Live Oak Fire Department is focused on "READINESS". When residents, business occupants or visitors call for the fire department, it usually means somebody's day is not going as planned. We are working hard to anticipate the types of things that might overwhelm normalcy and put in place Equipment, Training and Manpower to respond and rectify the situation as quickly as possible.
A message from Fire Chief Linc Surber:
We are working to establish and strengthen relationships with partner agencies that bring specialized equipment, training and resources into our response solution options. We embrace the "Pit Crew" mentality, where multiple technical operations are being carried out simultaneously to lessen property damage and maintain the highest possible quality of life for those involved in these events.
Today's emphasis on residential smoke detectors, business and commercial residential inspections and modern building code enforcement help keep structure fires and loss of life to a minimum.
Please click on Community Assistance tab below for information on Smoke Detectors.
Thanks for checking out our web pages.
Linc Surber, Fire Chief
Connect-CTY Emergency Notification System
What is this all about?
The City of Live Oak has a telephone alerting system that is designed to provide not only our citizens but the business community as well, with both emergency messages and informational messages relating to important City issues. To receive these important Emergency Notifications, please complete the sign-up portion below.
https://www.liveoaktx.net/living-in-live-oak/connect-cty
STATE OF TEXAS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE REGISTRY (STEAR)
In the event of a serious emergency or an actual disaster, citizens may have to evacuate their homes or they may be asked to shelter in-place for several hours because of a hazardous condition. Citizens may not be directly affected by an incident but could be without electricity or other services because of the incident. While this may be a major inconvenience to some of us, citizens with disabilities, access issues, or those with other functional needs may be faced with a life-threatening situation. These categories include:
- Citizens who are mobility impaired.
- Citizens who are blind or hearing impaired.
- Family members who are mentally challenged. (Adults or children)
- Citizens with special medical needs such as being on continuous oxygen.
- Citizens without transportation.
In the event of an evacuation, some of these individuals may require assistance and in some cases, citizens may not have transportation especially at certain times of the day. These individuals may not have a physical impairment however the lack of transportation places these citizens in a separate special category that must be addressed.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) along with local officials across the state have placed a great deal of emphasis on citizens with disabilities, access issues, or those with other functional needs. This is especially true along the Texas Gulf Coast during hurricane evacuations. Locally the City of Live Oak started a program several years ago to help our citizens. The main issue initially is simply to identify these individuals and where they reside in the community.
The Office of Emergency Management has a voluntary program to allow citizens who have a disability, access issues, or some other type of functional need to come forward and complete an enrollment form to join the program. Only limited information is required and enrollment forms are available at the Fire Station during normal business hours or you can download the form below.
https://stear.tdem.texas.gov/Login.aspx
The Fire Department provides several Community Assistance Programs.
- Fire Prevention Classes
- Residential Inspections
- Residential Smoke Detector Cleaning and Testing
- Educational Classes For Children Attending Live Oak Elementary Schools
- Annual Fire Inspections For Commercial Structures
The following is a brief description of each of the Department sponsored programs:
Fire Extinguisher Checks:
The Fire Department is able to assist our community members in determining whether fire extinguishers are useable. Please call to set up an appointment at 210/653-9140 ext. 2379
Food Assistance Program:
This program is designed to help members of the community who are in need of holiday meals. Donations will be accepted at the Live Oak Fire Station starting in November. All donations are greatly appreciated.
Project Cool
Project Cool helps alleviate health risks to seniors, 60 years and older, by providing them with a new box fan.
Project Cool is a collaborative initiative designed to alleviate health risks to seniors, 60 years and older, by providing them with a new box fan. Project Cool has provided over 62.000 fans to seniors in San Antonio and Bexar County. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District also provides fan recipients with information on how to avoid heat related illnesses and how best to use the fans safely. Starting June 1st, any person 60years or older is eligible to receive a fan. To find out where you can obtain a fan, please contact either the United Way or GRASP directly.
If you would like to donate to this program, please drop off an 18-inch box fan at any of the San Antonio Metro Area Fire Stations (excluding the airport location) between June 1 and September 15. Alternatively, you may contact GRASP for donation locations. Project Cool is sponsored by United WAy of San Antonio, Bexar County and GRASP (Greater Randolph Area Services Program). See contact information below:
- United Way: call 210/227-4357 or their website
- GRASP: call 210/658-6351 or their website
- City of San Antonio Metro Fire Departments: call 210/207-8198 or their website
Residential Knox Box:
For anyone who is concerned about not being able to escape your home in an emergency or not being able to get to the door during an emergency to let paramedics or firefighters in is encouraged to consider a Knox Box for their home. This solid steel box is mounted on the outside of your home within close proximity to the main entry door and secures your individual key to allow access into your home. Only the fire department has a key to open this box and this will allow them to gain entry into your home during an emergency without causing any damage to your home.
Please visit the Live Oak Fire Station at the Development Services window to pick up an application or call 210-653-9140 ext. 2241 or 2379 if you have questions. We also have samples of residential and commercial Know Boxes at this location for demonstration.
If you are in need of a smoke detector and meet the qualifications, you may eligible to have a smoke detector placed in your home.
Please review the following eligibility requirements:
- You are a current resident in Live Oak.
- You own and live in your home. RENTAL PROPERTIES DO NOT QUALIFY.
- You are living on a low income.
