Fire Department FAQ
The Palm Coast Fire Department cannot drain flooded homes, pools, drainage ditches, etc.
Unless there is an injury or threat of injury, the Fire Department cannot assist with tree/limb removal. We can only respond to hazardous situations. There are other agencies within the City that may be able to assist you such as Public Works or the Building Department to determine extent of damage and/or structural damage necessitating relocation of the persons from an unsafe environment.
The Fire Department responds to downed power lines to secure the area only until FPL arrives. The Fire Department does not handle electrical problems.
Sand bags are not available at the fire stations. The added congestion makes emergency response difficult. Locations are provided throughout the City, usually in the parks, where you may get bags and fill them. We cannot deliver sandbags and ask that you make arrangements well in advance if you feel you will need bags for flooding.
Please pre-plan for an evacuation and have a well planned evacuation route, destination, a meeting place for family members and an emergency contact, preferably someone out of town, that members can check in with. In an emergency situation the Fire Department and the Sheriff's Office will not have sufficient manpower to handle the storm related emergencies and welfare checks.
We urge everyone to avoid the use of candles and other open flame situations. It is very easy to leave candles unattended and the result can be devastating. We request you have plenty of battery operated lighting options available and that you have a sufficient supply of spare batteries.
If you are using a grill, either propane or charcoal, or a propane camp stove, please be sure that you operate them in a safe fashion. Grills should only be used outside in a well ventilated area, well away from any buildings. Do not leave grills or camp stoves unattended and extinguish the flame as soon as you are finished cooking. The City has a ban on all open burning and any fire used for cooking purposes must be contained.
If you reside in an area that is evacuated please do not return until an all clear has been declared. The media will announce when an all clear has been determined.
When the power fails please turn off light switches and unplug all electrical connections throughout your home. This will prevent hazards when power is restored. Additionally, if you are asked to evacuate please turn off, at the appropriate mains, water, electricity, propane, etc.
If you have a special needs situation, i.e., medical problems, elderly living alone, etc., please register well in advance with the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center at 313-4200.
With any emergency we remind you to dial 911. Please do not call the Fire Department directly. Be prepared to give the operator details of your emergency so that calls can be dispatched in an effective manner.
NOTE: Keep a standard, non portable, telephone for emergencies. Cordless phones will not operate if the power fails. Cell phones require electrical charging. A standard plug in phone will usually work when the power is out.
Your Fire Department is here to serve you and assist in emergency situations. In large weather situations the calls for assistance are answered as quickly as possible but please be aware that responses to the most critical situations are handled with priority. If you experience a delay in our response it is because we are handling a more emergent situation and will respond accordingly.
Q: If I have a fire or another type of emergency should I call the fire department?
A: The answer is NO, the fire department does not dispatch emergency vehicles. All dispatching is done through the Sheriff's Office and in an emergency 911 should be contacted immediately.
Q: My smoke detector is "chirping", is there a fire? Should I call the fire department?
A: A "chirping" smoke detector in the home usually indicates the need to change the battery and/or blow or vacuum out dust particles that often trip the detectors. If there is a fire the smoke detector makes a piercing alarm.
Q: My fire extinguishers need to be filled, should I bring them to the fire department?
A: The Fire Department does not fill fire extinguishers. We will accept the expired extinguishers and properly dispose of them. In most cases a fire extinguisher purchased for home use is not worth the cost involved in refilling; suggestion is to purchase new unit. By turning the extinguisher over 2-3 times a month you will extend the life of the unit considerably. There are no local agents to service an extinguisher however, there are several companies listed in the Ormond Beach/Daytona area. Check the yellow pages under Fire Safety.
Q: Should I bring my hazardous material to the fire department for disposal?
A: The Fire Department does not have the means to accept old gas, oil, paint, and other hazardous materials. Contact the County Landfill (517-2075) for information on the proper disposal of these materials.
Q: The fire hydrant on my street needs repair, should I call the fire department?
A: The Fire Department is not the responsible party for the condition of the fire hydrants located throughout the City. The Palm Coast Utility Department is responsible for the condition of the fire hydrants located throughout the City. Should you have any questions relative to hydrant maintenance, please call Utility Customer Service at (386) 986-2360.
Q: How do I get a burn permit?
A: The Fire Department does not issue burn permits. The Department of Forestry has total jurisdiction over burning permits and procedures. You may contact them at (386) 446-6786.
Q: I smell smoke, what should I do?
A: A smell of smoke in the air is usually the result of a prescribed burn and the winds carrying the smoke to other areas of the City. If you actually see flames, or a column of smoke or see ash, please call 911 immediately. If the smoke is dense enough to be considered a health threat or nuisance, please contact the Dept. of Forestry (446-6786) and make them aware of the problem. In most instances the burn will be shut down.
Q: I received a call from the fire department asking for a donation, what should I do?
A: The City of Palm Coast Fire Department does not solicit funds from our residents. The Palm Coast Volunteer Fire/Rescue organization does conduct fund raising drives at 2-3 year intervals. This fund raising solicitation is done only by mail and is publicized two weeks prior to the actual mailing of the solicitation letters. WE DO NOT DO TELEPHONE SOLICITATIONS under any circumstances. If you have a question regarding alleged fund raising activities we will be pleased to speak with you and verify whether or not the solicitation is a legitimate organization to the best of our knowledge. However, we would like you to know that in most cases the Flagler County organizations receive little, if any, of the funds collected.
Q: Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
A: The Fire Department does offer free blood pressure checks at any of our locations. Please be aware that due to the nature of emergency calls, there may not always be personnel available to perform this function. The stations are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, however, if an emergency call is received all personnel respond and you may encounter an "empty" station. We request your cooperation in adhering to our time frames of 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. If you find that you have an emergent need to seek the advice of the Fire Department there is an Emergency Bell just outside of the front door for after hours.
Q: I received a bill for using the ambulance service and I have a question about the bill, should I call the fire department?
A: The Ambulance units that are housed in the fire stations are under the jurisdiction of Flagler County Emergency Operations Center. If you have received a bill for emergency transport, please contact Flagler County EOC, (386) 313-4200, EMS Division. The Fire Department does not bill residents for any services rendered.
Q: Can I get my CPR or First Aid training at the fire department?
A: Yes. CPR and Basic First Aid classes are being offered by the City Of Palm Coast Fire/Rescue Department to the general public.
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Q: Can the fire department come fill or drain my swimming pool?
A: The Fire Department does not fill or drain swimming pools.