Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQs

The most asked questions we receive from our citizens.

Why do you send a fire engine or a ladder truck along with a medic unit to a medical emergency?

All of our firefighters at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue are EMT-certified, which means they can respond to both fire and basic life support medical calls. All our engines and ladder trucks carry emergency medical equipment. Additionally, some medical emergencies require more than two personnel, which is the standard staffing for every medic unit. This additional personnel from the fire engine allows for a greater level of service to be provided to our community in their time of medical need.

Why do you send an engine when I want a medic unit?

All of our firefighters at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue are EMT-certified, which means they can respond to both fire and basic life support (BLS) medical calls. BLS medical calls are non-life-threatening emergencies that do not require advanced life support (ALS). These calls normally include low-level falls, minor injuries, mild allergic reactions, and illnesses without severe symptoms. When a 911 call comes through, dispatch determines if it’s a BLS call or an ALS call. When the call is determined to be BLS an engine or ladder truck are dispatched and can call a medic unit if the call is more severe.

Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in roofs during a fire?

Firefighters break out windows and cut holes in the roof during a fire to ventilate the building. As a fire burns, it generally moves upward, then outward. Ventilating stops the outward damaging movement of the fire and enables firefighters to fight more efficiently.

 

Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents?

We block multiple lanes during auto accidents to create a safe working environment for emergency responders and the people involved in the accident.

Blocking off multiple lanes allows for firefighters, medic units, and police to have a safe space to work and operate efficiently. It also helps slow traffic, reducing the risk of another accident.

Why can you not drive over a fire hose?

Driving over a fire hose can damage the hose. In Washington state, it is illegal to drive over any fire hose at the scene of an emergency without the consent of the fire department official in command.

How do you become a firefighter?

There is no single path to become a firefighter in Washington State, but there are some basic qualifications: you should be over 18 years of age, have earned a high school diploma or GED, and possess a valid driver’s license.

The WSFF JATC offers career fire fighters a disciplined career training and development program that integrates:

  • On-the-Job Training (OJT)
  • Professional Certifications: IFSAC, ProBoard
  • College-level Academic Studies

Fire Science degrees are offered at several educational institutions around the state, including:

Approved Washington Paramedic Education Programs:

Bachelor of Applied Science in Fire Services Leadership and Management (BAS-FSLM) at Pierce College

  • This leadership and management degree program is part of a guided career pathway designed to prepare students to become 21st century leaders in the fire service.
  • The FSLM program is primarily taught online in order to provide fire service professionals the skills and knowledge they need to advance into leadership positions.
  • Application for Fire Service Leadership Management, Bachelor of Applied Science Degree

Volunteering, particularly in rural communities, can be a great way to learn more about the fire service.

Many departments rely on centralized private training organizations to test candidates for jobs. The National Testing Network and Public Safety Testing provide testing and forward test scores and information to departments with open positions.

Why do we keep weeds and bushes away from fire hydrants?

We ensure that there are no weeds and bushes around fire hydrants so they are visible and easily accessible during an emergency.

Who can I report a leaking or broken fire hydrant to?

You can report a leaking or broken fire hydrant to your local water company, as they are responsible for maintaining fire hydrants. If the leak is causing flooding or is causing a hazard, please call the Pierce County non-emergency line at 253-287-4455.

Do you have volunteers at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue?

We do not have volunteers at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue. If you are looking to volunteer, we suggest Riverside Fire Department or Browns Pt/Dash Pt Fire Department.

How can I request a smoke alarm?

We provide FREE smoke alarms to residents within our fire district. The intent of the program is to provide free life-saving alarms to individuals who may have physical or financial challenges obtaining smoke alarms themselves. We will not provide smoke alarms to businesses or to aid in the purchase or sale of a home.

If you are renting, please contact your property manager for assistance. WA State law requires landlords to provide working smoke alarms in rental properties.

If you need to utilize this program, please click here.

What do I do if my smoke alarm is chirping?

If your smoke alarm is chirping, try replacing the batteries in each alarm. If that doesn’t stop the chirping, it may be time to replace all of the alarms (smoke alarms need to be replaced every ten years). If you need help changing your batteries or changing your smoke alarms, please fill out the request form here.

Please note that we cannot replace hard-wired alarms. However, we are happy to bring a battery-operated alarm and put it up until your hard-wired alarm is repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is often called the invisible killer as it is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of CO.

Click here to learn more.

How can I request a carbon monoxide alarm?

We provide FREE carbon monoxide alarms to residents within our fire district. The intent of the program is to provide free life-saving alarms to individuals.

If you are renting, please contact your property manager for assistance. WA State law requires landlords to provide working carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties.

To request your carbon monoxide alarm please click here.

These alarms were purchased with funding provided by a Federal Carbon Monoxide Safety Grant.

My neighbor has weeds, shrubs, boxes, etc. in their yard and it is a fire hazard, can someone come out?

Please contact the code enforcement office in Pierce County at 253-798-4636 or visit their website at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1571/Code-Enforcement.

If you live within the City of Puyallup, please contact the City of Puyallup’s code enforcement office at 253-770-3327 or visit their website at https://www.cityofpuyallup.org/321/Code-Enforcement.

Do you fill fire extinguishers?

We do not fill fire extinguishers. Please contact a certified fire equipment dealer or fire protection agency.

Where can I buy fire extinguishers?

Most major home improvement stores carry fire extinguishers and can help you choose the right type for your home based on your needs.

Why can I not burn leaves and brush on my property?