If you meet these criteria and wish to request the fire department to come to your home and install a BATTERY smoke detector, NOT INTERCONNECTED, call the Live Oak Fire Department at (210) 653-9140 x2379 or send an email to rluna@liveoaktx.net. If your home has an interconnected smoke detection system, the Live Oak Fire Department will place a BATTERY smoke detector in the same area. The Live Oak Fire Department is unable to assist with interconnected smoke detectors. WE WILL NO LONGER OFFER SMOKE DETECTORS TO WALK IN GUESTS. (MAX 2 SMOKE DETECTORS)
The City of Live Oak prohibits outdoor burning of any kind. For any information regarding the burn ban in Bexar County, visit https://www.bexar.org/630/Fire-Marshal.
Fireworks
The City of Live Oak prohibits the use of any and all fireworks. Please visit one of the many safe zones located in Bexar County to discharge fireworks. For more information on this ordinance, please visit https://www.liveoaktx.net/your-government#code-of-ordinance.
Minimize the Potential for Starting a Wildfire
Utilizing common sense is always the best defense to ensure that you are not the cause of a wildfire. Pay attention to the following list of items which you might not typically think of while going through your daily activities:
- Be aware that any spark can cause a wildfire.
- Ensure there are no dragging chains when using a hitch. Dragging hitch chains often spark and can lead to a grass fire which quickly becomes uncontrollable.
- Use caution when welding or grinding. Have a spotter watch for sparks.
- Check bearings frequently on landscape/agricultural equipment and stop use if the equipement becomes too warm.
- Remove loose grass/hay from around rollers - the friction can build up heat and start a fire.
- Follow all governmental laws regarding fireworks.
- Only use fireworks outdoors and away from dry grass and buildings.
- Read labels and use only as directed and with adult supervision
- Allow fireworks to cool completely before handling and discard used fireworks intoa bucket of water.
- Use caution when your activity occurs within an area with dry vegetation. For example, you park your vehicle within a farm field when attending a festival.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or water sprayer nearby in case a fire breaks out.
- Wet down your work area.
- Reconsider your activities when it is a windy day.
Wildfire Education
The following PDF documents are available for download under “Forms and Reports”, below:
- Be Firewise Around Your Home: This document provides helpful guidelines for landscaping your property and utilizing construction materials which help minimize the risk of fire spreading to your home.
- Firewise Guide to Landscape and Construction: The primary goal for Firewise landscaping is fuel reduction - limiting the level of flammable vegetation and construction materials surrounding the home and increasing the moisture content of remaining vegetation.
- Outdoor Activites and Wildfires: Offers tips to ensure your outdoor activities don't cause wildfires.
- Don't Drive into Smoke on the Road: Provides helpful information to ensure you don'tmistakenly drive into a wildfire.
- Ready, Set, Go! Your Personal Wildfire Action Plan: One document which incorporates helpful hints on how to landscape your property and construct your home to minimize the spread of a nearby fire to your property. This document also provides information on what to do if your home is threatened by fireand how to develop an evacuation plan.
Wildfire Educational Websites
The following websites provide educational information regarding wildfires. Within these websites, you will be able to find wildfire forecast maps (updated daily), methods regarding how to help protect your home and family as well asevacuation procedures.
To save lives and property from wildfire, NFPA's Firewise Communities program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent losses.
Texas Forest Service provides weather, hydrologic and climate forecasts and warnings. Visit this website for the latestinformation regardingfire danger and advisories.
Fire Department Equipment
Engine 160
Engine 160 operates as the first out engine to all fire related incidents in the City of Live Oak. Engine 160 is a 2018 Ferrara Rescue Pumper, placed on a custom chassis. Engine 160 has a 750 gallon capacity water tank, and a pump capable of flowing 1,500 gallons per minute. Engine 160 carries over 1,000 feet of supply line, 700 feet of pre-connected attack line, and 150 feet of attack line for high rise buildings. Engine 160 also has a Class A foam system, including a 30 gallon foam tank. Engine 160 is outfitted with top-notch equipment for vehicle extrication, hazmat situations, and rope rescue.
Engine 160C
Engine 160C is a 2002 Pierce Sabre. Engine 160C has a 500 gallon capacity water tank, and a pump capable of flowing 1,250 gallons per minute. 160C is equipped with a cardiac monitor and medical equipment, as it is the first unit to respond to medical calls in the city. 160C will also be the second in unit to respond to fire related incidents in the city. 160C is outfitted with equipment needed for extrication, as well as all necessary fire related tools and equipment.
Ladder 160
2003 Pierce Dash quint constructed on a custom chassis. Features of Ladder 3 include a 2000 gallon per minute pump and 100 foot Sky Arm ladder with a platform and is capable of articulating (rotating) 20 feet. It is designed to lay a single five (5) inch supply line from the fire hydrant to the scene of the fire while carrying a crew of five (5) firefighters. Ladder 3 is designed to perform emergency rescue from multi-floor occupancies and can be used to control fires which require large flow appliances.
Engine 160B
Engine 160B is a 1998 Pierce Sabre. This unit operates as a reserve engine, responding to other cities as a mutual aid unit. Engine 160B has a 500 gallon capacity water tank, and a pump capable of flowing 1,500 gallons per minute. Engine 160B is equipped with all the essential tools and equipment needed for firefighting operations.
