Frequently Asked Questions

If you have an old fire extinguisher please call Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste, toll free number 800-606-6606. or click here.

Alameda Fire Department does not install car seats or conduct car seat inspections, however, the Alameda Police Department does provide these services. Please call APD at 510-337-8590.

Here are some other useful resources listed below to assist you:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Car Seat and Booster Seat Safety
  • Car Seat Inspection
• California Highway Patrol
  • Child Safety Seats
• California Office of Traffic Safety
  • Child Passenger Safety
• AAA
  • Car Seat Inspections

Phone: 800.906.6552

When calling, patients can provide their name, date of service, or run number or incident number from billing invoice to get information on their account(s) or to arrange payment. A separate billing account is set up for each response – if patient has had multiple responses, there will be multiple accounts.

A fire truck, also known as a ladder truck, carries multiple ground ladders of varying length and purpose; an aerial ladder used to reach upper floors of buildings; rescue equipment for forcible entry, extrication, etc; numerous power tools such as chain saws, ventilation fans, and lighting equipment. The Truck Company are the combat engineers of the fire service and primarily are charge with rescue, auto extrication, ventilation, and salvage of emergency scenes. 

A fire engine, also known as a fire pumper, carries thousands of feet of fire hose, nozzles, hose couplings and other equipment. It also carries 500 gallons of water in a tank for a quick attack on a fire which is critical to fire control until they can establish a dedicated water supply from a fire hydrant. The fire engine is the basic response unit of the AFD and also have at least one of the members assigned trained to Paramedic level to provide prompt medical care. 

Multiple fire engines and/or trucks will only show up to a single vehicle accident if there are extenuating circumstances involved which could require additional personnel. An example of this would be an accident with someone trapped in a vehicle who needs extrication.

Under this circumstance we would send a Engine Company, with a paramedic, and carrying hose and water supply. This is necessary as there is a potential for fire in any vehicle accident. We would also send a Truck Company which carries rescue equipment and power tools. All of these operations require enough trained personnel to manipulate equipment and extricate the trapped person successfully.  Under these circumstances we would also have an ambulance respond for patient transportation to the Hospital. 

A fall for a senior citizen is often a very frightening and sometimes life altering incident. One of the major causes of traumatic injuries to seniors is from falling down, which can easily result in bone fractures or internal injuries. We take these types of emergency responses very seriously because of our training experience and response history.

The Alameda Fire Department is required to comply with the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services protocols call for medical emergencies. These protocols require a Engine Company or Truck Company with at least one paramedic to be on scene at all emergency medical calls in a first response mode. They also require a transport provider (Ambulance) to respond with at least one paramedic to all emergency medical calls.

In Alameda, the Fire Department provides ambulance first responder (engine or truck company) and transport provider (Ambulance) services. In other parts of the County a private ambulance company provides the transport services. So, for example, if you are involved in a medical emergency in Hayward, a Hayward Fire Engine Company and an AMR ambulance will respond.

• Alameda C.A.R.E. Team
• ALS Ambulance Transport Service
• Water Rescue
• Technical Rescue
• Dive Rescue Team
• Disaster Preparedness
• Fire Investigation
• Paramedic Internships
• Accredited State Fire Training ALA Academy
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
• Expanded Training Opportunities
• Safe Surrender Baby Program
• Fire Safety Events
• Fire Station Tours & Engine Visits

Each person on the fire apparatus has a specific job:

1. The Company Officer/Captain is responsible for supervising the Apparatus Operator and Firefighter(s) working under his/her command. He/She has the responsibility to assess emergency situations, request and organize adequate resources and mitigate the emergency in the shortest amount of time with the least impact to the community as possible.
2. The Apparatus Operator maintains the apparatus in a state of readiness, cleanliness and function ability assuring that the equipment on the emergency scene has adequate supplies (i.e., water, air, lighting) available to emergency responders.
3. The Firefighter is responsible to carry out the tactical functions needed to mitigate an emergency as directed by the Captain and supported by the Apparatus Operator (i.e., pulling fire hose, throwing the ladder, provide emergency medical services).

The Alameda Fire Department welcomes members of the public to participate in our Ride-Along program. Click HERE for more information and an application.

Alameda Fire Department's Administration office coordinates public education events such as fire station tours and educational prevention events. If you would like more information on how to schedule a visit with your local Alameda Firefighters, please call 510-337-2151 or email afd@alamedaca.gov.