Frequently Asked Questions
How many firefighters are on duty?
Currently, 5 Full-time firefighters are assigned to each shift, on duty at all times. Station 1 is normally staffed with a Captain and two firefighters. Station 2 is staffed with a Lieutenant, and a firefighter. Part-time personnel augment the full-time staff during sick, vacation or education time, and all staff can be recalled to thier stations for larger incidents, as needed.
What are the work hours of firefighters?
Firefighters work 10 - 24 hour shifts each month in a rotating pattern called the California swing (24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 96 off). Shifts change at 0700.
Does the Huron Fire Department respond outside of its jurisdiction?
Yes, the Huron Fire Department has mutual aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions. It is vital for us to be able to help other departments and in return they help us in our times of need.
What is the huron fire department's ems billing structure?
EMS billing is a service fee charged by the Huron Fire Department for ambulance transportation to a hospital facility. Calls for assistance that are not transported by ambulance are not billed and are considered "non-transports".
Residents of the City of Huron and Huron Township - Soft Billed We will bill only the insurance carriers who are insured or have Medicare/Medicaid coverage and only when they are transported to the emergency department. We accept the amount your insurance or Medicare/Medicaid pay for the services as payment in full. You may receive a statement but will not be billed if you live in the City or Township and do not have health insurance.
Non-residents of the City of Huron or Huron Township - Hard Billed Non-residents will be billed whether or not they are insured and responsible for the amount their health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid does not cover
Billing rates are determined by Medicare allowable rates. Depending on the nature of the call and what treatments and procedures are required determines what Medicare allowable rate you will be billed. The three categories of Medicare billable rates are:
BLS (Basic Life Support)
ALS (Advanced Life Support)
ALS2 (Advanced Life Support with invasive procedures)
A third-party billing company determines what rates apply depending on what treatmewnts, medications and procedures were performed. Medicare allowable rates also allow for a per-mile charge for the transport from the scene to the hospital.
EMS billing will not increase local insurance rates. These costs have been built into insurance premiums. Nationally, more than 80% of fire departments who transport patients to the hospital bill for their services. Ambulance costs are less than 1% of health care expenditures. EMS billing at Medicare allowable rates will have a negligible impact on insurance premiums.
Can I have a controlled burn, bonfire, or recreational fire?
The Huron Fire Division enforces the Ohio Fire Code which states the following:
- Prohibited open burning. Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.
- Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.
- Extinguishment authority. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the permit holder, another person responsible or the fire department of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
- Location.
- Location - Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or
combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions which could
cause a fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
- Location - Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a
structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25
feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
- Location - Attendance. Open burning, bonfires or recreational fires shall be constantly
attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a
minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt,
sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
Why can’t I have a LPG grill on my balcony or near my house?
The Ohio Fire Code states: LP – gas burners having an LP – gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.
Why are the weather sirens going off?
The weather sirens are tested at 12:00 pm the first day of each month. If you hear the sirens during any other time, seek shelter and tune into your local radio and television stations for weather or emergency messages. There is NO all clear siren.
