How do I become a firefighter?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter for Lewisburg Fire Department, please print an application from this website or stop by Station 1 at 200 Foster St and pick up a paper application. Return your completed application to Station 1 for processing.

Once accepted to the department you will be required to complete basic requirements to be a firefighter in the state of West Virginia. The WV State Fire Commission and West Virginia Dept. of Education – Public Service Training Division require that applicants participate in and successfully complete the 120-hour Firefighter 1/Hazardous Materials Operations/First Aid/CPR certification course. This involves classroom lecture, a written exam, a live burn, and other job-related physical skill stations. For more information on required training, contact your local fire station or visit the WVDE Public Safety Training Division website.

Why does a fire engine respond when I call for an ambulance?

At Lewisburg Fire Department we run a First Responder program. All full-time employees, and many of our volunteers, are certified Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics. On high priority emergency calls, Company 20’s First Responders are dispatched to respond ahead of the ambulance to stabilize the scene/patient and deliver emergency life-saving care until Emergency Medical Services arrives.

Why do your fire trucks use lights and sirens, even in the middle of the night when there is no traffic?

The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers know that an emergency vehicle is on its way to an emergency. By West Virginia state law, we do have certain privileges extended to us. Those being, to carefully proceed through controlled intersections and travel against the flow of traffic. These privileges have rules that the legislation and department policy put on the drivers of these emergency vehicles. We may not do these things unless there are lights flashing and sirens going. Even in the middle of the night.

Why do I see so many emergency vehicles responding to one call?

Even though it may seem that many incidents can be handled with just one vehicle and crew, most of the calls we respond to require additional personnel and equipment from that which is on the initial responding unit. Most of the tasks were performed are strenuous and require more than one person to complete, this leads to our need for additional manpower and equipment. When we requested these or other resources it is called Mutual Aid.

Lewisburg Fire Department is part of an agreement with surrounding areas to provide or receive automatic aid and mutual aid upon request to a neighboring department, including Greenbrier Valley Airport Authority’s Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) unit.

What is the Fire Service Fee?

The Lewisburg City Council adopted an ordinance in October 2015 to more fairly apportion the cost of providing fire protection services to residents and businesses of Lewisburg Fire Department’s fire service district. This ordinance assesses a Fire Service Fee on users and beneficiaries of services provided by the City, but who are located within the Lewisburg Fire Department’s fire service district. The City is required to provide fire protection services as designated by the State Fire Commission and the WV State Fire Marshal’s Office in 1968. This ordinance was enacted pursuant to the authority granted in West Virginia Code §8-13-13(a) which authorizes a municipality that furnishes any essential or special municipal service, including but not limited to police and fire protection to have plenary power and authority to provide by ordinance for the installation, continuance, maintenance, or improvement of the service, and to impose by ordinance upon the users of the service reasonable rates, fees, and charges to be collected in the manner specified in the ordinance.

What is the Fire Service Fee used for?

The Lewisburg Fire Department maintains extensive statistics and information pertaining to the operation of the fire department. This data is used to create an operational strategic plan that addresses a myriad of items such as but not limited to the past and current programs and services of the organization and anticipates the future by evaluating new trends, guidelines, and standards that influence the delivery of fire protection services. The plan evaluates the Short-Term, Mid-Term, and Long-Term needs of every aspect of the organization and the community it serves. A Strategic Plan of Operation is presented to the Lewisburg City Council every 15 years and modified each year with the presentation of the annual report. A majority of proposed projects and equipment that the Fire Service Fee could be used for are listed in the 2012-2027 Strategic Plan of the Lewisburg Fire Department.

What does it cost to outfit a firefighter?

Per the National Volunteer Fire Council:

Bunker Coat - $1,500

Bunker Pants - $1,500

Structural Firefighting Gloves - $75

PBI Hood - $40

Helmet - $275

Boots - $365

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) - $5,200

Flashlight - $50

Pager - $500

Portable Radio - $4,950

$14,455 per firefighter

*SCBA must be replaced every 15 years.

**Bunker coat and pants must be replaced every 10 years.

How much do Fire Engines cost?

Per the National Volunteer Fire Council:

1985 Class A Fire Engine - $80,000

1995 Class A Fire Engine - $125,000

2005 Class A Fire Engine - $225,000

2015 Class A Fire Engine - $343,000

*Average annual increase of 6.3%

How do I obtain a copy of a fire incident report?

You can arrange to receive an incident report by calling Lewisburg Fire Department Station 1 at 304-645-3237. Fees may be applicable for copies of fire incident reports.

What is Lewisburg’s ISO rating?

