WHERE CAN I GET CPR TRAINING?

Local CPR/AED training is coordinated through these offices:

American Red Cross in Walla Walla: (509) 525-7380

American Heart Association through Providence Medical Center in Walla Walla : (509) 897-2820

DO YOU OFFER SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR KIDS?

Yes! We love to share fire safety information with kids. If you would like to make arrangements to have us come and give a presentation, please contact us.

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER WITH CWWFD2?

CWFFD2 is looking for motivated men and women, 18 years old or older, who desire to serve their community and have the time and ability to attend regular training sessions and respond to emergency calls. The department recognizes and respects that volunteers typically have jobs and family commitments and understand the limitations inherent to these obligations. If you are interested in learning more about the requirements and opportunities, email us.

CAN I BURN OUTDOORS?

The burning of yard debris, construction materials or trash is NOT allowed at any time. Use of burn barrels is NOT allowed at any time in Washington State. Get More Info>>

Open Burns

Open burning is prohibited at all times within the city limits of Waitsburg and other areas served by the CWWFD2 (with the exceptions list below). Open burning does not include road flares, or devices associated with safety or occupational uses. A chamber is considered enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas are open.

Recreational Fires

A small outdoor fire made for pleasure, warmth, cooking or for religious, ceremonial or similar purposes is permitted. This fire must have a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. A small ‘recreational fire’ is allowed, without a permit, with the following restrictions:

• Shall not be within 25 feet of a structure or any combustible material(s).

• Conditions which would cause a fire to potentially spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to igniting the fire.

Portable Outdoor Fire Place

A portable, outdoor solid-fuel burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top. The use of a portable outdoor fireplace is allowed, without a permit, with the following restrictions:

• Use of the portable outdoor fireplace is consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• The portable outdoor fireplace must be constantly attended and supervised by a person knowledgeable in the use of extinguishing tools like shovels, garden hoses, or a fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating on site and available for immediate use.

CAN I GET FREE SMOKE ALARMS?

CWWFD2 does not have the resources to provide smoke alarms to the community however the American Red Cross has a program for those needing this assistance. Contact the American Red Cross at: https://getasmokealarm.org/

HOW DO I DETERMINE IF MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS STILL GOOD?

Most extinguishers should work for 5 to 15 years, but you can check the label or check with the manufacturer for your model. Check the pressure gauge monthly. If the needle is in the green area of the gauge, it is good. 

DOES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICE OR FILL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS?

No, we do not service extinguishers. There are local fire extinguishment companies in the area who can assist you. We are unable to recommend a company.

WHAT TYPE OF FIRE EXTINQUISHERS DO I NEED?

The type you need is dependent on the type of potential fire that you may be faced with extinguishing. As a general rule, for home use, it is best to obtain a multi-purpose extinguisher rated as “ABC”. This type of extinguisher is safe and effective against most household fires including common combustibles, flammable liquids (grease, etc.) as well as electrical fires. Classes of fire extinguishers

• Class A (water, chemical foam or dry chemical): used against combustible materials such as wood, papers and some plastics. The numerical rating attached will indicate the capacity of water in U.S. gallons which will be from 1 to 40.

• Class B (halon, carbon dioxide, aqueous film forming foam or dry chemical): used against combustible or flammable materials such as gasoline, oil, grease and kerosene. The numerical rating represents the square feet of fire it can extinguish and will be from 1 to 640.

• Class C (carbon dioxide, halon or dry chemical): used against electrical fires where live current remains a danger. The extinguishing agent is non-conductive, and Class C units do not have a numerical rating.

• Class D (dry powder - suitable for metals involved): used against combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium and sodium. Type 1 (sodium chloride) and Type 2 (copper-based powder); neither type of Class D has a numerical rating.

• Class K (potassium acetate based, low PH agent): used against cooking oils. Class K units do not have a numerical rating.

Multi-purpose extinguishers are known as Classes BC, ABC, AC and AK. The labeling of fire extinguishers has been changed these days to show pictorial symbols instead of letters, and a multi-purpose unit will have more than one picture to symbolize its abilities. Unfortunately, there is no symbol for Class D.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A FIRE HYDRANT

If the hydrant needs painting or maintenance, contact the City of Waitsburg at 509 337-6371.

A 3-foot clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved. A clear space of not less than 5 feet shall be provided in front of each hydrant. The Fire Department will not open a hydrant for kids to play. This significantly reduces the water pressure in the area and could jeopardize firefighting efforts. We also recommend that during the winter season, snow be removed in a 3 foot radius around the hydrant.