How do I find out if it is a burn day?

What number do I call if my neighbor is burning leaves and the smoke is bothering me?

How do I get information on the Juvenile Firesetter Program?

How do I get a copy of a fire investigation report?

How do I schedule a fire truck, firefighters, or a speaker at an event?

How do I get my smoke alarm checked?

What should I do with a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?

Where can I get by blood pressure checked?

Will a fire inspector come out and look at my woodstove?

Why do so many fire vehicles and firefighters respond to simple incidents?

Does the fire department transport people to the hospital?

Then, why does the fire department come to medical emergencies if they do not transport?

How much does the Fire Department charge if they come to an emergency?

What do firefighters do everyday?

Why do firefighters do what they do?

How can I apply to become a volunteer firefighter?

Does Hillsboro Fire Department issue permits?

Yes, call Fire Prevention at 503-681-6166 for permits. (Return to Top) 

Where do I submit fire alarm or fire sprinkler plans for review?

Hillsboro Fire Department reviews and approves plans for automatic fire sprinklers, fire alarms, hood extinguishing systems, and other fire-protection systems. Plans should be submitted at the Main Fire Station, 240 South First Avenue. Call the Fire Prevention Office at 503-681-6166 for further information. (Return to Top) 

How do I find out if it is a burn day?

The Burn Information Hotline is 503-681-6204. It is updated on a daily basis. Remember, check before you burn! (Return to Top) 

What number do I call if my neighbor is burning leaves and the smoke is bothering me?

Call 503-629-0111. This is the non-emergency number for 9-1-1. Explain the situation and the location. The Fire Department will be called to investigate. (Return to Top)

How do I get information on the Juvenile Firesetter Program?

Hillsboro Fire Department maintains an active intervention program for children who use fire. Contact Storm Smith at 503-681-6166. (Return to Top)

How do I get a copy of a fire investigation report?

Submit a written request for the report with a $7.00 check made payable to City of Hillsboro to Hillsboro Fire Department - 240 South First Avenue, Hillsboro OR 97123. (Return to Top) 

How do I schedule a fire truck, firefighters, or a speaker at an event?

Call the Community Education office at least three week in advance at 503-681-6273 to schedule your event. (Return to Top) 

How do I get my smoke alarm checked?

Call the Community Education Officer to schedule a free smoke alarm inspection, 503-681-6273. (Return to Top) 

What should I do with a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?

If the extinguisher has a metal valve assembly, it can be recharged. You may find a company to to do that by looking in the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers.  Compare the price of recharging with the purchase of a comparable new extinguisher.  If the extinguisher has a plastic valve and handle assembly, it must be recycled in the Metro Hazardous Household Recycling system.  (Return to Top) 

Where can I get by blood pressure checked?

Go to any fire station, any day, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Main ~ 240 S. First Avenue

Brookwood ~ 5045 SE Drake Street

Ronler Acres ~ 4455 NW 229th Avenue

Parkwood ~ 275 NE 25th Avenue

(Return to Top) 

Will a fire inspector come out and look at my woodstove?

The Fire Department does not inspect woodstoves. New installations of woodstoves require a permit from the Building Department, 150 East Main Street, Suite 250, call 503-681-6145. Existing installations should have proof of a permit or written approval from the Building Department. (Return to Top) 

Why do so many fire vehicles and firefighters respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department personnel are dispatched according to the information received by the 9-1-1 operator. In a fire, for instance, there are numerous tasks that must be done simultaneously in order to stop the fire quickly.  These tasks include, fire attack, ventilation (which releases the hot, toxic gases in the structure), water supply, Rapid Intevention Team (which rescues an interior crew should they become entrapped), and command.  If the incident truly is simple and does not require all of the resources originally dispatched, the first arriving crew can cancel the other responding units. Fire personnel respond as fast as we are allowed, prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help. (Return to Top) 

Does the fire department transport people to the hospital?

No, if you need to be transported to a hospital, a private ambulance service will transport you. (Return to Top) 

Then, why does the fire department come to medical emergencies if they do not transport?

Because fire stations are staffed 24 hours everyday and crews are within a 4-minute response area, we are able to quickly respond to all emergencies. All of our fire engines, trucks, and rescues are staffed by Emeregency Medical Technicians and many have Paramedics on board.  They can begin life-saving treatments and stabilize a patient often many minutes before an ambulance can arrive.  When seconds count, count on your Fire Department! (Return to Top) 

How much does the Fire Department charge if they come to an emergency?

We do not charge for providing emergency services. (Return to Top) 

What do firefighters do everyday?

When firefighters are not helping people, they are busy in training, developing pre-fire plans and mapping the City, maintaining the station and apparatus, and working with the public. Unlike the "old days" firefighters are busy! (Return to Top)

Why do firefighters do what they do?

Because they like to and want to help others. (Return to Top)

How can I apply to become a volunteer firefighter?

City residency is required, but experience is not - training will be provided.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, fill out the Volunteer Firefighter Application, print  it out and mail or submit the application to the Hillsboro Main Fire Station, 240 S First Ave., Hillsboro OR 97123.  The Training Division will contact each person for an interview.  After the interview, each applicant will be notified of the disposition of their application.  Anyone selected as a volunteer firefighter will be sent to 6-8 weeks of training before becoming a volunteer firefighter. (Return to Top)