Hello my name is Ralph Jowers. Welcome to the Coffee County Fire/Rescue website. As Chief of the department we are glad you chose to give us a few moments of your time. We serve the public in the Coffee County area and invite you to give us a call should you have any questions regarding any fire prevention or fire safety issues. We invite you to stop by and visit any of our 11 stations. Remember to be fire safe and stop by sometime.

Our Mission:
Coffee County Fire/Rescue is dedicated to serving an area of 591 square miles and a population of over 27,900 citizens. We are committed to saving lives, protecting property and promoting fire safety. We offer the best service possible, by updating and maintaining our equipment and through the dedicated commitment of the firefighters in fire suppression. We are a full service non-profit fire department providing service to all of the unincorporated areas in Coffee County. The fire department consist of 11 stations located strategically in the county to improve response time, 1 station is fully staffed twenty four hours a day, seven days a week . 10 stations are fully equipped non-staffed and covered by volunteers. The stations are equipped with 11 engines, 1 tanker, 1 brush truck, 2 rescue units, 2 command units and a personnel staff that includes 1 chief, 1 fire inspector, 1 secretary, 1 training officer, 6 fulltime firefighters and 95 volunteers.

List of stations and ISO Ratings:


Contact Information:
Chief Ralph Jowers
Phone: 912-389-1705
Fax: 912-389-0911

FAQ
Do I need a burn permit?
Yes

How do I get a burn permit?
Call Georgia Forestry. Coffee County Fire/Rescue does not issue permits.

What are the guidelines for residential burning?
Burning is limited to yard debris only (leaves, pine straw, and fallen dead limbs. Always have a water hose nearby while burning.

Will the Coffee County Fire/Rescue fill my swimming pool?
No, contact a pool company and ask if they have a list of vendors who might be able to provide this service to you.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching with emergency lights and sirens on what should I do? By law you are required to pull to the right side of the road and stop allowing the fire apparatus to continue safely and quickly.

Why do firefighters break windows? Dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire.

Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building fire? This is called ventilation. There are two reasons for ventilating. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building making it hard for firefighters to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flash over.

How can I become a volunteer firefighter?
You can contact The Oak Park Fire/Rescue at 912-389-1705 or stop by and pick up an application. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Candidates will also need to pass a background check.

Equipment List:
3- 2000 Front mount class A pumpers 1500 gallon tank, pumps 1000 gallons per minute.
4- 2002 Front mount class A pumpers 1500 gallon tank, pumps 1000 gallons per minute.
1- 1996 1250 pump 1000 gallon tank
1- 2002 Front mount class A pumper 1250 gallon tank, Pumps 1000 gallons per minute.
1- 2004 1250 gallon, pumps 1000 gallons per minute.
1- 2002 Rescue F450 Ford mini pumper
1- F250 Ford Brush
1- 8000 gallon tanker
1- 2200 gallon tanker
1- 1999 F350 Rescue
3- Sets of Jaws of Life
1 Custom rescue pumper to be delivered in August of 2007
Fire Safety Check List: Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries
The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends you to change detector batteries at least twice a year.
Check Smoke Detector
After replacing batteries check to make sure the detector is working properly.
Install Fire Extinguishers
Install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and make sure you know how to use it.
Plan and Practice Your Escape
Create escape routes and practice them. Make sure your children recognize the sound of a smoke detector and know what to do.

Fire Prevention and Inspection Division:
The main purpose of this division is to save lives and property through education and prevention. Through this division the fire inspector enforces codes that relate to life and fire safety.

Coffee County adopted the standard fire prevention codes of the Southern Building Code and local codes which reference the NFPA Standards.

Duties:
The fire inspector's duties are to:
Inspect all businesses at least once a year, enforcing all codes.
Check all new county business license applications
Hold fire drills and fire safety programs throughout the county.
Make home inspections (upon request).
Set occupant loads in all public plans of assembly.
Work closely with County Code enforcement.
Reviewing new building plans.

Links:
US Fire Administration - http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/
Georgia Fighters Burn Foundation - http://www.gfbf.org
Georgia Forestry Commission - http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/
Department of Homeland Security - http://www.//dhs.gov/index.shtm
Fire Marshall Office - http://www.ga.insurance.org