1904
Spooner
Avenue, Altoona, WI 54720
(715)
839-2970 | Fax: (715) 839-3763
The Altoona Fire Department personnel are charged with the duties of protecting life and property by the fighting and prevention of fires, emergency medical treatment, and other hazardous tasks. Click the links below to learn about the various services that AFD provides:
The Altoona Fire Department responds to all fires and incidents involving explosions in the City of Altoona. Fire-related calls account for approximately 15% of annual call volume and include structure fires, brush fires, CO and gas leaks, vehicular fires and crashes, and hazardous materials incidents. AFD also provides mutual-aid to neighboring departments using the MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System). The department maintains a fleet of 3 fire engines, 1 squad vehicle and a brush-fire vehicle to provide comprehensive fire protection. Additionally, AFD’s staff train weekly on various aspects of firefighting and specific scenarios. When a fire-call is initiated, AFD Firefighters are notified through a paging system at which point, they respond to the station, don protective gear and respond to the scene in an AFD fire apparatus.
AFD is also charged with performing biannual fire inspections on every commercial structure in the City of Altoona. These inspections occur to ensure that businesses are in accordance with Fire Code and that fire prevention practices are being adopted. For example, AFD will check to see that fire extinguishers are up to date and that all fire exits are in proper functioning condition. If violations are found, a re-inspection may be ordered and/or a fine may be assessed.
The Altoona Fire Department responds to a variety of non-emergency calls for assistance in the community. These incidents include animal rescue or removal, lockouts, handicapped person assists, or any other problem that could be considered a safety hazard to the general public. AFD also participates in and assists with supporting public events such parades, concerts and festivals.
Approximately 80% of AFD’s personnel are trained as Emergency Medical professionals, consisting of Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). AFD operates as a BLS First Responder group, meaning that when an individual requires medical attention, AFD responds in a designated EMS vehicle and begins to assess the patient and stabilize them for transport. While AFD does not operate ambulances, the City of Altoona contracts the Eau Claire Fire Department’s Ambulance Service to transport patients to nearby healthcare facilities. This system allows for extremely fast responses by AFD to medical emergencies. EMS calls account for 85% of AFD’s annual call volume and as such, AFD personnel are experienced in a diversity of calls including cardiac arrests, falls, traumatic injuries and psychiatric emergencies.
The Altoona Fire Department is also responsible for planning and carrying out various rescue operations. AFD personnel are trained and equipped to free victims trapped in vehicles at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, people trapped or entangled as a result of an industrial, construction, or other accident. Additionally, AFD responds to all levels of hazardous materials incidents in a coordinated effort with the Eau Claire County and Regional Hazardous Response Teams. This would include hazardous atmosphere monitoring such as carbon monoxide or suspicious odors such as smell of gas incidents.
Altoona’s proximity to Lake Altoona and various rivers creates the potential for various special rescue scenarios. As such, AFD is prepared to respond to emergencies on the waters and ice of the rivers, lakes and ponds within the City of Altoona and through mutual aid contracts with other fire and EMS agencies. Finally, AFD is committed to supporting the community by responding to a variety of non-emergency calls including, animal rescue or removal, lockouts, handicapped person assists, or any other problem that could be considered a safety hazard to the general public.
The Altoona Fire Department issues permits to individuals who wish to burn authorized materials. Burning Permits are issued at the Altoona Emergency Services Building between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM from Monday through Friday. Burning permits are valid for one day and a cost of $5.00 will be assessed for each permit. Please note that burning permits are issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief and/or authorized Fire Personnel.
Burning Permits are issued under the following conditions:
Burning of grass, leaves and vegetable matter only.
Brush of one inch (1”) or less in diameter.
Burn Pile no larger than four feet by four feet (16 square feet).
Material shall be dry and smoke kept to a minimum.
The fire shall be attended at ALL times and a garden hose or water type extinguisher available.
The individual obtaining the permit shall own the property or have the owner’s permission.
Weather conditions must be favorable and winds less than 10 miles per hour.
Burn pile must be twenty-five (25’) feet away from any structure or combustibles
Burning is only allowed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM from Monday through Saturday of each week.
NO BURNING IS ALLOWED ON SUNDAYS OR HOLIDAYS.
For more information about on burning, please refer to the City of Altoona Burning Regulations.
AFD regularly conducts inspections on residential and commercial structures within the City of Altoona.
For specific inquiries, please contact Assistant Chief/Inspector Dave Daken via phone at 715-318-5856 or via email
here.