ISO stands for Insurance Service Organization. Lewisburg Fire Department currently has an ISO rating of 4 inside of the city limits and 4Y outside of the city limits. The rating scale range is 1 for optimal coverage and 10 for unprotected.  

What type of fire extinguisher is best for my home?

A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10B:C on the label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C.

Used fire extinguishers can be dropped off at Lewisburg Fire Department Station 1 at 200 W Foster St., Lewisburg, WV 24901.

What is a carbon monoxide (CO) detector and where should it be placed?

A CO detector is designed to alert you of carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas produced by burning fuels (gasoline, wood, coal, propane, oil, and/or natural gas for example). They are only necessary if you have “fuel-fired” equipment in your home or an attached garage. CO alarms must be installed with the manufacturers’ instructions, and must be located outside of each sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom. Multiple alarms may be needed depending on the size and configuration of the dwelling unit. Again, be sure to carefully follow the manufacturers’ installation instructions. CO alarms can be purchased at home-goods stores, such as Wal-Mart, Lowes, True Value, etc.  

Where can I get smoke detectors and where should they be placed?

Lewisburg Fire Department works in conjunction with American Red Cross to provide up to 3 smoke detectors to a household in need at no charge to the residents. If you have smoke alarms in your home and have questions or concerns regarding the installation of your own smoke alarm, please contact Lewisburg Fire Department Station 1 at 304-645-3237. You can also purchase smoke detectors at home-goods stores, such as Wal-Mart, Lowes, True Value, etc.

You should install smoke alarms in every bedroom. There should also be alarms outside every sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. You can find addition information at the National Fire Protection Association website. 

Why is my smoke detector making a “chirping” noise?

Smoke detectors are designed to emit a “chirp” every few minutes if the battery is low. This is a warning that the battery should be replaced immediately. Smoke detectors will also “chirp” if it has detected an internal issue to let you know it needs to be replaced. Usually, on the back of a smoke detector it will have an explanation of “chirps”.

Where can I go to have my child safety seat inspected or installed?

The Lewisburg Fire Department can perform child safety seat inspections and installation. However, appointments must be made in advance. To schedule child safety seat inspection or installation contact Safety Officer Randy Chambers at 304-645-3237.

What is Fire Prevention Week?

Fire Prevention Week is in October of each year. Firefighters give educational presentations and literature to school children, nursing home residents, civic organizations and other groups to promote fire and life safety. For more information, contact Safety Officer Randy Chambers at 304-645-3237.

What are Burn Laws?

During forest fire seasons (March 1 - May31 and October 1 – December 31) no open burning may be conducted between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. unless a burning permit is obtained through the Division of Forestry and the proper permit fees paid. Also, approval is required from the Division of Air Quality for the open burning of land clearing debris. Outside of forest fire season, burning is legal 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

The fire must always be attended. Yard debris are the only thing permitted to be burned – no trash, tires or construction material. The area around the pile must be cleared down to mineral soil for a minimum distance of 10 feet around what is being burned. No burning is permitted within 25 feet of a structure.

In the City of Lewisburg, a separate permit shall be obtained, and fees paid before burning, year-round. The application can be found at Lewisburg City Hall. After application, a member of the fire department shall conduct an inspection of the burn site. After being approved by the fire department, an approved burning permit is good for 2 weeks. The Lewisburg Fire Department requests that residents call the Greenbrier County Emergency Dispatch Center’s non-emergency line (304-647-7911) before burning. It is also advised to ensure there is no burn ban in effect before burning. This can be done by contacting Lewisburg Fire Department Station 1 at 304-645-3237 or the WV Department of Forestry.

To report unlawful burning, please contact the Greenbrier County 911 center. For other questions regarding burn laws contact Station 1 at 304-645-3237 or the WV Department of Forestry.  

Where can I obtain information about fire codes?

Fire codes are a set of standards established and enforced by governments for fire prevention and safety in case of fire. The State of WV and the City of Lewisburg follow and enforce WV State Fire Code and NFPA Fire Codes. Questions about fire codes can be directed to Chief Joseph Thomas by calling Lewisburg Fire Department Station 1 at 304-645-3237. 

Who do I contact about a problem with a fire hydrant?

To report a problem with a fire hydrant, call Lewisburg Fire Department Station 1 at 304-645-3237. We will then work with the water department to arrange for needed maintenance or repairs.

Why do firefighters get upset when you drive over a fire hose?

The fire hose is the lifeline of a firefighter when fighting a fire. If you drive over it, the hose can be damaged, and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted – possibly causing injury or death.

Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents – more lanes than are necessary?

We do this for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keep our personnel safe when they go back to our apparatus for equipment, and it helps protect the victim we are trying to stabilize.  

Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in the roof during a fire?

Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This lets firefighters get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chances of a backdraft explosion.