Question
Why don't I see fire station phone numbers listed in the phone book or on the web site?
Answer
The Escondido Fire Department does not publish individual fire station phone numbers as a matter of security and in order to comply with outside agency regulations.
In an emergency, calling 9-1-1 ensures the fastest response by the closest and most appropriate available unit. For further information, to schedule a station tour, or to speak with a specific fire department employee based at a fire station, call Fire Department Administration at (760) 839-5400 during regular business hours.
Question
Where can I get child locator decals?
Answer
In the interest of community safety, the Escondido Fire Department does NOT recommend that "child" or "invalid" locator decals be placed on home windows for a variety of reasons.
- First, the average family moves often – on average about once every five years. Each time a house changes hands, room use can also change. Even a single family will switch rooms with time, making the decal meaningless.
- Even within a short time period, children sleep in rooms other than their own, leave their room when frightened, or spend the night away and, therefore, will often not be in the room marked with a decal.
- Most importantly, a decal can also be an invitation to a burglar – or worse – to enter through that window because the occupant of that room would present less of a threat.
Keep in mind that rescuing people is a priority for all firefighters. They are trained to make a thorough and systematic search for anyone inside a burning building as soon as they arrive. Spending valuable time looking for windows marked with decals, with no assurance anyone would be in that room, could delay help to anyone still left inside.
Firefighters could also be subject to additional risks in entering a building at a marked window rather than following standard search and rescue procedures.
The most effective way to protect yourself and your family in the event of a fire in your house is to:
- Be sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
- Prepare and practice a family fire escape plan.
- Consider installing residential fire sprinklers or making certain your next home has them already installed; they're like having your own firefighter on duty in your home 24 hours every day!
Of course, preventing a fire from occurring in the first place is the best way to save lives. Click here to find a checklist which will help you eliminate fire and burn hazards in your home.
Question
How can I get a job as an Escondido Firefighter?
Answer
For entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic positions, the Escondido Fire Department participates in the North County Joint Testing Process, administered through Palomar College. For information, including the application process, qualifications, and testing dates, contact the Fire Technology Department at Palomar Community College, (760) 744-1150, Extension 2760 or visit their Web site. For more information, see Employment.
Question
Does the Escondido Fire Department have an Explorer Program?
Answer
Yes, applications may be obtained at Fire Administration located on the second floor at City Hall. For more information, see Explorers.
Question
I'm retired and would like to volunteer with the Escondido Fire Department. Are there any opportunities to do so?
Answer
Yes, the Escondido Fire Department has a Senior Volunteer Program for men and women age 55 or older. For more information, see Senior Volunteer Program.
Question
I want to be able to help my community in a disaster. What should I do?
Answer
You can join Escondido's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to learn how to prepare yourself, your family, and your neighborhood to be self-sufficient during a disaster and to help others who may need it afterward. CERT volunteers receive training in a wide variety of skills and ongoing training to help them make a difference in our community. For more information, go to our CERT page or e-mail CERT Coordinator Chuck Milks at cmilks@escondido.org. You can also call (760) 839-5404 for more information.
Question
How do I arrange a fire station tour or have someone come speak to our group?
Answer
Call the Public Education Specialist at (760) 839-5411
Question
Where can I get fire extinguishers refilled?
Answer
The Escondido Fire Department does not service or refill fire extinguishers. Look in the "yellow pages" under "fire equipment" to locate companies that do.
Question
How can I safely dispose of hazardous materials?
Answer
City of Escondido residents may use the new Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility located in Escondido and operated by Escondido Disposal. The facility is open two Saturdays per month and appointments are required.
For more information, see Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities.
Question
Will I be billed for paramedic services?
Answer
The Escondido Fire Department charges for paramedic service and for some other services.
Question
Where can I file complaints about abandoned cars and property maintenance violations?
Answer
The City of Escondido Code Enforcement Department handles complaints regarding abandoned furniture, appliances, etc., on private property, housing code violations, abandoned cars on private property, and general property maintenance violations. For further information, contact the City of Escondido Code Enforcement Department at (760) 839-4650.
Question
Where can I report a leaking fire hydrant?
Answer
To report a leaking or otherwise defective fire hydrant or other problems with city-owned property, contact The City of Escondido Public Works Department at (760) 839-4668.
Question
Where can I report abandoned vehicles parked in fire lanes or on public streets?
Answer
To report a car abandoned on a public street or parked in a fire lane, contact the Traffic Division of the Escondido Police Department at (760) 839-4721.
Question
How can I report fire hazards?
Answer
To report hazardous weed and/or rubbish conditions within the city of Escondido or the Rincon del Diablo Fire Protection District, or if you have questions about your own property, contact the Escondido Fire Department Weed Abatement Officer at (760) 839-4495, or go to our Weed Abatement page to obtain a Weed Abatement Complaint Form.
Other fire hazards, including hazards in the workplace, hazardous waste, and fire lane violations, must be filed in writing on an Escondido Fire Department "Fire Hazard Complaint" Form. All information pertaining to complaints is handled in a confidential manner. A Fire Hazard Complaint Form may be requested by calling (760) 839-5400.
Question
How can I file a complaint about Escondido Fire Department personnel?
Answer
Complaints pertaining to Escondido Fire Department personnel may be made in person at Fire Administrative Offices located on the second floor of City Hall at 201 North Broadway or may be phoned in. Call (760) 839-5400.
Question
Where can I report suspicious arson activity?
Answer
If you have reason to believe that a person is setting a fire or has just set a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to describe the suspect, including physical features and clothing as well as the location and nature of the suspicious activity.
If you have information regarding a fire that has already occurred and is under investigation, please call (760) 839-5400.
Question
What steps should I take for a child with fire playing behavior?
Answer
Children who play with fire place themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods at risk. The Escondido Fire Department Juvenile Firesetter Program provides free intervention services to reduce the chances of further fireplay behavior. Call (760) 839-5411 for further information.
Question
Why is my smoke alarm making a funny sound (chirping)?
Answer
Any time your smoke detector goes off, it's important to pay attention. If it's sounding its loud alarm because it senses the presence of smoke, check your home thoroughly. If you smell smoke and are unable to locate a fire, call 9-1-1 and we'll send an engine to make sure that a fire isn't smoldering in a hidden area and it won't cost anything. If you don't smell smoke, the detector may be reacting to the presence of dust, steam, or a small insect or spider. Dust and bugs can be removed by a vacuum cleaner. If steam from a nearby shower is affecting your smoke detector regularly, move the detector to a different spot.
If the detector is just chirping, thumping, or buzzing, it probably means that the battery is low. Replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can't do its job and the risk of dying in a fire increases greatly.
