Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services and Rescue
Fire/EMS News
Fire Department News Releases
News releases regarding recent fires, rescues and Fire Department activities are posted in the Baltimore County News Archive.
Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program Orientation
Four information sessions in reference to upcoming EMT-B to EMT-P classes are scheduled May 17 and May 31, 2012, in an ALS Program Orientation. These sessions will be held in the England-Dansicker Room, at the Public Safety Building, 700 E. Joppa Road, Towson, Maryland.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Appreciation Breakfast.
MedStar Harbor Hospital will host an EMS Appreciation Breakfast (PDF) Thursday, May 24, 2012, 7 - 9 a.m.
Final Report on Fatal Fire ― 30 Dowling Circle, January 19, 2011
This is the final report (PDF) on the apartment fire where Volunteer Firefighter Mark Falkenhan sustained fatal injuries. The report was written by a Line of Duty Death Investigation Team comprised of departmental members, including representatives of the local firefighters' union and the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen's Association. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Fire Research Laboratory conducted an analysis of the incident at 30 Dowling Circle and prepared a video of their findings.
"Answering the Call" Cable TV Program
Watch segments of "Answering the Call" online. "Answering the Call" is a bi-monthly cable program about the Baltimore County Fire Department, EMS and Emergency Management. The program also airs on Channel 25, BCTV.
Minorities Account for 38 Percent of Fire Department, 30 Percent of Police Department Hires
The Fire and Police departments provided this data and other information about minority hiring to the U.S. Department of Justice in response to a recent inquiry about hiring practices. Recruitment efforts show that these agencies are making progress toward a representative workforce, but that reaching the goal will take time. Read our article on minority hiring.
Safety Issues
Two juveniles were charged with setting a three-alarm fire
on April 10 that damaged the Pleasant Zion Baptist Church
in Precinct 12/North Point.
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
County law requires CO detectors in rental properties. Learn more about the regulations governing CO detectors.
Residential Sprinkler Requirements
As of January 1, 2011, all one- and two-family dwellings must be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems.
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.
Staying Informed
Follow the Baltimore County Fire Department, Emergency Management on Twitter
The Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management provide updates on Twitter.
Our Fire Twitter account is www.twitter.com/BACOfiredept. Followers receive breaking news updates about multi-alarm fires, community emergencies and significant EMS calls and rescues. Fire and life safety information and information about Fire Department events is distributed via Twitter as well.
Our Emergency Management Twitter account is www.twitter.com/BACOemergency. Followers receive updates during weather and other emergencies, emergency preparedness information and information about programs and events.
Emergency Notifications On Cable TV
During severe storms and other emergencies, emergency management officials 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.
Programs and Resources
- CPR Classes For Citizens
The Fire-Rescue Academy offers classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the general public on a bi-monthly basis. A copy of the 2012 CPR brochure (PDF), including course details, dates and registration information is available. - 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! - SAFE Neighborhoods
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. - 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. - Neighbors Helping Neighbors
- A six-week program to train community leaders how to help themselves and their neighbors during weather disasters and other emergencies begins March 20, 2012 at the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company. Online registration is available, or contact the County's Office of Volunteers at 410-887-2715.
Baltimore County Fire Department "Year In Review"
"Year in Review" is an annual report that, through words and pictures, documents Fire Department' statistics, accomplishments, events, incidents, retirements and farewells. All Year In Review documents are presented in PDF format and open in a new window.
"Who We Are, What We Do," A Slide Presentation About the Fire Department
View the "Who We Are, What We Do" slide presentation (PDF) provides a brief overview of the Baltimore County Fire Department and provides answers to common constituent questions.
"Working With People With Disabilities" Video
This 26-minute training video is designed to help personnel from emergency medical services, fire, and police, and others work effectively and compassionately with persons with disabilities during emergency situations.
Revised May 18, 2012
