Frequently Asked Questions
About Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue
How many fire stations are there in the district?
We have 4 operational stations: Station 21 is Kelso, Station 22 is Bakers Corner, Station 24 is Rose Valley, and Station 25 is Lexington. Our Maintenance Shop is called Station 28 and our High School Program is called Station 29. Station 23 is Columbia Heights is no longer an operational station and is used for training, storage, and our district workout facility.
How many firefighters are on duty each day?
At a minimum, there are seven career firefighters on duty in our district. Usually there are about 13 of both career and volunteer firefighters on duty, in addition to the over 40 volunteers who respond from home.
What hours do the firefighters work?
Career firefighters work in 24 hour shifts. Volunteers work shifts between 6 and 24 hours and they respond from home for calls.
What do firefighters do when they aren’t responding to calls?
When not on calls, firefighters spend their time training, maintaining equipment, and preparing for future calls.
Where can I buy a Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue t-shirt or patch?
We don't sell these items to the public.
Why do I see a fire truck parked at the grocery store?
Firefighters are on shift for 24 hours, so they usually eat a communal meal for dinner. We support local businesses by shopping in our district, and we go in the apparatus so we are always ready to respond to an emergency.
Can I do my school or court-mandated community service hours with Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue?
We don't generally have opportunities for civilian volunteers. We can refer you to other agencies where you can volunteer.
Does Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue fill swimming pools?
We do not. First, it would take a unit out of service and make it unavailable for emergency response. Second, we cannot facilitate the purchase of the water from the City of Kelso for you. Lastly, our water tender tanks don't get cleaned… ever. You don't want to swim in that.
We know of two companies in the area that do fill pools: Water Supply LLC (360) 430-0789 and Rhuman Farms Water Delivery (360) 388-5097.
Does Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue get cats out of trees?
We don't. First, it would take a unit out of service and make it unavailable for emergency response. Second, our ladders are 24 ft. and most cats are higher up than that.
You can contact Canopy Cat Rescue at (877) 721-MEOW (6369).
Car Seats
Where and when can I get my child’s car seat installed/inspected?
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue has a car seat technician that inspects and can assist with installation for car seats by appointment only. There are also certified car seat technicians at Longview Fire Dept, Woodland Police Dept and Cowlitz County Fire District #5 in Kalama. We also host a car seat clinic on the third Saturday of each month from 10 am to 1pm at our Headquarters station located at 701 Vine St in Kelso. Visit our car seat program page for more information.
What do I need to bring to a car seat clinic if I need a new seat?
The vehicle, the parent or guardian and their ID, the child, the current seat, the payment, and an interpreter if the parent doesn't speak English.
Do I have to live in Kelso to get a car seat or have one checked?
We can check anyone's seat. If you need a seat, you must live in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum County. If you live in another county, contact your local Safe Kids Coalition for assistance.
Can I get a new car seat through your program if I’m still pregnant?
Unfortunately, not through our program. Due to liability, we require the child to be present when we are distributing car seats. Once your child is born, you could then use our program. There are no resources we are aware of in our county that can assist with this.
However, the following insurance companies may be able to help if you are one of their customers:
- Community Health Plan (866) 418-2803
- AmeriGroup (800) 600-4441
- Molina (800) 869-7165
- Coordinated Care (877) 644-4613
Can I get a car seat checked if I’m still pregnant?
Absolutely! There is no requirement for the child to be present during a car seat check. It is strongly encouraged, but not required. There is no fee for this service.
When can my child turn forward facing?
You want to have your child stay rear facing up to the maximum height and weight of the seat. The longer they stay rear facing, the safer they are in the event of a collision. Children that are younger than 2 and that stay rear facing are 75% less likely to be killed or injured in a vehicle crash.
Most children will need to transition from an infant seat to a convertible seat so that they stay rear facing, then can transition to forward faces once the child reaches the max weight or height of the seat. They cannot forward face prior to two years of age per WA State law.
When can my child use a booster seat?
A child needs to pass the 5 step test in order to switch from a harness to booster seat. This usually occurs around 5 or 6 years old. They need to meet the minimum weight and height requirements and be mature enough to sit still and appropriately the entire ride, even when asleep. The 5 step test is as follows:
1: Sits all the way back against vehicle seat or back of booster
2: Knees bend at the edge of the vehicle seat, preferably feet touching the floor
3: Shoulder belt fits evenly across the collarbone and sits flush with the torso
4: Lap belt is low on the hips, touching the tops of the thighs
5: Can stay comfortably seated this way the entire ride
NEVER use a booster seat with lap belt only! It requires a lap and shoulder belt.
When does my child no longer need to use a booster seat?
WA State law, RCW 46.61.687, requires that a child under age 13 be in some type of child restraint until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and can fit in a seat belt properly.
When can my child sit in the front seat?
WA State law, RCW 46.61.687, requires children to sit in the back seat until they are 13 years old.
Code Violations and Hazards
How can I get my fire extinguisher inspected or refilled?
