When I called 911, I asked for an ambulance. Why did a fire truck also respond?
ANSWER: Frequently medical calls require the assistance of more than just the two personnel that arrive on the ambulance. Since all of our staff are medically trained, we frequently utilize the extra personnel from an engine to assist our paramedics. This is in line with federal standards, and allows us to provide the best possible care for the patient.
When I called 911, I asked for a fire truck. Why did an ambulance also respond?
ANSWER: All of our paramedics are also cross-trained as firefighters (they even keep their firefighting gear on the ambulance). Federal standards and state law require that we have a minimum number of personnel on scene before we enter a burning structure or other hazardous incident. If you report a fire incident, it’s common for an ambulance to respond with the fire truck to provide this assistance. This provides safety in numbers and allows us to extinguish your fire more quickly.
Can I burn yard debris?
ANSWER: No. The Southwest Clean Air Agency has declared that the City of Camas and other portions of southern Clark County do not meet federal air quality standards, and they have imposed an indefinite burning ban in those areas. For more information visit The Southwest Clean Air Agency website or call 360-574-3058. You may dispose of yard debris by signing up for the Yard Debris Program through Waste Connections at 892-5370.
Can I have a campfire in my back yard?
ANSWER: Yes, if there is not a Burn Ban in effect. You must abide by the following Uniform Fire Code Requirements:
• Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material unless contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread to within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
• Buckets, shovels, garden hoses or a fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.
• Recreational fires shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire-extinguishing equipment. An attendant shall supervise a recreational fire until such fire has been extinguished.
Discontinuance. The fire chief is authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined by the chief to constitute a hazardous condition.
How do I become a volunteer firefighter at the Camas Fire Department?
ANSWER: The Camas Fire Department no longer has a volunteer program. You can call Washougal Fire Department at 835-2211 or East County Fire Department at 834-4908 for information on their volunteer programs.
How do I report a property with overgrown vegetation?
ANSWER: If the property is an empty lot without any structures, call 834-6191. If there are structures on the property, call Code Enforcement at 834-4151.
I need an inspection to see if my wood burning appliance meets code. Will the fire department conduct this inspection?
ANSWER: No. Installation of wood burning appliances are regulated by The Camas Building Department. You may contact the Building Department at 360-817-1568.
I want to remove an underground heating oil tank from my property. What shall I to do?
ANSWER: A permit is required from the fire department. Submit two copies to the Fire Marshal's office of a scale drawing of the property indicating tank, piping and structure locations.
My child has been starting fires. What shall I do?
ANSWER: Call the Camas Fire Department at 360-834-2262. You may schedule a time to discuss the situation with a department member trained in handling juvenile fire starter problems.
