Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Rescue

News and Current Events

News About the Fire Department

News releases regarding recent fires, rescues and Fire Department activities are posted in the News Archive.

"Burning Issues" Cable TV Program

Photo of the Week

Baltimore County Fire Department recognized three lifeguards from the Czech Republic who saved a drowning victim at a Texas pool. Pictured left to right: PMFF Richard Lyons, Jakub Gilar, Simona Becanova, Antonin Gala, Fire Chief John Hohman, and Lt. Michael Hays.

The Fire Department's cable television program, Burning Issues, airs on Channel 25, BCTV. Watch segments from the current edition online. A copy of the entire BCTV programming schedule also is available.

Emergency Notifications Available on Twitter

Sign up to receive emergency updates and other information from the Office of Emergency Management on the social networking tool, Twitter. Our twitter account is BACOemergency; visit www.twitter.com/BACOemergency to sign up.

Swimming In Reservoirs Is Illegal!

Swimming in the three city-owned reservoirs in Baltimore County -- Loch Raven, Prettyboy and Liberty -- is illegal and dangerous. See our fact sheet for information about laws and regulations governing swimming in other bodies of water.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, invisible gas produced by fossil fuel- and wood-burning appliances. Learn how to protect your home from CO, about CO detectors and how to recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning.

Laws Regulating Carbon Monoxide Alarms

A new county law requires CO detectors in rental properties. Learn more about the regulations governing CO detectors.

If You Rent, Buy Renter's Insurance

Emergency managers find that few victims of apartment fires have renter's insurance. If you rent, your belongings are not covered unless you are covered by a renter's insurance policy. The Maryland Insurance Administration and National Association of Insurance Commissioners provide valuable information on this topic.

Programs and Resources

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Emergency Preparedness Program

"Neighbors Helping Neighbors," an all-hazards program designed to teach people the skills required to get through the first, critical 72 hours following an emergency, begins Tuesday, September 21 in Woodlawn.

SAFE Neighborhoods Program

A new safety education program, SAFE Neighborhoods, brings fire, EMS and other public safety personnel to neighborhoods, where they walk door-to-door with information about smoke alarms, carbon monoxide, emergency preparedness and other home safety issues.

Fact Sheets, Safety Brochures Available

Check out our archive of printable fact sheets and brochures and coloring sheets.

Build A Home Fire Escape Plan

Every family should design an escape plan in case of fire, including a plan for escaping second-story fires. Features Capt. Thomas Kimbel, Station 6-D. Watch video

Crowd Manager Training

The Baltimore County Fire Marshal's Office offers a seminar to prepare individuals to work as crowd managers at nightclubs, bars, restaurants and other places of assembly. This training is now required by law for establishments that handle at least 50 occupants!

Fire Department 2008 "Year In Review"

Through words and pictures, the 59-page 2008 "Year In Review" (PDF) reviews the Department's accomplishments, special events, major incidents, retirements and farewells.

2007 Year In Review

Baltimore County Fire Department 2007 Year In Review (PDF) is a look back at accomplishments, Fire Service events, noteworthy incidents, retirements and farewells.

2006 Year In Review

Baltimore County Fire Department 2006 Year In Review (PDF) is a 79-page, color document recounting accomplishments, events, major incidents, retirements and farewells during calendar year 2006.

Emergency Notifications On Cable TV

During severe storms and other emergencies, emergency management officials will post notifications about safety information, shelters, evacuations and county closings on BCTV Channel 25 on your cable dial. The notifications will air repeatedly for the duration of the event.

Firefighting At Sparrows Point

This six-minute video discusses the Fire Department's shared history with the Sparrows Point steelmaking plant. Watch Video.

"Working With People With Disabilities" DVD Available

"Working With People With Disabilities," a 26-minute training DVD produced by the Baltimore County Fire Department, is available, free of charge, for training purposes.

Are You Ready For An Emergency?

Many households don't have the basic supplies that will help them through the first 72 hours after an emergency. Learn how you can prepare.

Revised September 7, 2010