There is one local company in our area that provides this service:
- Captek (360) 353-5470
There are other companies that operate in Vancouver and Chehalis.
How do I report a fire hazard at a business such as a blocked fire exit, no exit signs, or expired fire extinguishers?
Call our headquarters station at (360) 578-5218.
How do I report a fire hazard in my rental home like bad wiring, no smoke detector, or something else?
The Landlord-Tennant Act outline the responsibilities of landlords and the options renters have if they feel their rental is unsafe.
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue cannot get involved in civil disputes. If you cannot afford a private attorney to help you navigate the law, contact Northwest Justice Project at (360) 425-1537.
How do I report a fire hazard like tall weeds, grass, trash, and parking violations?
Contact Nuisance Abatement:
- In the City of Kelso call (360) 423-9922.
- In Cowlitz County, contact Cowlitz County Building and Planning at (360) 577-3052.
How do I report a leaking or broken fire hydrant?
Fire hydrants are maintained by the water company. Contact:
- The City of Kelso at (360) 423-1371
- Beacon Hill Water and Sewer District at (360) 636-3860.
How do I safely get rid of hazardous chemicals?
Contact Waste Control at (360) 425-4302.
How do I dispose of sharps, needles, or expired medication?
There is a medication disposal at the entrance to the Hall of Justice. Sharps can be disposed of at Waste Control. Contact them at (360) 425-4302 for details on how to do that safely.
Emergency Response
When I see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens while I am driving, what should I do?
“Pull to the right for sirens and lights!”
State law dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if your car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over).
- Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you.
- If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed.
- Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching.
- Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided highway.
Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.
Why does the emergency equipment run with lights and siren, then just turn them off?
Sometimes we get cancelled by the caller or other emergency responders on scene, or the call priority is downgraded. We never use lights and sirens unless we need to.
I see some firefighters with EMT on their uniform while others have Paramedic on their uniform. What is the difference?
EMTs are trained in Basic Life Support (BLS). Generally, they provide non-invasive emergency medical care. Paramedics are trained in Advanced Life Support (ALS). They can administer more medications and perform more advanced treatments.
Why does a fire truck go to a medical call?
The fire truck also responds so that there are enough personnel to handle the emergency. As soon as the situation is under control, the fire truck will leave.
Why does the ambulance sit in front of my house after they get the patient into the back of the ambulance?
The ambulance is built to offer the best medical care possible, but the ride is not always smooth. Sometimes a patient will benefit more if an exam or procedure is performed while the rig is parked. They will continue to the hospital as soon as possible.
Why do so many fire trucks go on a call?
Different vehicles go for different reasons. The primary reason for the type of vehicles dispatched is to get all the tools we need to the emergency scene, including personnel.
Why do some fire trucks park down the street from a fire?
The first unit in will assess the situation and may cancel other units or direct them to respond from a different direction. If the other units are close behind, they will wait in a spot where they can quickly react to what is needed at the emergency scene.
Why do firefighters get upset when you drive over fire hoses?
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 firefighters break out window and cut holes in roof during a fire?
Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This lets firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduce the chances of a backdraft explosion.
How hot does a house fire get?
Material made out of petroleum like plastics can burn as hot as 1200 degrees!
Is there a charge for the Fire Department to put out a fire at my house?
If you live in a fire district, your taxes pay for fire suppression responses. If you live outside of a fire district, please refer to our Out of District Response Policy.
What can you expect after you have had a fire at your property?
FEMA has a great resource to help families affected by home fires: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf
Employment and Volunteering
How do I become a firefighter?
There are two paths to becoming a firefighter:
- Get a degree in Fire Science from an accredited college or university and apply for and test for openings.
- Volunteer or intern with a department to get training and experience.
What qualifications are needed to become a Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue career firefighter?
- 18 years of age
- High school diploma, GED, or higher degree
- Current Washington or National Registry EMT B certification or Paramedic certification with ACLS, PALS and PHTLS certifications;
- WA State FFI certification or the equivalent at time of employment offer,
- ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700 and ICS-800
- Current driver’s license and insurable 5-year employment driving abstract
- Current CPAT card (passing score within 12 months of employment offer)
- Successfully completion of a background investigation
Are you accepting applications?
We advertise requests for entry-level applications on our Entry-Level Employment Page when we are accepting them.
We are always accepting lateral applications. Find out more about the requirements on our Lateral Employment Page.
Will a criminal record prevent me from applying for a job as a Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue firefighter?
By state and federal law, conviction of crimes against vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or the disabled bars you from employment in fields where you are responsible for the care of those people. Aside from that, we consider the nature of the conviction, the time that has passed, and other factors to make that decision.
What are the requirements to volunteer?
The requirements to volunteer are the same requirements we have for our career firefighters, except that we provide firefighter training.
