The City of Mount Clemens has a combination fire department. The department has 13 career firefighters and 18 volunteer firefighters. The career firefighters are part of the International Association of Fire Fighters .
The City of Mount Clemens is a full service emergency response agency providing a number of life saving and prevention services.
Fire protection is provided by an on duty staff consisting of a minimum of four firefighter / EMT’s at the fire station. During large-scale events, the force is supplemented by a recall of off duty firefighters and volunteers. The city is also part of a comprehensive mutual aid agreement with other Macomb County communities.
Emergency medical response on staff personnel respond to all emergency medical calls. All staff are licensed EMT’s and are assisted by Medstar Ambulance service for transport.
There are many places in Mount Clemens that possess a possible risk. To reduce the potential risk to our residents and visitors, the Fire Department maintains a level of readiness by training all of our personnel in Water Rescuers and Ice Rescue. All personnel are also certified to the level HAZMAT Technician, Confined Space Rescuer, and currently in the process of Trench Rescue Technician.
Fire Prevention and Inspections are provided through the fire inspector who is trained and licensed to conduct inspections.
Our Public Education Program has met its goal of reaching every pre-school and elementary age student with fire safety education curriculum annually.
All of these services combine to make Mount Clemens a community to live, work, and play in. On behalf of our family, thank you for the privilege of protecting yours.
Mission Statement
As a team of highly trained and dedicated professionals, it is our mission to provide the highest standard of service to all those who may seek our help. We are a service provider and we stand ready to provide fire suppression, fire prevention and education, rescue services and emergency medical care. We will faithfully provide these important services, promptly and safely, to any person that resides in, works in, or visits the City of Mount Clemens.
As a family of individuals committed to serving others, we will always provide for the welfare of our members through a healthy and rewarding work environment. We are dedicated to respect, integrity, compassion and leadership amongst ourselves so that we may proudly serve others.
The Mount Clemens Fire Department will deliver quality preventative and emergency service to the community.
Our Vision
We will maintain a safe work environment.
We will maintain the respect of the community and our peers.
We will encourage innovative thinking and ensure that all members have a voice and investment in the Department.
We will provide training and education that results in a high level of proficiency and fosters expanding careers within the Department.
We will anticipate the community’s changing demographics and growth and provide services that stay ahead of those changes.
We will provide active prevention and public education programs throughout the community.
We will focus our activities on the successful implementation of the mission and communicate that focus to all members of the Department.
Our Guiding Principles
We value the following principles and believe that they create the foundation upon which members of the Department can build an effective emergency service team and provide service of the highest order to the community. The foundation upon which these principles rest is teamwork, in all we do and say. Communication – Our communications are open, honest, direct, two-way, and timely. We encourage the positive involvement of all members.
Trust – We create ongoing trust within the Department and throughout the community by performing with reliability, professionalism, honor and integrity.
Mutual Respect – We ensure mutual respect through the equal treatment and support by and for all team members. We encourage the diverse ideas and opinions of our members.
Achievement – We value efficiency and results obtained through realistic, challenging and focused goals.
History
The first official notice of fires and fire fighting in Mount Clemens occurred in 1851, when the village council resolved to buy some fire fighting equipment. The following year the council proposed a millage to buy equipment and apparently this was successful, because by November 9, 1853, when the first volunteer fire company was organized, the council agreed to let the volunteer group have the use and care of the “engine” and its equipment.
On September 17, 1883, the Mount Clemens volunteer Fire Department, one of several such groups in the city at the time, was organized and petitioned the city council for “an old hand engine, two hose carts, 1400 feet of hose and a hook and ladder truck, then in possession of the city.” In 1886, a steam fire engine was purchased and uniforms were secured. By 1887, the department had a home when erected, which besides its ample accommodations for housing of its engines, horses, etc., had large assembly rooms for business meetings and social gatherings.” This building was located at 27 North Walnut Street.
In June, 1888 the Common Council provided for the fire department and for compensation for the chief engineer, other officers and firemen as the council should deem necessary. A description of the company in 1892 boasts of 30 active and 6 inactive members and “a long list of honorary members composed of the very best people of the city. Outside of its efficiency in fire tactics, the company is well-versed in military drill and has a famous hose team composed of athletes.”
The city directory of 1901-1902 describes a department of 36 men, 3 pieces of equipment and 2 hose reels, 137 hydrants, and 25 alarmboxes. “ Fire authorized by the Common Council in July 1908, and in the following years the new firehouse on Market Street was built. In August 1908, the Mount Clemens Fire Department #3 was reorganized and had 4 paid men and 18 volunteers. At that time horses were still used, and stalls for them were provided in the new firehouse. About 1916 the department was mechanized and had a ladder truck and a hose wagon.
