FAQs • Palm Beach, FL • CivicEngage

When I call 911, why do multiple units respond?: The Department uses the National Fire Protection Association minimum staffing guidelines (NFPA 1710) to determine apparatus staffing levels. Our staffing is one to two people per unit. Unit response is determined by type of emergency and number of individuals required to handle the nature of the call as dispatched.

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Fire-Rescue Department

1. How do I request a copy of an incident report?: Fire incident reports are public records and may be obtained by contacting our Fire Prevention Division at 561-227-6440 or the Administrative Office at 561-838-5420.
EMS incident reports contain confidential information and are protected under HIPAA. They may only be provided to the person about whom they pertain or as provided by law and/or HIPAA regulations.

The Knox-Box® Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and first responders. The Town of Palm Beach Fire Rescue uses the Knox-Box Rapid Entry System to prevent costly entry damage while protecting property and lives. When a fire breaks out or there is a medical emergency, Knox® products allow immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Property owners store entrance keys, access cards and floor plans in high-security Knox-Box key boxes mounted near building entrances. Each Knox-Box purchased by a property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled by the Fire Department.

Ordering:

Go to Knox Corp web site – www.knoxbox.com/Products
In the upper right had corner click the red “BUY” button
Select your location from the drop down menu “FLORIDA”
Select the Town of Palm Beach Fire Department this is listed under “Palm Beach Town Fire/Rescue”
Select the top listing and choose the type of box you would like to purchase
Complete your information and click the “Add to Cart” button.
Confirm you have the correct Fire Department “Palm Beach Town Fire/Rescue”
Submit Order

Installation:

When you receive your new box you will need to have it installed; we asked that the box be at least 5 ft. above the ground, near the main entrance to your home or business. The box should be unobstructed and in a place where it will be visible to first responders.
When the installation of your box is complete, please contact the Division of Fire Prevention and Life Safety to schedule an appointment to lock your box.
Please have any keys, codes, medication lists, floor plans, etc. prepared for the Fire Inspector to lock in your box.

If you have any questions during this process, please contact the Division of Fire Prevention and Life Safety at 561-227-6440.

3. Do you provide CPR / AED classes?: Yes, the Department provides classes through our Community Education program of the Training Division. For additional information, please call 561-227-6436. Our Community Outreach Coordinator will contact you as soon as possible.

4. Does the Fire Rescue Department install/inspect child safety car seats?: The Departments has two firefighters certified to install child safety car seats. Due to firefighter shift schedules, we suggest that you call our Administrative office at 561-838-5420 to arrange a time for installation.

5. Whom should I contact about my transport bill?: The Department contracts with a third-party billing agency, EMS Management and Consultants, Inc., for emergency transport billing. You may access information via their online patient portal at https://emsbilling.com/patient/ or call 800-814-5339 to speak with a representative.

6. When I call 911, why do multiple units respond?: The Department uses the National Fire Protection Association minimum staffing guidelines (NFPA 1710) to determine apparatus staffing levels. Our staffing is one to two people per unit. Unit response is determined by type of emergency and number of individuals required to handle the nature of the call as dispatched.

7. Why does a fire truck come when I call for an ambulance?: All of the Department’s certified firefighters are either EMT (Emergency Medical Tecnician) or Paramedic certified, and all apparatus are licensed ALS (Advanced Life Support) equipped units. In the event all Rescue units are busy on other emergencies, a fire engine or fire truck is dispatched. Additionally, a Rescue and an engine may respond together to provide the appropriate number of personnel on scene based on the type of emergency call.

8. How do I report a leaking or broken fire hydrant?: If the damaged or leaking hydrant is on public property, contact the Fire Prevention Division at 561-227-6440 or the City of West Palm Beach Public Utilities Division at 561-822-1300. If it is a private hydrant, it is the responsibility of the property own to have the hydrant repaired or replaced.

9. May I schedule a visit to the fire station or have the Fire Rescue Department visit my home?: Visitors are welcome in the fire stations during business hours as long as personnel are in-house. The stations are closed when out on calls, inspections, training, etc. We suggest you call our Administrative Office at 561-838-5420 to ensure that station personnel are available.
Residents requesting an at home visit may call to make arrangements. Every effort will be made to accommodate your requests; however, please be aware that all units will still be in service and must respond to all emergency calls.

10. What are the requirements to become a firefighter?: An individual wishing to become a firefighter must meet the requirements of Florida State Statute 633.412, Firefighters qualifications for certification.

11. May I do Community Service at a fire station or through the fire department?: We do not have any programs available at this time. This may become available at a later date as part of a volunteer program.