The Orem Fire Department was created in 1947. At that time, the department was staffed with eight volunteer firemen and one fire engine. The department continued as a volunteer organization until 1971, at which time the first full-time firefighter was hired. The department expanded over the next several years to keep pace with the population growth.
The first full-time fire station was built in the south end of Orem in the early 1970’s and is still in operation today. The City of Orem added a second station in the north end of the City in the late 1970’s and it too is still in operation today. A third fire station was built on the west side of the City in 1995 and remains operational today.
The City of Orem also provides Fire & EMS services to the town of Vineyard and Lindon City. Lindon City is currently building a new Public Safety Building that will also serve as a fully staffed and functioning fire station for the residents of Lindon City and north Orem.
Employment with the Orem Fire Department
The fire department conducts continuous recruitment and new hire testing on as needed basis. Our new hire lists are usually valid for one year, but may be retracted or extended at the direction of the Fire Chief.
Applicants for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic must possess the following: High school diploma or equivalent, Utah State Paramedic, and/or Utah Firefighter II, BLS, PALS/PEPP, ACLS.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting City of Orem Human Resources at 801-229-7196, or by visiting the Human Resources.
Do you offer public relations and community outreach?
All requests for PR and Community outreach can be made using this form.
Please allow 7-10 days for a response
When is the annual Fire Department Open House held?
The open house is held each October, in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week. Check the City Calendar for specific date, time, and location.
Do you teach CPR courses?
We do not offer CPR certification courses. We encourage those needing this training to contact the American Red Cross.
Can I have a Fire in my backyard?
Yes, recreational fires are permitted year round, although there are rules that must be followed.
- The fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material
- The fire pit should not exceed 3 feet in diameter
- There must be a mean of extinguishment present, such as a garden hose
- If the fire becomes a nuisance and/or the fire department is contacted, the fire must be extinguished
- The fire must be constantly monitored by an adult
- The property owner is responsible for any damage that results from the use of a recreational fire
- The fire must be completely extinguished and not allowed to smolder after use.
- Trash, yard waste, hazardous items, building materials may not be burned.
Are citizens allowed to ride along with firefighters?
We do not allow residents to ride along with our firefighters for liability reasons.
When is the Open Burn Window and what are the regulations?
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued new rules for open burning.
Open burning is regulated by the Division of Air Quality (DAQ). There are statewide rules in place that regulate open burning activities to help minimize emissions and ensure that the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are met. Recent modifications to these rules change the open burn periods and include a statewide requirement to obtain a permit from the local fire department prior to burning.
Applicants that live in The City of Orem are required to complete the open burn permit application on the DAQ Website or here is the direct link to the form. After the application is completed and submitted, a copy of the application will be sent electronically to the Orem Fire Department, now the permit is valid.
Residential burn season for The City of Orem starts on March 30 and ends on May 30 and in the fall beginning September 15 thru October 30.
- Farmers have no changes.
- Spring Open Burn window is March 30 to May 30th.
- Fall Open Burn window is September 15 to October 30th.
- Anyone wanting a permit needs to go to www.airquality.utah.gov/Compliance/OpenBurning/index.htm and apply for a permit from the DAQ. (it will then be forwarded to us)
- Clearing index must be at least 500 to burn (permit holder must check on the day the permit is for, if its below 500 the permit is void)
- It is no longer legal for anyone to burn anything related to property development, even trees and brush.
- No one is allowed to burn trash, dimensional lumber, tires etc.
There is a concerning amount of trash/weeds on a nearby property. Who should I contact to report this concern?
The Neighborhood Improvement Team (NIT) works closely with the Police Department to help promote compliance throughout Orem neighborhoods. You can report potential violations here
How do I obtain an EMS or Fire report?
There is a $36.84/per record fee for obtaining records through the City of Orem. This fee shall be collected prior to the release of the records. Please use this link to download the form or submit your request online. Once the request is received, you will be contacted by a records officer for payment and supplemental documentation if needed.
Private and Controlled records are provided under the provisions of GRAMA.
Fire Operations
About Fire Operations
Our Operations Division is staffed by dual-role Firefighter/Paramedics. These dual-role personnel staff both fire apparatus and ambulances. Our personnel fill the required role based on the nature of the incident, fire or EMS.
Our department is licensed for 911 scene response and transport, as well as inter-facility transfers, all at the ALS paramedic level. The Department maintains the latest technologies and equipment to ensure exceptional patient care and outcomes for those we provide treatment and transportation to. We maintain a fleet of seven ALS ambulances to provide uninterrupted coverage to all citizens. We respond to over 5800 calls for service annually. Many of these incidents require a multi-station response, which results in over 11,000 apparatus responses annually.
Our staffing levels and response times comply with and/or exceed NFPA 1710, which is the national standard for the organization and deployment of fire suppression, EMS and special operations for career fire departments. Each fire station is staffed with one certified Fire Officer, one certified Engineer and a minimum of two certified firefighters, all of whom maintain paramedic certification. We have one Operations Battalion Chief on duty at all times.
We maintain a fleet of six fire engines, one aerial ladder truck, two wildland apparatus, one heavy extrication, one special response apparatus and two command staff vehicles.
We maintain a special response team that consists of personnel who hold additional certifications as Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue, Trench Rescue, Structural Collapse and Confined Space Rescue technicians. This team of highly trained personnel also responds throughout Utah County.
Fire Stations
Station Info
Staffing:
1 Fire Officer
1 Engineer
3 Firefighter/Paramedics
Apparatus:
1 Primary Response 105’ Aerial Ladder Truck
1 Primary Response Paramedic Ambulance
1 Special Response Apparatus
1 Mobile Breathing Apparatus Refill Station
1 Reserve Fire Engine
1 Reserve Paramedic Ambulance
Station Info
Staffing:
1 Fire Officer
1 Engineer
3 Firefighter/Paramedics
Apparatus:
1 Primary Response Fire Engine
1 Primary Response Paramedic Ambulance
1 Reserve Fire Engine
1 Reserve Paramedic Ambulance
Station Info
Staffing:
1 Battalion Chief
1 Fire Officer
1 Engineer
3 Firefighter/Paramedics
Apparatus:
1 Primary Response Fire Engine
1 Primary Response Paramedic Ambulance
1 Heavy Extrication Apparatus
1 Wildland Apparatus
1 Command Vehicle
1 Reserve Paramedic Ambulance
Station Info
Staffing:
1 Battalion Chief
1 Fire Officer
1 Engineer
3 Firefighter/Paramedics
Apparatus:
1 Primary Response Fire Engine
1 Primary Response Paramedic Ambulance
1 Heavy Extrication Apparatus
1 Wildland Apparatus
1 Command Vehicle
1 Reserve Paramedic Ambulance