A description of the department in The Pageant of Progress in 1928 says that there were 10 paid men and 20 volunteers. By 1951 the department had Macomb County’s first two-way radios, which were donated by the Lions Club. In 1954, a Fire Prevention Bureau was established. By 1957, with 22 paid men and 27 volunteers, the department served a four-square-mile area and a population of 20,000. It had five pieces of equipment.
In 1954, the old city water shop building in Shadyside Park was refurbished and named Desmond A. Arnsby Memorial Hall. It served as headquarters and training center for the volunteer firemen. The auxiliary to the Volunteer Fire Department was organized that same year.
The third new firehouse for Mount Clemens was built in 1966, on Dickinson Street near the municipal building, by the Mount Clemens Building Authority with the aid of money borrowed from the Municipal Employees Retirement System. It was leased to the city. At the time of its dedication on May 7, 1967 the department had three pumpers, one aerial truck and 23 full-time employees.
The first chief of the fire department after reorganization of August 1908, was Joseph Rosso. He was followed in 1917 by Edward J. Sawitsky, who served until 1929. Sawitsky was overcome by gas while fighting a fire and died soon after. Edward Willert was chief from 1929-1945, and Edmund Smith followed him for one year. Clayton E. DuBay became chief in April 1946 and held the post until November 16, 1963. Chesley Miller was fire chief for the next six years. Edward Mandel became chief in 1963 and held the post until 1979. On November 5, 1979 Charles Seehase was appointed the chief position unil June 30, 1988. The City of Mount Clemens went without a chief for the next 5 years. Michael Coyle was named fire chief in 1993 until June 1, 2000. Since 2000 the position of fire chief has remained vacant.
City ordinances
City of Mt. Clemens Open Burning Policy
International Fire Code – 2003
307.1
A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintain any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with this section.
307.2.2
Open burning that will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited. The code official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the permit holder or the fire department of open burning which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
Fire Prevention Code of Mt. Clemens
40.055 Penalties
Any person, firm or corporation who shall fail to comply with any of the provisions hereof shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. A violation of this ordinance shall be considered a separate offense for each day it continues.
Any further questions on open burning or City Ordinances regarding the Fire Department please contact Inspector Jeffrey Williams at the Mount Clemens Fire Department: 586-469-6840.
Safety Tips
10 Important Things to
Remember Concerning
Fire Safety
1. Crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
If you have to escape a fire through smoke, crawl low, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor, the air is cleaner at this lower level.
2. Plan your escape.
Make a home escape plan and hold regular fire drills so everyone in your household knows what to do in a fire emergency. When escaping a fire, feel the cracks around doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If they're warm, try another escape route.
3. Install smoke alarms.
Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, inside and outside of the bedrooms. Test them once a month, and replace their batteries once a year.
4. Be careful with smoking materials.
Never smoke in bed or when you're drowsy or have been drinking or taking medication.
5. Install an automatic home fire sprinkler system.
Automatic fire sprinkler systems control or extinguish fires in less time than it takes for the fire department to arrive. Consider installing a system in your home.
6. Use electricity safely.
Replace damaged electrical cords and repair appliances that smell, smoke, or overheat.
7. Cook safely.
Never leave cooking unattended, and keep cooking areas clean and uncluttered.
8. Space heaters need space.
Keep portable and space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
9. Keep matches and lighters out of the sight of children.
Keep matches and lighters away from children – store them up high in a locked cabinet.
10. Stop, Drop and Roll if your clothes catch fire.
If your clothing catches fire, stop and don't run. Drop to the ground and roll over and over to smother the flames. Cool the burn and call 911 for help.
More Safety Tips
Carbon Monoxide
The Invisible Killer
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. Because you can't see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it's there. At lower levels of exposure, carbon monoxide may cause numerous health problems. Symptoms of CO poisoning may be as follows: Slight headache and dizziness, nausea, drowsiness and an euphoric feeling, confusion and irritability, unconsciousness and death.
Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Some individuals may be more vulnerable to poisoning though, such as unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems.
Why is it so dangerous?
The great danger of carbon monoxide is its attraction to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, which normally carries life-giving oxygen to cells and tissues. As even small amounts are breathed in, carbon monoxide quickly bonds with hemoglobin in the blood, displacing the oxygen that organs need to function. When CO is present in the air, it rapidly accumulates in the blood, forming a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).
Where does it come from?
