Imagine you are cooking dinner and suddenly a fire breaks out in your kitchen. You grab your family and run outside, but you are not sure what to do next because of the potential costs involved.
Will you get billed for calling the fire department? Does the fire department charge you to come out? Or will the firefighters perform fire services for free?
These are important questions you may not have time to think about in an emergency. In this article, we will explain how fire service charges work, how departments are funded, and ways to prevent bills for emergency services and false alarms.
Let’s get into it.
Does the Fire Department Charge You to Come Out?
Most public fire departments do not charge you to respond to an emergency because fire services are funded by tax revenue. However, some private fire departments or fire protection districts may charge you a fee for their services as part of an annual subscription or on an as-needed basis.
The exception to this policy for public fire departments is that you will get charged for transport to the hospital, which gets billed to your insurance. If your insurance does not cover the transport fee, or you do not have an insurance plan, then you must pay the bill out of pocket in full.
Do You Get Billed for Calling the Fire Department?
Calling the fire department is free and there is no cost or bill associated with the call. In the United States, emergency response services are paid for by the state or county budget which is funded by the residents’ taxes.
Note: Complete details about all fire department charges will be explained throughout the rest of this guide about getting billed for the fire truck coming to your house, putting out a fire, or a related concern. You should also check the policies and practices of your local fire department before calling them, or ask the firefighters about any potential charges when they arrive so no unexpected charges occur.
Does the Fire Department Charge for a False Alarm?
Most fire departments do not charge for responding to false alarms; however, habitual false alarms at the same location may be billed. The cost of a false alarm can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the location and the number of false alarms.
For example, the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia has a strict policy in place for false alarms. Below is an example of those charges and how they are applied when the fire truck comes out to your house or business.
False Alarm Fees
There are two free false alarms allowed per calendar year. After that, the following fee schedule applies.
Residential
- Third alarm ($100): The fee escalates by $50 per activation
- Ninth alarm: The fee escalates by $100 per activation
- Fifteenth alarm: The fee is $1,000 per activation
Commercial
- Third alarm ($100): The fee escalates by $100 per activation
- Twelfth alarm: The fee escalates by $250 per activation
- Sixteenth alarm: The fee escalates by $500 per activation
- Twentieth alarm: The fee is $4,000 per activation
Each city and county in the United States is different in how it handles false alarm fees. Check your locality for specific details.
Fire Department Types and Costs: A Breakdown
Fire protection comes in various forms, each with its own funding structure and potential costs. Here’s a breakdown of the three main types of fire departments and their fee structures:
Private Fire Departments
Private fire departments are for-profit companies offering fire protection services to communities or individual properties, typically located in areas not served by public fire departments.
Cost: Private fire departments charge subscription fees to the properties they serve. These fees can vary based on factors like property size, type, and fire risk. Some may also charge additional fees for specific services to come out to your house, like fire inspections or false alarms.
Fire Department Districts
Fire department districts are special districts formed to provide fire protection services to a specific geographic area. They have their own elected boards and operate independently of municipal governments.
Cost: Funding for fire department districts comes from property taxes levied within the district’s boundaries. Some districts may also charge additional fees for specific services or false alarms.
Volunteer Fire Departments
Volunteer fire departments rely on volunteers to respond to emergencies. They are often found in smaller communities or rural areas.
Cost: Funding sources for volunteer fire departments vary, but they may receive some funding from local governments, donations, or fundraising events. Some volunteer departments might charge minimal fees for false alarms or specific services to come out to your house.
How Much Are Paid Fire Service Charges?
Paid fire services range from $150 to $200 for an annual subscription based on the square footage of the house and property being protected. This fee is paid to the private fire department that services your local area.
An example of an annual subscription fee for paid fire services is $196 per year for up to 1,400 square feet of property protection by the Regional Fire & Rescue Department, which services Pinal County, Arizona. Subscribers pre-pay an annual fee to avoid unexpected charges should a fire-related emergency occur at the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the fire department charge you to check for carbon monoxide?
Generally, no. Most fire departments respond to carbon monoxide alarms or suspected leaks free of charge as it’s a public safety concern. However, some areas might charge for repeated false alarms if the leak wasn’t present.
Does the fire department charge you for ambulance transport?
Often yes. Ambulance services are typically separate from fire departments and may charge for transport, even in emergencies. Basic life support transport costs around $500. Check with your local ambulance provider for specific fees and insurance coverage options.
Does the fire department charge you to unlock your car?
Usually not; however, fire departments prioritize emergencies and typically will not unlock cars unless it involves a life-threatening situation or a child trapped inside.
How do I pay for the fire department services?
If you are charged for the fire department services, you will receive a bill or an invoice from the fire department or a third-party billing company. You can pay the bill by mail, online, or over the phone, depending on the payment options available.
What if I can’t afford to pay for the fire department services?
If you are unable to pay for the fire department services, you may be eligible for financial assistance or hardship programs, depending on your income and situation. You may also be able to negotiate a payment plan or a settlement with the fire department or the billing company.
If you cannot afford to pay the fire service bill, you should contact the fire department or the billing company as soon as possible to discuss your options and avoid late fees or collection actions.
What happens if you don’t pay the fire department bill?
Consequences vary by location for not paying the fire department bill. It could involve late fees, collection actions, or even legal repercussions. Always contact the fire department directly to discuss payment options and avoid potential issues.
Can I contest a false alarm fee?
In some cases, yes, you can contest a false alarm fee. If you believe the false alarm was not your fault (e.g., power outage triggered the alarm), you might be able to appeal the fee. Contact your local fire department for details on their appeal process.
What are some ways to avoid false alarm fees?
- Regularly maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to prevent malfunctions.
- Educate family members about proper alarm operation and test procedures.
- Never pull a fire alarm without a valid reason.
- If you accidentally trigger a fire alarm, immediately contact the fire department to cancel the response.
Final Comments on Fire Department Charges
This article was meant to be a general guide for answering the question about how much does the fire department charge you to come out to your house or business to respond to an emergency or false alarm. As you discovered, fire service charges vary depending on the type of fire department that responds, public or private, and if there are habitual false alarms at the same residence.
Remember: Always prioritize safety and call the fire department in emergencies. However, be aware of your local policies regarding charges for non-emergency calls or specific services. We advise you to contact your local fire department with any questions or concerns about their fees and procedures.
