Kemah Fire Department

 


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Frequently Asked Questions


Have a question?  Send it to the webmaster at brian.berlin@kemahfire.com to be included on this page?

Questions

  1. Can I burn trash, limbs, leaves, etc., on my property?

  2. How can I get a burn permit?

  3. Why does Kemah Fire Department have a boat?

  4. Why does my Marina charges me an additional $5 per month "KFD FEE" to have my boat moored at their marina on top of my regular slip fee?

  5. Do you get cats out of trees or off telephone poles or roofs?

  6. Why do firefighters cut holes in the roofs of burning houses?

  7. How can I help the fire department?

  8. Can I make a monetary donation to the department?

  9. Why are fire engines red? Why are Dalmatian dogs associated with the fire department?  What are some traditions of the fire service?

Answers


1. Can I burn trash, limbs, leaves, etc., on my property?

No.  Well... yes.  But you MUST have a burn permit.  Otherwise, expect the Fire Department to show up and put out your fire and expect to receive a citation from the Fire Marshal.


2. How can I get a burn permit?

You can get burn permits from the Kemah or Clear Lake Shores Police Departments.  We hope to have electronic versions of the permit applications online very soon.


3. Why does Kemah Fire Department have a boat?

Because:

  1. Two thirds of Kemah is surrounded by water.  Clear Lake Shores and Lazy Bend are entirely surrounded by water.

  2. The cities surrounding Clear Lake comprise one of the largest marina based communities in the United States.

  3. There are, indeed, a significant number of boat fires on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.

  4. KFD is also a rescue organization that actually does more rescues than fighting of fires. The boat is used frequently to save people from boating accidents, people falling overboard, etc.

  5. The fire boat is a means of fast attack for the Kemah Boardwalk buildings. Think how difficult it can be to get the large fire trucks to the Boardwalk during a busy weekends.  KFD can get the boat there faster and start attacking the fire from the water side, hopefully before it spreads to other Boardwalk businesses close by.

Related Story: February 6, 2005 Water Rescue

Related Photo: May 13, 2005 Boat Fire

Photo by George Swan


4. Why does my Marina charges me an additional $5 per month "KFD FEE" to have my boat moored at their marina on top of my regular slip fee?

Each slip at the marina pays the fee for KFD just like each household in the area served by KFD. Just as the people with houses need fire protection, the people with boats need the fire and rescue protection.  Destruction from marina fires often adds up to millions of dollars in damage.  Boat fires while vessels are underway and at anchor also present special challenges that KFD appreciates and is ready to meet.

Related Photo: KFD Firefighters Learning About Marina Fires

Related Story: Small Boat & Marina Fire Training


5. Do you get cats out of trees or off telephone poles or roofs?

No.  Try opening a can of tuna and waiting for the cat to get down on its own.  We've never seen a cat skeleton in a tree.  They'll come down eventually. 

Related Story:  Man shocked trying to rescue cat from pole

Related Video: Cat stuck in tree for hours.  Unknown fire fighter comes to save the cat. During the rescue attempt the cat falls over 5 stories, lands on its feet, and runs up another tree.  Click here to watch the video. 508KB wmv


6. Why do firefighters cut holes in the roofs of burning houses?

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 version 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.


7. How can I help the fire department?

You can help in several ways:

  • If you are interested in fighting fire, you need to join and get the free training the Fire Department offers.

  • Or you can join the Auxiliary and help with support those who are fighting fires. This includes handing out water and cold towels, getting supplies and setting up Rehab Stations for the Responders.

  • If you have a special talent and want to share some information or teach a class, contact the Training Officer and tell him what specialty you have. He will see if its something the Fire Department can use and help arrange times for you to assist the Department.


8. Can I make a monetary donation to the department?

Absolutely! In fact you can basically designate what you want the money used for. We are always in need of monies to help pay for training that the Fire Fighters attend.

 


9. Why are fire engines red? Why are Dalmatian dogs associated with the fire department?  What are some traditions of the fire service?

These are great  questions!  We have a whole page dedicated to Fire Department Traditions!

 

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Kemah Fire Department
P.O. Box 962, Kemah, TX 77565
Physical Address: 905 Hwy 146 | MAP
Phone:(281) 538-5727  Fax:(281)538-8221
Proudly serving Clear Lake Shores, Kemah, and the Lazy Bend communities for over 50 years!

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