Fairfield Township Fire Department

04/06/2026

Did you know.....

Our calls for service have increased 123% since 2008, 1,791 in 2008 to 3,996 in 2025.

Our operating costs have increased 131% since 2008, from $2,809,300 in 2008 to $6,600,000 in 2025.

Dedicated revenue for the Fire Department comes from a 2008 Fire Levy, 1/2 of the 2016 Safety Services Levy and EMS Billing, the 3 combined generate approximately $4,000,000 dollars. The remainder of our operating costs are paid for out of the general fund and JEDD’s.

Inflation has increased approximately 52% since 2008.

Operating and equipment costs have risen dramatically while our dedicated revenue stream for services has remained flat.

Daily staffing went from 8 personnel in 2008 to 11 personnel in 2025, a modest increase in 18 years.

However the makeup of that staffing has changed dramatically, from 100% part time staff in 2008 to 70% career staffing today.

04/03/2026

Without additional dollars Fairfield Twp. may have to close the Morris Road fire station.

04/01/2026

03/20/2026

Crews spent time yesterday afternoon reading with students at Fairfield North.

This is a program that allows us to interact with the students several times a year and share fire safety related messages!

03/16/2026

With May 5th fast approaching, we want to ensure the public knows the Facts about the upcoming Fire Levy.

The May 5th Fire Levy is a 4.49 mill levy, estimated to generate $3,693,427 annually. Costing each home owner the following amount per $100,000, $157 per year, $13.08 per month, $3.02 per week and $0.43 per day.

This Fire Levy will allow us to maintain todays level of service, keeping both firehouses staffed and open, avoiding layoffs and allowing us to backfill 3 unfilled fulltime positions.

This Levy does not provide an increase in services or staffing.

03/11/2026

WHY ARE FIREFIGHTERS AT THE GROCERY STORE?

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, which means the fire station becomes their workplace, kitchen, and home for their shift.

So at some point during the shift, you’ll often see firefighters making a grocery run to pick up ingredients for the meals they’re cooking together.

And here’s the part many people don’t realize: The firefighters pay for the food themselves.

❌ Tax Dollars Do NOT Pay For Meals

If the alarm sounds while shopping, or while food is on the stove or plates are on the table, everything gets left behind and the crew responds immediately. It’s not uncommon for firefighters to come back to a cold meal… or occasionally a slightly overcooked one.

So if you see firefighters in the grocery store, take the opportunity to say hello, and know that while shopping — they are always ready to respond to the next call for help. 🚒

03/09/2026

🚒 Why Do Fire Trucks Cost So Much — and Why Do They Need Replaced?

Fire trucks are one of the most important pieces of equipment a fire department operates. They are also one of the largest investments a community makes in public safety.

A modern fire engine today typically costs $750,000–$1,000,000 and Ladder Trucks cost $2,000,000

📊 How Long Do Fire Trucks Last?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends a general replacement cycle for fire apparatus:
• 0–15 years: Frontline emergency response vehicle
• 15–20 years: Reserve or secondary response vehicle
• After 20 years: Recommended removal from emergency service

These guidelines exist because emergency vehicles operate under extremely demanding conditions — heavy loads, high speeds, emergency driving, and constant use.

⏱️ Planning Ahead Matters
Because of the cost and long build times (often 36-48 months today), fire departments must plan years in advance to replace aging apparatus and keep reliable equipment available for emergency response.

Reliable equipment helps ensure firefighters and paramedics can respond quickly, operate safely, and provide the level of service our community expects and deserves.

🚒 Investing in apparatus is investing in public safety.

Fairfield Township currently has a fleet consisting of one ladder truck that is 24 years old, a fire engine that is 5 years old and a reserve engine that is 14 years old and second reserve engine that is 18 years old.

03/07/2026

🔥 Before You Burn: Know Ohio’s Open Burn Law

Spring and fall bring increased wildfire risk in Ohio. To reduce brush fires, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources enforces a seasonal daytime burn ban.

🚫 Open burning is prohibited from 6 AM – 6 PM during:
• March 1 – May 31
• October 1 – November 30

🔥 Never burn:
• Trash or garbage
• Plastics or rubber
• Tires
• Treated or painted wood
• Construction debris

🔥 Allowed outside restricted hours:
• Small recreational fires
• Campfires
• Cooking fires

⚠️ Important:
Local officials may issue burn bans during very dry conditions, which can prohibit all outdoor burning.

Always check conditions before burning and keep fires small, attended, and fully extinguished.

A preventable brush fire puts firefighters and your neighbors at risk.

03/03/2026

🚑🚒 SECONDS MATTER, When Advanced Life Support Is Needed

When a call requires Advanced Life Support (ALS), a life-threatening emergency is unfolding, Cardiac arrest, Stroke, Respiratory failure and many others…

We send both a fire engine and an ambulance, more trained professionals on scene means:

Airway management happens without delay
Medications are given faster
CPR starts immediately
Critical care happens simultaneously
Transport time is decreased

This isn’t duplication, it’s a coordinated response when every second counts

02/28/2026

🚨 Outdoor Warning Sirens: What You Should Know 🚨

With severe weather season approaching, we want to clarify how outdoor warning sirens work — and what they are designed to do.

🔊 Sirens are designed to warn people who are OUTDOORS.
They are not intended to be heard clearly inside homes, especially with windows closed, air conditioning running, or background noise.

🌪 When are sirens activated?
Outdoor warning sirens are typically activated when a Tornado Warning is issued for our area, a confirmed tornado has been sighted. In some jurisdictions, during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning with destructive winds

📱 Sirens should NOT be your only warning method.
Every household should have multiple ways to receive alerts such as NOAA Weather Radio, Wireless Emergency Alerts (enabled on your smartphone), Local news and weather apps

🏠 If a siren sounds move indoors immediately, go to a basement or interior room on the lowest level, stay away from windows.

Outdoor warning sirens are one layer of a broader emergency notification system. Being prepared and having multiple alert methods in place ensures you and your family receive warnings quickly — day or night.

02/26/2026

Electrical fires are more common than many people realize — and they’re often preventable.

According to national fire data, there are approximately 47,000 home electrical fires each year.

Half of these fires involve home wiring or lighting equipment.

Here are a few simple steps to reduce your risk:

✔ Plug only one heat-producing appliance (coffee maker, microwave, space heater, etc.) directly into a wall outlet at a time

✔ Never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance

✔ Use extension cords only temporarily — if you need more outlets, have a qualified electrician install them

Small electrical safety habits make a real difference, especially during the winter months when heating devices and decorations are in heavy use.

Take a few minutes today to check your home’s electrical setup. It’s a simple step that can help protect your family and your home.