Carbon monoxide is a common by-product of combustion, present whenever fossil fuels are burned. It is produced by malfunctioning or unvented gas or oil home appliances such as furnaces, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters and space heaters, as well as fireplaces, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves. Automobile exhaust also contains high levels of carbon monoxide that can seep into a home if a car is left running in an attached garage. All of these sources can contribute to a CO problem in the home.
Usually, carbon monoxide is vented safely to the outside. However, insulation meant to keep indoor air warm during the winter or cool in the summer can help trap CO-polluted air in the home. Furnace heat exchangers can crack; vents and chimneys may reverse direction causing a downdraft, which traps combustion gases in the home.
How can I protect my family?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping area. Choose an Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) listed alarm that sounds an audible warning. Look for the UL logo on the package.
Worried you haven't installed your child's car seat correctly?
The Mount Clemens Fire Department has trained child seat technicians on staff that will check your seat for manufacture recalls and ensure that it is installed correctly. What does that mean for Mount Clemens residents? It means you can now call the fire department at 586-469-6840 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to make an appointment and get your car seat inspected by a firefighter for free!
Fire Facts
Everyday Americans experience the horror of fire. But most people don’t understand fire. Only when we know the true nature of fire can we prepare our families and ourselves. Each year more than 4,000 American’s die and approximately 25,000 are injured in fires many of which could have been prevented. Nearly 1,000 lives are lost to fires that originated in the bedroom and about 100 firefighters are killed in the line of duty each year. Each year in the United States fires kill more American’s than all natural disasters combined. About 80% of these deaths occur in residences and it is estimated that over 39% of residential fires and 52% of residential fatalities occur in homes with no smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm dramatically increases a person’s chance of survival. Residential sprinklers have also become more cost effective to install in homes although few homes still have them. During the winter months, the potential for fires increase because of the use of Christmas trees, heating appliances such as the furnace, space heaters, and fireplaces as well as the increased use of lighting. House fires in the U.S. that are started by candles are at a 20-year high. Children playing with fire set over 100,000 fires annually and over 30% of those fires kill the children who started them. This is over 800 children killed each year by the fires they set playing. Studies of electrical fires in homes show that many problems are associated with improper installation of electrical devices by do-it-yourselfers. Common errors that can lead to fires include the use of improperly rated devices such as switches or receptacles and loose connections at these devices. A house fire is reported in the United States every 90 seconds this is an average of 1.9 million fires reported each year and someone dies in a house fire every two and one-half hours.
:: FIRE IS FAST
There is little time! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won’t have time to grab valuables because fire spreads to quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.
:: FIRE IS HOT
Heat is more threatening than flames!
A fire’s heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this supper hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.
:: FIRE IS DARK
Fire isn’t bright it’s pitch black. Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find you way around the home you have lived in for years.
:: FIRE IS DEADLY
Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do!
Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.
:: CAUSES OF FIRES AND FIRE DEATHS
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. Cooking fires often result from unattended cooking and human error, rather than mechanical failure of stoves or ovens. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Smoke alarms and smolder-resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents. Arson is both the second leading cause of residential fires and residential fire deaths. In commercial properties, arson is the major cause of death, injuries and dollar loss. Heating is the third leading cause of residential fires. Heating fires are a larger problem in single-family homes than in apartments. Unlike apartments, the heating systems in single-family homes are often not professionally maintained.
:: WHERE FIRES OCCUR
Fires in single family dwellings most often occur in the:
1. Kitchen (25.5%)
2. Bedroom (13.7%)
3. Living Room (8.6%)
4. Chimney (8.2%)
5. Laundry area (5%)
Apartment fires most often occur in the:
1. Kitchen (48.5%)
2. Bedroom (13.4%)
3. Living Room (6.4%)
4. Laundry area (3.5%)
5. Bathroom (2.4%)
:: WHO IS AT RISK
Senior citizens age 65 and older and children under the age of 5 have the greatest risk of fire death. The fire death risk among seniors over 65 is more than double; over the age 75 triple; over the age 85, 3 and a half times the average population. Children under the age of 10 accounted for an estimated 22.2 % of all fire deaths. Men die or are injured in fires almost twice as often as women. African Americans and American Indians have significantly higher death rates per capita than the national average. Although African Americans comprise an estimated 13% of the population, they account for 26% of the fire deaths.
NOTE: IN THE ESTIMATED TIME IT TOOK YOU TO READ THIS PAGE THERE HAS BEEN AN ESTIMATED 3 TO 4 STRUCTURE FIRES REPORTED SOMEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES.
