FAQ

The Ames Fire Department provides fire extinguisher training to service groups, companies, and other organizations. To schedule training please fill out and submit the Education Request Form.

If you have a large group that would like to visit the fire station for a tour please fill out and submit the Fire Station Visit Request Form. If you are just interested in stopping by with your family. Ames firefighters are more than happy to show you around the stations. We just ask that, if possible, you call ahead to Station #1 at 515-239-5415.

If you need a copy of an incident please fill out and submit the Incident Report Request Form. Most incident reports will be sent within 10 business days.

Please fill out and submit the Event Request Form.  

In the event of an emergency

1. If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, immediately evacuate the building to fresh air and safety.
2. Call 9-1-1 once safely outside to report the incident and if there is anyone experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms like headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
3. Do not return into the building until it has been cleared by first responders. Even if your alarm stops alerting, and you’ve switched off all the appliances and opened the windows and doors, the source may still be producing the poisonous gas.

Carbon monoxide detectors can go off for a few reasons.

It's essential to understand why your CO alarm is going off in order to best respond in the event of an emergency. Here are some of the reasons, however, refer to your product’s manual for your specific model:

• The detector has a low battery and they need to be replaced.
• The detector has reached its end-of-life and the alarm itself needs to be replaced.
• Elevated levels of carbon monoxide gas have been detected.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting

Exposure to CO gas over time or to elevated levels of CO can even lead to brain damage or death.

There is no burning of yard waste, brush, or garbage allowed.

The Ames Fire Department desires that all citizens not be denied the enjoyment of recreational fires.

A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes (2012 IFC, 302.1 Definitions). Though these fires are typically fairly small in size, they can still represent a significant fire hazard.

Fire must be in an approved container (i.e.; chimineas, contained fire pit/ring, screened device).

Fire must be more than 15 feet from any combustibles (including decks, porches, buildings etc). Recreational fires are permitted in approved containers, such as chimineas. Such fires shall be located more than 15 feet from any structure, including decks, porches, roofs, garages, sheds, and fences. The immediate area within 15 feet of the fire shall be clear of combustible materials, such as weeds, shrubs, and (combustible) furniture (City of Ames Municipal Code, Sec. 8.202, Amendments).

Fire fuel shall be appropriate (do not use items other than dry wood, kindling, sticks, small logs, etc.). The burning of garbage, refuse, leaves, landscape waste and all other combustible materials is prohibited except as specifically permitted by the fire chief (City of Ames Municipal Code, Sec. 8.401, (1) Prohibition).

Flammable liquids shall NOT be used to ignite the fire (i.e., gas, diesel, etc).

Fire size shall be within the guidelines. The fire size shall have a  fuel area 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height. (2012 IFC, 302.1 Definitions).

Smoke produced shall not be offensive (i.e., green or wet wood smoldering fire). Recreational fires shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited (2012 IFC, 307.1.1, Prohibited open burning). Upon receipt of a complaint regarding the smoke or odors from open fires, the fire chief’s designee shall investigate and have the discretion to have the fire extinguished (City of Ames Municipal Code, Sec. 8.401, (2) General Conditions for Open Burning).

Atmospheric conditions shall be appropriate for burning (i.e., strong winds, overly dry, etc). The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all recreational fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous or a nuisance (City of Ames Municipal Code, Sec. 8.401, (2) General Conditions for Open Burning).

There shall be an accessible/appropriate method available for fire extinguishment (i.e., minimum 4-A rated portable fire extinguisher, garden hose connected to water, shovel with sand or dirt nearby). A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire- extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization (2012 IFC, 307.5, Attendance).

The fire shall be constantly attended. Recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished (2012 IFC, 307.5, Attendance).

Fire is attended, by an adult. Recreational fires shall be constantly attended by an adult person until such fire is extinguished (City of Ames Municipal Code, Sec. 8.401, (2) General Conditions for Open Burning).

In an effort to minimize damage and/or injury from fires, the Ames Fire Department requires all recreational fires to meet Ames municipal code requirements. Violations of any provision of Chapter 8, Fire Code, shall be a municipal infraction punishable by a penalty of $500 for a person’s first violation thereof, and a penalty of $750 for each repeat violation (City of Ames Municipal Code, Sec. 8.601, Penalties for Offenses Pertaining to the Fire Code). 

By Iowa law, you are required to pull to the right and stop. This allows fire apparatus adequate and clear lanes to safely continue response.

The City of Ames Resource Recovery Plant will take old fire extinguishers. The cost is $5 each. The address is 110 Center Ave. For more information you may visit their website or call 515-239-5137.

Please send your electronic Tier II reports to the Ames Fire Commanders firecommanders@cityofames.org or you can use the link on the Services page.

There are three reasons. First, automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Second, firefighters are trained in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle. Third we are an EMT level, non-transport medical service, and can assist anyone with injuries sustained in the accident.

The Ames Firefighters are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). We carry medical equipment on our trucks. We arrive to assist the paramedics. When we arrive first we are able to begin a patient history, take vitals and size up the scene to transfer the care of the patient quickly.

Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first arriving unit can assess the situation and call off the unneeded units. They are then put back in service and ready for other calls.

Fire trucks are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. We would rather be overcautious when we respond to citizens who need help. We are always prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned that it is better to have to much help than not enough.

• Fire Prevention/Suppression
• Fire Safety Presentations
• EMS (EMT non-transport)
• Hazardous Materials Response
• Vehicle Extrication
• Trench Rescue
• Confined Space Rescue (limited)
• Rope Rescue (limited)
• Water Rescue
• Ice Rescue
• Honor Guard
• Fire extinguisher training
• Station Tours

• 4 Engines
• 1 Tower Truck
• 1 Ladder Truck
• 2 Medium Rescues
• 1 Light Duty Rescue (EMS and grass fires)
• 1 Special Operations Unit
• 1 Command
• 3 Administrative
• 1 Fire Inspection and Investigation
• 1 Rescue Boat
• 1 Trench Rescue Support Trailer

• 1 Fire Chief
• 2 Deputy Chiefs
• 3 Shift Commanders
• 1 Training Officer
• 9 Lieutenants
• 46 Firefighters
• 1 Fire Inspector