SFD Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is the City’s ISO rating for fire protection?

A:  The ISO fire protection class rating is Class 2 for buildings located within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant.  The rating for buildings beyond 1000 feet of a fire hydrant is Class 8b.

Q:  When I’m driving down the road and hear or see a fire truck with its lights and sirens on, what is the best thing to do?

A:  According to the Oregon Drivers Manual, when you hear an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck, police vehicle, or ambulance, you must immediately drive as close as is safely practical to the right-hand edge or curb of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop.  Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Q:  Why does a fire engine and ambulance both respond to a medical call?

A:  In a medical emergency time is of the essence.  Salem has ten fire engines spread out across the city.  Each fire engine has all of the capabilities of an ambulance with the single exception of patient transport to the hospital.  In most cases, an engine will arrive on scene prior to the ambulance.  Life saving medical assistance can begin immediately in preparation for the arrival of the ambulance and subsequent transport to the hospital.  In addition, during complicated medical emergencies, the paramedic from the fire engine will assist the ambulance crew during transport, increasing patient care while en route to the medical facility.

Q:  When can I burn trash or yard debris in my back yard?

A:  Inside the city limits, backyard burning of trash or yard debris is prohibited year round.  For restrictions on burning both inside and outside the city limits, agricultural burning, and recreational / ceremonial fires, visit the City of Salem outdoor burning regulations web site.

Q:  I want to become a firefighter.  What requirements do I need to fulfill in order to become a firefighter for the Salem Fire Department?

A:  There are several requirements that a candidate must meet in order to be considered for employment as a Salem Fire Department firefighter/paramedic.  These requirements are fully outlined on the “Becoming a Firefighter” web page.  In addition, be sure to visit the City of Salem Job Opportunities page to check for current job openings.

Q:  I noticed that the ambulances now say “Rural/Metro” on the side.  Does the Salem Fire Department no longer provide ambulance service to the City of Salem?

A:  The Salem Fire Department is still the responsible agency that provides ambulance service to the city.  This is accomplished through a sub-contract with Rural / Metro Ambulance.   Rural/Metro Ambulance is now the “primary” patient transport provider; however the Salem Fire Department maintains several ambulances that are put into service during times of heavy call volume.  Salem Fire backup ambulances still run an average of three calls a day.  An important distinction is that while Rural / Metro Ambulance is responsible for providing patient transport, it is the responsibility of the Salem Fire Department to oversee the ambulance service and to ensure its compliance with Marion and Polk county requirements.

Q:  Where is the fire station nearest to my house?

A:  To find the your nearest fire station, see the fire station maps page . 

Q:  Do you fill swimming pools?

A:  The City of Salem does not provide a service for filling swimming pools.  If you have a fire hydrant near your home, Salem Public Works can issue you a hydrant meter permit and connect a water meter to the hydrant.  You will need to supply your own hose to connect to the hydrant meter and the labor required to fill the pool, and will be charged for water used.  For more information contact the City of Salem Public Works department .  Their contact information can be found on their website. 

As an alternative, if you have access to a vehicle that can transport water, you can use one of the City’s coin operated pump stations.  These are located outside fire stations 2, 4, 5 and 7.  Each quarter will provide 3 minutes of water.  There are hose connections for both ¾ inch and 2 ½ inch hose.  See the fire station maps page to locate the station nearest you.

Q:  My cat is up a tree.  Can you come get it down?

A:  Generally, No.  While we do understand that being separated from a family companion is upsetting, most cats who climb up into a tree generally find their way down on their own and in a healthy condition.  Many cats who climb into the safety of trees do so because they are frightened.  These frightened animals generally will not allow unfamiliar firefighters to pluck them out of the tree.  If you have a unique animal rescue situation, please contact Salem’s non-emergency dispatch line at (503) 588-6123 and they will help you determine if the fire department or another resource can help reunite you with your family companion.   

Q:  I would like to arrange a class visit to a fire station.  How do I schedule that?

A:  Call the main Fire Department number to schedule station tours and other public education events.  You can find the number on the Salem Fire Department contacts page.  Please do not send station tour requests via email.