The Vadnais Heights Fire Department provides fire protection, fire safety education, and emergency medical response to the community. Established in 1970, the Fire Department has served vital public safety and community service functions throughout its history.
Fire Chief Ed Leier directs the services of the Fire Department. He joined the Department in 2004 as its first full-time director. Ed can be reached by email at eleier or by phone at 651.204.6032.
Chief Leier oversees approximately thirty firefighters who serve on an on-call basis. In addition to call and training pay, firefighters receive a pension from the Vadnais Heights Firefighters’ Relief Association.
Fire Services
Fire Department members are well trained and make a huge commitment to ensure the health and safety of the community. In addition, there are members who have specialized hazardous material training, preparing them to handle hazardous material incidents.
To promote the safety of the public, a significant investment has been made in the Fire Department. The Fire Department operates two fire stations and has eight vehicles. The vehicles include a ladder truck; heavy rescue unit; light rescue unit; grass rig; mini-pumper/rescue; and three pumper trucks.
A mutual aid agreement exists between about 20 fire department. Called the Capital City Mutual Aid Association, in our area the pact includes Vadnais Heights, Lake Johanna, Little Canada, White Bear Lake, and Maplewood. When one of these fire departments needs additional support, it calls on one or more of the other departments for assistance.
Commercial Fire Rating
The efforts to improve fire safety are paying off. The City has recently improved its commercial fire rating from “four” to “three”. Two is the most desired rating.
Fire ratings are determined by ISO, the leading supplier of statistical, underwriting, and actuarial information for the insurance industry. The ratings are based on criteria which includes a community’s handling of fire alarms, water supply, and other items.
Safety and Prevention
Ninety percent of fatal fires occur in our homes, according to Jerry Morri, the City's Fire Marshal. "Taking measures at home to prevent fires is the best way to save lives and property," says Morri. "It's important to remember that you need a smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement, and one in every bedroom." Jerry can be contacted by email at gmorri or by phone at 651.204.6033.
Additional information on consumer safety is available by visiting the web site of the Minnesota Safety Council at www.mnsafety.org or at the State Fire Marshal's site at www.dps.state.mn.us/fmarshal/PublicEducation/HomeFireSafety.html. Another excellent safety site is provided by Connexus Energy at www.connexusenergy.com/safety.htm
Fire Safety Tips
- Install smoke alarms, and be sure to keep them in operable condition.
- Keep matches away from sources of heat, such as stoves and heaters.
- Matches and lighters are for adult use only.
- Do not leave candles burning unattended.
- Do not smoke in bed.
- Cook safely. Stay near your cooking and monitor it closely.
- Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Keep children and pets away from heaters. Turn them off when you leave home or go to sleep.
- Clean your dryer’s lint filter after each use. Also, make sure to clean underneath and behind your dryer at least twice a year. Make sure the dryer exhaust hose is also cleaned two times a year.
- Wood burning fireplaces should be inspected once a year.
- Keep extension cords in the open - not under rugs, over hooks, or through partitions or door openings.
Recreational Fire Ordinance
People often enjoy sitting in the yards, having fun gathered around an outdoor fire. To keep you and your family safe, please pay attention to the recreational fire ordinance. Among other things, the ordinance says: “Recreational fires” are small fires for cooking or other recreational purposes and not for the purpose of disposing of any refuse or other material. Such fires shall:
- Be located no closer than 35 feet from a principal structure, 25 feet away from any other structure, and 10 feet from a lot line;
- Be located within a fire pit surrounded by rocks, concrete, or metal;
- Not exceed three feet in diameter or three feet in height;
- Not be allowed if wind is causing smoke to blow into other homes;
- Be constantly attended by a responsible adult;
- Be located near a readily available supply of water, such as a garden hose;
- Not be located within five feet in any direction from any combustible material;
- Be limited to one location on a parcel of property;
- Be subject to the fire marshal's authority to place a ban on recreational fires.