay away from others and make sure your children are not around someone who does decide to light fireworks. Fireworks have injured many people because they backfired or shot off in the wrong direction.
• Never approach fireworks that have not exploded for a minimum of 30 minutes.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks every year.

If a child or member of your family is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital or, if serious enough, call 911. If an eye injury occurs, don’t allow the person to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. If other burns occur, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn area (do not use ice). Seek medical attention immediately.

Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed during the period that fireworks are allowed to be discharged. Keep them inside as much as possible and do not take them to watch firework displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I burn trash or brush? You are not allowed to burn trash or rubbish in Orion Township. 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 Administrative offices located in Township Hall, 2525 Joslyn Road. You may obtain a permit during the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. If you are wanting to just renew a permit from last year, email us at oriontwpfd@comcast.net with your information and permit number from last year, and we will answer your request within a few days.
• Is there a burning ban? There can be a burning ban issued. If deemed fit by the Fire Chief, he can issue a burning ban due to drought, high winds, or other factors.
• How do I become a Paid-on-Call Firefighter? Fill out an employment application and return to the Fire Administration Offices at Township Hall, 2525 Joslyn Road.
• Is Orion Township Fire Department a volunteer or full-time department? We are a “combination” department with a Full-Time Chief, 2 Assistant Chief’s, Fire Marshal, Emergency Medical Coordinator, 15 Full-Time Shift personnel and 40 Paid-On-Call personnel.
• If I have a non-emergency fire-related question, what number do I call? Call the Fire Administration office at (248) 391-0304, ext. 143.
• Can I get a home fire inspection? Yes, the Fire Department provides inspections for fire safety and evacuation plans free of cost. Call the Fire Administration office at (248) 391-0304, ext. 143 for more information.
• Does the Fire Department give tours of the stations? Yes, the firefighters are happy to give tours when available. However, we cannot host parties due to the possibility of fire calls coming in during the event. Call the Fire Administration office at (248) 391-0304, ext. 143 to schedule a tour.
• Does the Fire Department provide free smoke detectors? Call the Fire Administration office at (248) 391-0304, ext. 143. Free smoke alarms are available for residents who may not have the resources or the means to make sure working smoke alarms are in their homes. Our firefighters will come install them in your home as needed and can assist you with replacing batteries if you are unable to reach them. Please purchase the batteries before they come out to replace them.
• How often should I check my smoke detector? Smoke alarms should be tested monthly by pressing the “test” button. Batteries should be changed twice a year. A good way to remember is to change your smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. Smoke detectors 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 iteractive program for drawing out your home and an escape plan.
• Does the Fire Department install car seats? Yes – the Department offers car seat inspections and installations free of charge. Call the Fire Administration office at (248) 391-0304, ext. 143, to schedule.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Fire Department is to preserve and protect people and property through fire and rescue services.