- 18 years of age
- High school diploma, GED, or higher degree
- Current Washington or National Registry EMT B certification or Paramedic certification with ACLS, PALS and PHTLS certifications
- OR WA State FFI certification or the equivalent
- OR participation in our Basic Fire Academy
- Current driver’s license and insurable 5-year employment driving abstract
- Successfully completion of a background investigation
Do you accept civilian (non-combat) volunteers?
At this time, we don't.
Do you accept EMS only volunteers?
We do! EMS only volunteers must already have or be able to immediately obtain (through reciprocity) a WA State EMS certification.
Public Outreach
My smoke detector is making a ‘chirping’ noise. What’s wrong with it?
It most likely needs a new battery. Replace the batteries in your smoke detector every six months (unless it is a 10-year sealed unit), and replace the detector itself approximately every ten years. You should test your smoke detector and practice your home escape plan every month.
How do you get a smoke detector from the fire department?
We provide smoke detector installation for homeowners in our district. Call our office at (360) 578-5218 to make a request. If you are a renter, your landlord is required to provide working smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide alarm. The tenant is responsible for keeping them clean and installing fresh batteries. Visit our smoke alarm page for more information.
What do I do if my child is setting fires?
Give us a call at (360) 578-5218 to set up an appointment with one of our Junior Fire Setter Specialists. They have received special training to help them talk to youth fire setters.
How can I schedule a tour of a fire station?
If you need to schedule a group, use our online form here. Our headquarters station in Kelso is open to visitors during normal business hours, but we cannot guarantee that the crew will be here.
How can I get a fire engine to visit my school, church public assembly, career day, or other civic event?
Fill out our Appearance Request Form here.
How can I participate in the fire department’s ride-along program?
Give us a call at (360) 578-5218 or send us your contact information using our contact form. An officer will contact you to set this up. You must be 18 years old and you will be required to sign a liability waiver and a non-disclosure agreement.
Which spaces are available for rent?
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue has a public meeting room available at our headquarters station located at 701 Vine St in Kelso. Residents of our district can rent the room for private events for $10. Businesses, non-profits, and other government agencies can reserve the space, but there are specific rules to follow. Visit our Facility Rental Page for more information.
Can a citizen schedule a birthday party at the fire station?
Yes! While we can't guarantee that the crew will be available for your party, you can reserve the space for $50. There are specific rules to follow, so visit our Facility Rental page for more information.
Where can I go to get my blood pressure taken?
You can stop by our headquarters station during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) for a blood pressure check.
Do you offer a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class?
We do not offer CPR classes for the public at this time. Visit our CPR Class Page for more information.
Do you collect toys for children?
We accept donation of new stuffed animals (small) to hand out to children on emergency scenes. Many children we encounter have breathing issues, so the stuffed animals must be new and odor, mold, mildew free.
I’d like to share an experience I’ve had with Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, how can I do this?
Use our contact form here or give us a call at (360) 578-5218!
Outdoor Burning
Can I burn brush and yard debris?
It depends on your address. Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) sets the permanent no burn area boundaries by population density.
Check your address here: http://www.swcleanair.org/burning/burnmap.asp
How do I get a burn permit?
You can download a Cowlitz County Burn Permit here.
If you need a SWCAA or DNR permit, you will have to contact those agencies directly.
Can I burn my household trash?
No, you cannot. Burning trash was made illegal in 1972.
Is it OK to burn outside in a burn barrel?
No, use of a burn barrel was made illegal in 2000.
If I build a new home, can I burn the scrap wood and other building materials?
No, only natural vegetation can be burned, no construction debris or trash.
Where do I report an illegal burn?
If there is a direct threat to life or property, call 9-1-1 and an engine will be dispatched.
If not, you can report online to SWCAA by using this form: http://www.swcleanair.org/burning/complaints.asp
When is the burn ban?
Typically, outdoor burning of brush and yard debris starts on July 15th each year and goes through September 30th. Sometimes, if conditions make it necessary, the Cowlitz County Fire Marshal will start the ban earlier or extend it later. Recreational fires are not included in the seasonal burn ban. Go to our burning page for more information.
Records and Billing
How much does a fire report cost and how do I get one?
Incident reports and investigations are public records. You can use this form. The cost depends on the size of the record, but Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue waives fees for records requests under $5.00.
How much does a medical report cost and how do I get one?
Medical reports are protected information. Visit our Medical Records page link for information on how to request your medical record.
How can I obtain a copy of the bill for my transport?
Contact our billing company, Systems Design West at (800) 238-9398.
What should I do if I am unable to pay my ambulance bill?
Contact our billing company, Systems Design West at (800) 238-9398. They will help you with our financial assistance program.
If I live outside of the fire district, will I be billed for a response?
It depends. We have mutual aid agreements with all neighboring fire districts. You would not be charged for a response if you are in a fire district (you may still receive a bill for transport). If you don't live in a fire district at all, you would be billed for any response. Refer to our Out of District Response Policy for more information.
If I live outside of the fire district, can I contract privately for fire suppression services?
Yes! The cost is based on our levy rate and your property assessment. Contact our office at (360) 578-5218 for more information.