Administrative Office Hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Closed on county-recognized holidays

Mission Statement

·        To provide response for the suppression of fires

·        To provide emergency medical response for assistance in life-threatening medical emergencies

·        To provide emergency services to reduce injuries or death in disasters (natural or man-made)

·        To provide inspections, investigations and code enforcement related to fire service

·        To promote fire prevention

What We Do

The Fire/Rescue Bureau responds to a variety of emergency calls, mainly concerning reported fires and medical assistance.

Our Main Operational Objectives

Respond to fires in a timely manner with sufficient personnel and equipment to contain a fully involved fire to the extent that the risk to loss of life is minimized.

Respond to fires in a timely manner with sufficient personnel and equipment to contain and extinguish a working fire to the extent that the risk of loss of life and further damage to property is minimized.

Respond to medical calls in a timely manner with sufficient personnel and equipment to provide a minimum First Responder level of medical care until a higher level of care arrives, there is no longer a need for medical care and/or the patient is transported to a medical facility.

Other Services Provided

Pre-Fire Plans: Responses to commercial buildings and public buildings are given pre-event consideration in pre-fire plans. These plans are utilized by responders and command staff to analyze specific structures/floor plans and determine the best method and resource deployment to use in fire suppression operations.

Inspections: Inspectors work with contractors, owners and tenants regarding certain types of commercial buildings and public buildings to ensure elements of required fire/occupancy codes are met during the construction process; and are maintained during the operational lifespan of the building.

Hydrant Maintenance: Testing and ensuring hydrants are visible, accessible and functioning. (Repairs to hydrants are made by Paulding County Water System, Water Division.)

What You Can Do

Purchase, install and maintain smoke detectors throughout your house. Don’t forget the install new batteries in each detector twice a year.

Keep fire extinguishers in your house. Many fires start in the kitchen, so keep at least one ABC-rated fire extinguisher in or close to the kitchen.

Extension cords should be used temporarily and should be rated for the appliance/device for which they are used. Many fires are caused by overloaded, under-rated extension cords. Having an electrician add an outlet is a lot cheaper than recovering from a house fire.

Have your chimney and dryer vent cleaned regularly (at least every year or two, depending on frequency of use). Many fires start in a chimney or dryer vent.

Utilize ‘Firewise’ principles in landscaping and home construction. If you are building, consider non/less-combustible materials for siding and class A or B roofing material. Check out the link below for further information on Firewise.

If you do not have county water access consider a residential sprinkler system (with a supply tank) and/or a dry hydrant if you have access to a natural body of water.

Learn CPR and basic First Aid- especially if you have a family member with a known medical condition that could be life threatening. If a family member has a personal history or family history of heart problems, consider purchasing a home AED unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a copy of a Fire or EMS Report?

Fill out a ‘Request’ form and drop it off at our administrative office (address above), fax, email or mail it to us and we’ll process your request. If a report can be mailed to you one of our staff members will do so. Otherwise one of our staff will contact you when the report is ready to be picked up. There may be a charge for report copies. (‘Request’ forms can be downloaded- link at bottom of page- or a blank copy can be picked up at our administrative office.) If you would like a copy of the report filed by the ambulance that responded/transported a patient please contact the ambulance service.

When an ambulance is sent why do Fire personnel also respond?

We provide non-transport EMS service to assist the ambulance service in patient care. At a minimum we provide First Responder-level service with access to an AED, oxygen and first aid supplies. As Fire personnel complete EMT training/certification we are able to offer BLS-level service based on EMT availability.

What about outdoor burning (leaves, bushes, tree limbs, etc.)? Can I burn them in my backyard?

From May 1^st to September 30^th, the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division issues a burn ban which prohibits all outdoor burning in Paulding County. You may direct questions or comments concerning the burn ban to the EPD here. From October 1^st until April 30^th however, citizens may burn natural wood products under the following guidelines:

·        For all commercial burning (any burns larger than eight feet by eight feet (8’ x 8’) citizens must call the Georgia Forestry Commission at 770-443-7831 for permits and instructions.

·        Your fire must be attended and under control at all times.

·        Your fire must be at least 50 feet (50’) away from any building.

·        You must have a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby at all times.

·        You may only burn during daylight hours. All fires must be extinguished one hour before dark.

·        Wind speed at your burn site must be low- under ten miles per hour (10 MPH).

·        You may only burn natural wood products. Burning other material that is hazardous (such as tires or motor oil) is illegal.

·        You are responsible for any damages caused by your fire, as well as any costs that may be incurred to extinguish your fire.

·        Call the Burn Line at 770-505-BURN (2876) to listen to the burn safety message prior to conducting any outdoor burning.

What is my fire insurance rating?

Currently, Paulding County’s ISO Rating is a 6/9. Most of the county is a Class 6, but in some areas (if you are not within 1000 feet of a hydrant) you may be in an area that is Class 9. Your ISO rating may affect your insurance costs. Generally speaking, the lower the ISO rating the lower the costs for insurance against fire. Other factors, like smoke detectors, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems and age of a home can also affect your insurance costs. For more information on ISO Ratings check out the ‘ISO Rating Information’ in the links below.

Where is the nearest fire hydrant to my house?

If you have county water there is probably a hydrant within a 1000 feet of your house on one side of the road in front of your house. If you walk or drive down your road you should see a hydrant just off the roadway within the right-of-way. If you have a hydrant in your yard, please don’t plant bushes around it to hide it. Covering the hydrant makes it difficult for Fire personnel to find the hydrant and use it.

If you do not have county water there is probably not a hydrant very close to your house. Lacking a nearby hydrant requires water that is needed for fire fighting be shuttled in via Engines or Tankers, pumped over a long distance by Engines/hoses used in relay, or drafted from a natural body of water, if available. Without a volume of immediately available water supply, fire suppression operations are very problematic.

Can I rent or use a fire station for a birthday party?

For safety, security and risk management reasons we can’t use fire stations for such purposes.

Can I get a fire truck to come fill up my swimming pool or open a hydrant for kids to play in?

No, we can’t provide hydrant water to fill swimming pools or for kids to play in, or take an Engine out of service for such purposes. Please check with your local pool service/supply provider for tips on filling your swimming pool. Similarly, we cannot let people use a ladder truck to clean out their gutters, trim tree branches or hang decorations.

Does Paulding County Fire & Rescue have volunteer firefighters?

Paulding County Fire & Rescue consists of full time (career) firefighters, part time firefighters and reserve firefighters. Reserves are volunteers who offer their time to augment the career firefighters on structure fires and other major incidents. Reserves also actually help to staff stations in accordance with a schedule of Reservists’ available time. Many of our reserve firefighters eventually become career firefighters with us.

How does one go about becoming a Reserve Firefighter?

We host a firefighter training class at least once a year, usually in the fall, for individuals desiring to become Reserve Firefighters.

What are the application requirements to be a Reserve Firefighter?

Must be 18 years of age.

Must hold a certificate of high school graduation, or GED.

Must have a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Never convicted of a felony, or under investigation at the time of application.

Submit a 7-year motor vehicle driving record.

Must be a resident of Paulding County.

Must submit to a medical and drug screen.

Must submit to a criminal background check.

We are not accepting applications for Reserve Firefighter at this time.  Please check back periodically.

Links and Forms

Request for Fire or EMS Report

Your Home Fire Safety Checklist

Fire Safety

Firewise

ISO Rating Information

After The Fire

Blasting Permit