Fire Dept. page

Fire Protection Services Back to Top

Fire protection services are provided through a voted millage (1 mill) for both the Township and the Village of Lake Orion. There are four fire stations located in the community from which paid-on-call firefighters respond to fire, accident, and medical emergencies.

Burning Permits Back to Top

All open burning requires a Burning Permit issued by the Fire Department. To apply for a permit, you must call (248) 693-1838. Please allow several weeks for the permit to be processed and someone to contact you and set up an appointment to meet with you and issue the permit. So please try to call well in advance of when you will need to burn, and remember... the burning of leaves, trash, or building materials is strictly prohibited! Anyone in violation will be subject to a fine.

Burning Containers Back to Top

We have received numerous calls inquiring about the new portable burning containers being sold that will allow you to have small campfires. These are either the small-screened cage receptacles or the ceramic chimney type. They are advertised to be safe to use on the patio or wherever your party is taking place.

The Township ordinance states that; ANY OPEN BURNING REQUIRES A PERMIT ISSUED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. These containers are no exception and you must apply for and have a permit before you are allowed to use them. Once you receive your permit, use caution in the placement and use of these containers. They can be as dangerous as any other campfire!

To apply for a permit, you must call (248) 693-1838.

Tornados & Severe Storms Back to Top

Spring brings with it increased risk of severe weather. While tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can occur at anytime, they are more likely in the early afternoon hours.

A severe weather Watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur in the watch area. You should plan and prepare for the possibility of severe weather and listen to radio and television for later statements or warnings.

A severe weather Warning means that severe weather is occurring and you should take the necessary safety precautions. If a Tornado Warning is issued, the outdoor warning sirens will sound a steady three (3) minute warning signal. Take cover immediately and listen to radio or television for information.

On the first Saturday of each month at 1:00 p.m., a test is conducted of the tornado sirens. Click here to go to the testing schedule put out by Oakland County.

NOTE: Siren tests are not conducted during December, January or February due to winter weather.

Smoke Detectors Back to Top

Are Your Smoke Alarms Up-to-date?
New Regulations effective 3-14-07
More Info...

How would you answer the following?

Does your smoke detector work?
When was the last time you tested your smoke detector(s)?
When was the last time you changed the battery in your smoke detector?

More than half of all fatal fires occur at night while people are asleep. Every home needs to have working Smoke Detectors to alert sleeping occupants of smoke and fire. The National Fire Chief's Association has adopted a policy to change smoke detectors that are at least 10 years old and to change the batteries whenever you adjust your clock for daylight savings time. Remember this fall, when you set your clock back, change your batteries, and if your detector is at least 10 years old, or if you are not sure how old it is, then change your detector too. Test your smoke detector weekly and replace the battery at least twice a year at daylight savings time.

Fire Fighters Needed Back to Top

The Orion Township Fire Department is in need of people to become volunteer Paid-on-Call firefighters. Your community depends on the willingness of citizens to step forward and make a commitment to help their community. We are currently accepting applications if you are interested in giving back to your community. We will supply you with the equipment and basic schooling to become Fire and EMS trained, and all we ask in return is that you are available to respond to emergencies. It will take sacrifices and hours away from your family, but the reward in the end makes it worth it.

For more information or to request an application, call the Fire Department business office at (248) 693-9701.

Home Fire Prevention Back to Top

Kitchen Safety

Is your stovetop clean, no grease, spills, or clutter?

Does a grown-up always stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove?

Are pot handles turned toward the back of the stove?

Heating Equipment

Are space heaters at least three feet away from the walls and anything else that can burn?

Does your fireplace have a sturdy screen to catch sparks?

Has your heating system been professionally inspected or serviced in the past 12 months?

Has your chimney been inspected or cleaned in the past 12 months?

Do you always dispose of your fireplace ashes in a metal container outside, away from the house?

Candles

Are candles blown out when grown-ups leave the room or go to sleep?

Do you have sturdy non-tip and non-combustible candleholders?

Are lit candles kept a safe distance from anything that can burn?

Smoking Materials

Do you have large, deep, non-tip ashtrays for smokers?

Are matches and lighters locked up high, out of children’s sight and reach?

Do smokers wet all butts and ashes before throwing them away?

Hazardous Materials

Are paints, gasoline, and other flammable liquids stored away from flames and sparks?

Are they outside the home in a shed or detached Garage?

House Wiring

Do your fuses or circuit-breakers match the circuits they protect? (Have them professionally inspected)

Do you limit the use of extension cords, make sure they are properly maintained, and do not overload them?

Mission Statement Back to Top

The mission of the Fire Department is to preserve and protect people and property through fire and rescue services.