Lima Fire Department

No, you cannot burn trash, yard waste or left over construction materials, however, you can have a small recreational fire as long as it meets specific guidelines. This link “open burning guideline” will explain what you can and cannot burn and how to burn it. A quick overview: • Must burn seasoned firewood (dry), no leaves. • No larger than three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet tall. • Must be attended by an adult at all times. • Fire can be no closer than 25 feet to the nearest structure. • An extinguishing agent (garden hose, fire extinguisher) must be easily accessible. A fire official can order the fire to be extinguished even if it meets these guidelines if it is determined to be a nuisance or danger. High winds, excessive smoke or smoke blowing into a neighbor’s window are some examples.

When you call for an ambulance, the 911 Operator will attempt to determine the type and severity of the emergency. In some cases, the medical situations are serious enough that more manpower is necessary to provide proper care to the patient. Fire Stations are located in the north end, downtown and south end of the city. In many cases, a fire truck can respond to and initiate vital emergency care before an ambulance arrives.

Whenever the department has extra manpower, we will send a single firefighter in a pickup truck to check fire hydrants. However, due to safety issues and the need to maintain company integrity, we are required to have a minimum of three firefighters on each Engine Company and two firefighters on a Rescue or Medic Crew. Each station has a set number of hydrants that must be checked each Spring and Fall. In order to accomplish this task, we are required when staffing levels are low enough, to send out the entire crew. Please be aware that these crews are “in service” at all times and will respond to emergencies.