Frequently Asked Questions

If the bees are posing an immediate threat or there is a multiple bee sting emergency, call 9-1-1 and provide your name, phone number, and the location of the bees. Please remain on the line until you are released by the dispatch operator.

If the bees are not presenting an immediate threat, do not disturb them. Call a pest control company located in the yellow pages.

Because most bee swarm situations occur on private property, the bees must be removed by an experienced bee handler or licensed pest controller hired by the property owner.

If the bees are on City property, City staff will remove them as soon as they are notified. Please call (714) 744-5525.

To protect your home from wildfires you must create a safety zone or firebreak by reducing the amount of dead or dying fuel (vegetation) around your home. This does not necessarily mean all vegetation should be removed. In fact, having fire-resistant plants and trees around your home that are properly trimmed and well watered can serve as a firebreak. For a list of things to do to protect your home from wildfires, call the Weed abatement Section at (714) 288-2543.

The Fire Department conducts fire and life safety occupancy inspections in each business within the City on an annual basis. Areas that are inspected include those in which the general public has access. Items such as panic hardware, smoke detectors, fire alarms, automatic fire sprinkler systems, and portable fire extinguishers are inspected to ensure operational readiness.

Additionally, exit lights and occupant load signs must be present. Should a violation exist, a Notice of Correction will be issued to the responsible party and generally, 21 days will be granted to correct the defects. If additional time is necessary, you may contact the Fire Prevention Bureau and request an extension. Please call (714) 288-2541.

Training takes up a good deal of time. Firefighters are required to have at least 20 hours of emergency-related training each month. Firefighters also perform fire safety inspections at businesses, schools and senior care facilities. They must also check and maintain equipment, apparatus along with cleaning and maintaining their stations.

When reporting a 9-1-1 emergency, be prepared to provide the exact location of the emergency, what is involved (auto, home, vegetation, etc.), number of persons involved, your location, and the phone number you are calling from so that you can be recontacted if you become disconnected.

If possible, remain at the scene and provide emergency responders with your eyewitness account of what occurred or what occurred at the time of your arrival at the scene.

The American Red Cross offers classes in first aid. For information, call (855) 835-5381.

Cool a burn with water. Do not use ointments, butter or other substances. For minor burns contact a physician. For serious burns, dial 9-1-1 immediately.

If you are indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or crouch down along an inside wall or hallway. If you are outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines. If you are driving, pull your car to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses or power lines. Remain inside until shaking is over. If you are in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. Do not use elevators.

The fire department serves as the first responders for all medical emergencies. Our eight fire stations are strategically located throughout Orange so our response times have a positive effect on medical emergencies. In addition to our paramedics, the rest of our fire personnel are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). We have a minimum of one paramedic assigned to each of our eight engine companies and on each of our 3 rescue ambulance crews. It is also important to remember that with any medical emergency extra hands of trained personnel are necessary to assist with the care and moving of a patient onto a gurney.

Yes, the state vehicle code requires that while responding Code Three, an emergency response vehicle much have all emergency lights on and the siren sounding. A Code Three response is initiated when life, property or the environment is in immediate danger. Some examples are:

• Auto Accidents

• Chest Pain

• Difficulty Breathing

• Fire

• Hazardous Materials Spill

The standard response to a residential structure fire includes 3 engine companies, 1 truck company, 1 transportation/rescue unit and 1 Battalion Chief. If these units are not needed, they are released upon arrival. The main goal of the Orange Fire Department is to protect lives and property and this level of response is needed to accomplish this goal.

City of Orange Fire and Police stations do not accept used sharps (used needles, syringes, lancets, etc.) for disposal. We suggest calling the site first to confirm whether or not that location charges a fee. Find locations throughout California that accept used sharps for disposal at CalRecycle.