When a burn ban is OFF and outdoor burning is allowed, residential burning is only allowed in specific areas of GFR and OVFR’s response areas. You can check if you live in an area where burning is allowed by entering your address into PSCAA’s Outdoor Burning Map. A Stage 1 burn ban went into effect on June 1st for unincorporated Pierce County. This is in effect until the burn ban is lifted in the fall of 2025.

If you live within an area where burning is allowed, you must be issued a burn permit prior to burning. Burn permits for residential outdoor burning are issued at no charge by GFR and OVFR.

Visit our Outdoor Burning page here to learn more.

Do I need a burn permit to have a fire?

Recreational burning:

Recreational Burning is allowed in all parts of the combined fire district. Recreational fires are cooking fires and campfires using charcoal or seasoned firewood that occur on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Recreational fires do not require a burn permit and are permitted in all areas of the district.

Residential burning:

Residential Outdoor Burning is only allowed in specific areas of Graham Fire & Rescue and Orting Vally Fire & Rescue’s districts with a valid burn permit and when there is no active burn ban imposed by the Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau or Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

Visit our Outdoor Burning page here to learn more.

Why do firefighters shop at the local grocery stores and who pays?

Firefighters shop at local grocery stores because they work 24 hour shifts and prepare their own meals while on duty. These meals are paid for out of their own pockets.

How can I get fitted for a bike helmet?

To help promote bicycle safety, we have bike helmets available for children within our fire district in the spring. Please look back here in April 2026 to schedule a bike helmet fitting.

Would you allow me to ride-along on a fire engine or medic unit?

At this time, we do not allow ride-alongs on fire engines, ladder trucks, or medic units for the general public.

Where can I take household hazardous waste materials?

In Pierce County you can drop off household hazardous waste at one of two county-operated facilities:

Tacoma Transfer Center
3510 S. Mullen Street, Tacoma
253-502-2100
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hidden Valley Transfer Station
17925 Meridian E, Puyallup
253-847-7555
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday
8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

To see a list of everything accepted at these facilities, please click here.

Where can I take my glass for recycling?

In Pierce County, glass is not collected curbside because the glass shards contaminate the other materials, making it hard to recycle. Click here for a list of glass drop-off locations.

How do I dispose of a lithium-ion battery?

To dispose of a lithium-ion battery, take it to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 3510 S. Mullen St., Tacoma, WA 98409.

They are open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.

For more information, please visit the City of Tacoma Solid Waste Services.

Can I take a tour of a fire station?

At this time, we’re unable to accommodate individual station tours due to the high demand for emergency response and ongoing training commitments for our firefighters. If you would like to visit one of our fire stations, please click here to see the event calendar for our upcoming open houses.

Do you fill swimming pools on private property?

We do not fill swimming pools on private property. The best way in Pierce County to fill your pool is to use your garden hose or hire a bulk water delivery service.

When will your fire department be hiring?

Please check our social media and website here for job openings. If we are not currently hiring, you can sign up on NEOGOV to get notifications when the job you are searching for becomes available.

Where do I dispose of old medication?

Click here to find a location to dispose of old medication in a secure and safe way.

Do you do car seat installation or inspection?

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue offers free car seat inspections in-person via pre-scheduled appointment. If you would like to meet with our Car Seat Technician, please reach out via email to education@centralpiercefire.org!

Additionally, you can schedule an appointment with Mary Bridge’s Car Seat Technicians for this service. To schedule an appointment, visit their “Car Seat Check-Ups at Mary Bridge” webpage.

Do you get cats out of trees?

While we understand the concern, we do not respond to calls for cats stuck in trees. Our crews need to stay available for emergencies that involve immediate risks to life, health, or property. Cats often come down on their own. If you are worried, you can contact Canopy Cat Rescue by clicking here.

What is the law for BBQs on balconies?

The International Fire Code states the following:

308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.

Exceptions:

One- and two-family dwellings.

  1. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
  2. LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 21/2 pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity].

​However:

The State of Washington, in its code adoption process, excluded this code section from the Fire Code.

Further, the state of Washington added language to IFC 6107.1 to allow, “The use and storage of listed propane fired barbeque grills on R-2 (apartments & condominiums) decks and balconies with an approved container not exceeding a water capacity of 20 pounds (9 kg) that maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches on all sides, unless listed for lesser clearances.”

This shows intent by Washington State law makers not to prohibit the use of gas barbeque grills on apartment decks and balconies at distances of less than 10 feet from combustible construction.

Apartment Management:

Apartment policies and condominium association rules can be more restrictive (and can be disallowed as landlord policy per lease agreement) than the Fire Code. Check with them before placing a barbeque for use.

While 10 feet of separation from combustibles remains a strong guideline, it is recognized that some out-door cooking appliances are designed for safe use with as little as 3 feet of separation.

Bottom line

  1. Make sure you aren’t violating a lease agreement or rule.
  2. Do not let outdoor cooking cause heating of any combustible material.
  3. Never leave cooking unattended.
  4. Dispose of all used charcoal in a metal container with tight fitting lid because charcoal can smolder even when you think it is cold.
  5. Be a good neighbor! Don’t let your outdoor cooking become a nuisance to your neighbors. If the wind is blowing toward their residence or if there is no wind, please take that into consideration before barbecuing.

 

How can I obtain a copy of the report from my transport?

Patient billing services for Central Pierce Fire & Rescue are provided by Systems Design EMS.

If you have questions about your bill, please contact

Systems Design EMS

PO Box 3510

Silverdale, WA 98383

(800) 585-5242

https://systemsdesignems.com/

info@sdwems.com

For a copy of your incident report complete the appropriate request form by clicking here.