Hastings Fire Department
The service area for the Hastings Fire Department includes the City of Hastings, Baltimore, Hastings, Rutland, ½ of Carlton, and ¼ of Irving Townships. The Department is dedicated to saving lives and protecting property for citizens that reside in our fire service area.
Fire service in the State of Michigan is regulated by many State and Federal laws, industry standards, and general rules that Fire Departments must follow in day-to-day operations. These various laws and other guidelines govern the type of training and equipment provided, design of equipment used, and medical training requirements for our fire department staff. OSHA, MIOSHA, and the National Fire Protection Association are among the agencies that set and enforce these laws and standards.
The Hastings Fire Department also follows guidelines for blood borne pathogens, TB, and MIOSHA 3502 – Confined Space Part 90. We use hand tools, ladders, air compressors, etc. and follow safety requirements for all of the equipment we utilize.
The Department provides fire prevention and suppression programs to service clubs and visits all schools in our area during Fire Prevention Week to present programs to students.
The Department does inspections on a complaint basis and issues burning permits to our service area residents. We will provide and install smoke detectors and test for CO2 upon request.
Smoke Detector Program
The Barry County Fire Association and Barry County United Way would like to remind residents that the free smoke detector program is still going on throughout our community. Applications for our free smoke detector program will be available at MainStreet Savings Bank, Township Offices, Commission on Aging, Coleman Insurance Agency, The Chamber of Commerce, The Barry County United Way office, and your local fire departments or use the form located in the Documents box on the right hand side of the page. You may also access an application on-line at www.bcunitedway.org. Once the application is received by the Barry County United Way or your local fire department, firefighters will call to set a time to inspect your home for smoke detector placement. While there, they will install additional smoke detectors as needed and check the batteries on current detectors. The firefighters will leave a brochure with you, explaining how to set up a fire escape plan for your home.
Burn Permits
Township residents within the Hastings Fire Service Area may obtain a permit to burn on their properties by calling 269-945-5384 option 1. If no one is available to answer the phone, please leave a voicemail with your name, property address, phone number, and the date and time you would like to burn and someone will return your call at their earliest convenience. Burn permits may be issued between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Burn permits are not available for city residents. Please contact the Fire Department with any questions.
There is to be no burning on any street within the City. No burning of paper products, building demolition materials, automobile bodies, tires, plastic or other highly flammable, toxic, or explosive materials or furniture of any kind is allowed with the City of Hastings. Any burning that creates a nuisance or hazard to health will not be allowed. If the Hastings Fire Department responds to such incidents mentioned above, and the person or persons do not have a permit, or they are burning illegal products, they will be billed for the response. Please be aware that there is a minimum charge of $350.00 for the department to respond to these types of incidents.
Tornado Testing
Beginning in April and running through September, the Hastings Fire Department will test the Tornado Siren at 1pm on the first Saturday of every month. The siren will not be tested during a tornado watch or warning, or if the city is under Condition Red. The siren will be used during a tornado warning, which means a tornado has been sighted in the area or indicated through weather radar.
