Fire Department
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I rent a fire station hall for a party?
- How can I reserve a community room for a meeting?
- How can I schedule an ambulance, fire truck or a firefighter to attend an event?
- How can I become a firefighter?
- How can I become a volunteer firefighter?
- Where can I learn CPR?
- Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?
- Where is my closest fire station?
- What do I do with old gasoline/oil/paint that I don't want?
- How do I get a copy of a fire investigation or EMS report?
- How do I get information about the Youth Firesetter Prevention Program?
- How do I get a fire permit?
- Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?
- Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?
Q: Can I rent a fire station hall for a private party?
A: The Arlington County Fire Department does not rent out halls for parties. However, the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department owns a meeting hall which may be rented for private functions. Please call (703) 228-3600 x9110 or visit FCVFD - The Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department for more information.
Q: How can I reserve a community room for a meeting?
A: Some fire stations have community rooms available for non-profit organizations to use. These rooms must be booked directly with the station. Learn more about how your organization can reserve these rooms.
Q: How can I schedule an ambulance, fire truck or a firefighter at my event?
A: Fire truck and firefighters visits are available for school presentations and public events. Call 703-228-3362 or fill out a request on-line.
Q: How can I become a firefighter?
A: Job openings for firefighters and emergency medical personnel, as well as all other County employees, are posted online, and you may apply online as well. Details on the hiring process specific to fire personnel are outlined on this site.
Q: How can I become a volunteer firefighter?
A: Please contact Ian Weston, Volunteer Coordinator of the Arlington County Volunteer Firefighter & Rescue Association. You may reach him at 703-228-4670.
Q: Where can I learn CPR?
A: CPR classes are available at many local healthcare and non-profit facilities. Learn more about CPR.
Q: Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?
A: This service is usually available at any fire station between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. However you should call ahead to confirm availability.
Q: Where is my closest fire station?
A: You can Find Your Station, see what it looks like and where it's located on this site.
Q: What do I do with old gasoline/oil/paint that I don't want?
A: These items are household hazardous waste (HHW) and cannot be disposed of with your usual trash pickup. Some items may be brought to the County's HHW facility. Visit the Department of Environmental Services web site for more information.
Q: How do I get a copy of a fire investigation or EMS report?
A: Copies of standard fire incident, medical, and Fire Marshal reports are available for a $5 fee. Some requests can be made on-line.
Q: How do I get information about the Juvenile Fire Stop Prevention Program?
A: By understanding what circumstances lead children to start fires and by following a few basic fire safety practices, you can reduce the chances of your children starting destructive fires. The Arlington County Fire Department offers families help in dealing with child firesetters. Learn more about the program or call Fire Prevention at 703-228-4644.
Q: How do I get a fire permit
A: Call the Fire Prevention Office at 703-228-4644.
Q: Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?
A: Call Fire Prevention at 703-228-4644 or check the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers.
Q: Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?
A: This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.