Emergency Services

When should I call 911?

Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening emergency, including:

• Fires — Any active fire, smoke in building, smell of burning
• Medical Emergencies — Chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe bleeding
• Vehicle Accidents — Especially with injuries or entrapment
• Hazardous Materials — Gas leaks, chemical spills, carbon monoxide alarms
• Rescues — Anyone trapped, stuck, or in danger

When in doubt, call 911. It’s better to call and not need us than to need us and not call.

Does Baldwin Fire Rescue provide ambulance service?

No. Baldwin Fire Rescue is a fire department. Ambulance and emergency medical services in Baldwin Borough are provided by Baldwin EMS and their mutual aid companies. When you call 911 for a medical emergency, Baldwin EMS is dispatched to provide emergency medical care and transport to the hospital.

What should I do if I accidentally call 911?

Do not hang up! Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was an accidental call. If you hang up, the dispatcher must call you back or send emergency responders to verify there’s no emergency. Simply explain: “I’m sorry, I dialed 911 by mistake. There is no emergency.” The dispatcher will confirm and clear the call.

About Our Department

What area does Baldwin Fire Rescue cover?

We provide fire protection and emergency services to Baldwin Borough, covering approximately 5.9 square miles with a population of about 21,510 residents. We operate three fire stations:

• Station 106-1 — 3049 Churchview Avenue
• Station 106-2 (Headquarters) — 825 Streets Run Road
• Station 106-3 — 5311 McAnulty Road

When was Baldwin Fire Rescue formed?

Baldwin Fire Rescue was officially formed on November 19, 2024 through the merger of three historic volunteer fire companies: Baldwin Independent Fire Company No. 1, Option Independent Fire Company, and South Baldwin Volunteer Fire Company. Our fire service heritage dates back to 1955 when volunteer firefighters first began protecting Baldwin Borough. Learn more on our About Us page.

Is Baldwin Fire Rescue a volunteer department?

Yes, 100% volunteer. All of our firefighters have regular jobs and families, but respond to emergencies 24/7/365 to protect our community. No one at Baldwin Fire Rescue is paid to fight fires.

Can I visit a fire station or get a tour?

Yes! We welcome community members, scout troops, school groups, and families to visit our stations. Tours are informal — if a firefighter is at the station, we’re happy to show you around. For group visits, call (412) 881-9704 ahead of time so we can make sure someone is there to greet you. Please note that tours may be cut short if we get a call. Learn more on our Community Education page.

Volunteering & Membership

How can I become a volunteer firefighter?

We’re always looking for dedicated community members to join our team. No prior experience is necessary — we provide all training. To get started:

1. Call (412) 881-9704 or stop by any station to express your interest
2. Must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check
3. Complete a membership application
4. Begin training through the fire academy

See our Join Baldwin Fire Rescue page for complete information.

What training is required?

• Firefighter I — ~160-180 hours of classroom and hands-on training covering basic firefighting skills
• Firefighter II — Advanced firefighting operations and techniques
• Hazmat Awareness/Operations — Hazardous materials identification and response
• Vehicle Rescue — Extrication and vehicle accident response
• First Responder or EMT — Medical training (optional but encouraged)

Training is provided at no cost to members. Most initial training is conducted at nights and weekends to accommodate work schedules.

How much time do I need to commit?

We understand that volunteers have jobs, families, and other commitments. Active members typically:

• Respond to calls when available (day, night, weekends)
• Attend training drills
• Participate in monthly business meetings
• Help with station maintenance and fundraising events

Even if you can only respond occasionally, your contribution helps protect our community.

Can I volunteer without being a firefighter?

Yes! We have several membership types:

• Associate Member — Support the department through fundraising, events, and administrative help
• Business Member — Local businesses supporting the department
• Junior Firefighter — Youth program for ages 14–17

What is the Junior Firefighter program?

Our Junior Firefighter program has been active since 1970 and provides young people ages 14–17 with training and experience in the fire service. Juniors learn fire safety, assist with non-hazardous duties, participate in training, and build leadership skills. Parental consent is required, and juniors cannot enter burning buildings or perform hazardous tasks per Pennsylvania law. Many of our current firefighters started as juniors. See our Junior Firefighter Program page for details.

Fire Safety

How often should I replace my smoke alarms?

Every 10 years. Even if they still beep during testing, the sensors degrade over time. Check the manufacturing date on the back of the alarm.

• Monthly — Test all alarms by pressing the test button
• Every 6 months — Vacuum dust from alarms
• Annually — Replace batteries (or when low-battery chirp sounds)
• Every 10 years — Replace the entire alarm unit

Where should smoke alarms be installed?

• Inside every bedroom
• Outside each sleeping area (in the hallway near bedrooms)
• On every level of the home, including the basement
• On the ceiling or high on walls (smoke rises)

For best protection, use interconnected alarms so when one sounds, they all sound.

Do I need carbon monoxide (CO) alarms?

Yes. Pennsylvania law requires CO alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Install them outside each sleeping area, on every level, and near fuel-burning appliances.

If your CO alarm sounds:

1. Move everyone outside to fresh air immediately
2. Call 911 from outside
3. Do NOT go back inside until we say it’s safe
4. Get medical attention if anyone has symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea)

What should I include in my home fire escape plan?

• Two ways out of every room (door and window)
• Outside meeting place at a safe distance (mailbox, neighbor’s tree, etc.)
• Who will help young children, elderly, or pets
• Never go back inside for anything
• Call 911 from outside

Practice your plan at least twice a year, during the day AND at night.

Do I need a fire extinguisher at home?

While not required, we strongly recommend having at least one on each level of your home, especially in the kitchen. Look for multi-purpose ABC rated extinguishers.

Remember PASS:

• Pull the pin
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep side to side

Important: Only fight small fires. If the fire is spreading, get out and call 911.

Can I have a recreational fire in my backyard?

Recreational fires are permitted in Baldwin Borough with restrictions:

• Contained in a fire pit or ring
• No more than 3 feet in diameter
• Only clean, dry firewood (no garbage, leaves, or treated wood)
• At least 25 feet from structures
• Attended at all times
• Means to extinguish immediately available

Supporting Baldwin Fire Rescue

How is the fire department funded?

Baldwin Fire Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a volunteer fire department, we are funded through:

• Borough funding — Tax revenue allocated by Baldwin Borough
• Donations — Community contributions
• Fundraising events — Community events throughout the year
• Grants — State and federal assistance for equipment and training

Because we’re volunteer-based, more of our budget goes directly to apparatus, equipment, and training rather than salaries. All donations to Baldwin Fire Rescue are tax-deductible.

How can I support the department?

• Donate — Financial contributions help us maintain equipment and training
• Attend fundraisers — Support our events throughout the year
• Volunteer — Join as a member or help with events
• Follow us — Stay connected on Facebook and spread the word

For information about donations or sponsorship, call (412) 881-9704.