Blakely Fire Department
The City of Blakely Fire Dept helps protect over 13,000 citizens and over 500 square miles in Blakely and Early County out of the central fire station in Blakely. We provide fire suppression and rescue services for the City of Blakely and support the Early County Volunteer fire department through an intergovernmental agreement. We operate the only “Jaws of Life” rescue equipment in the county. We assist the Emergency Medical Services with vehicle accidents and other medical calls. In addition to emergency calls, a fire prevention division is maintained and offers fire safety programs to the schools and any organization that requests a class. The City of Blakely and citizens with structures located within five road miles of the City of Blakely Fire Department benefit from a class 4 insurance rating, resulting in lower premiums for many. We respond to about 300 calls per year.
Personnel
We have fifteen career personnel supported by eight volunteers. We operate with a minimum daily staffing of four firefighters per shift in addition to the fire chief being available for call. We began a junior firefighter program two years ago in the Early County High School to boost our volunteers and promote firefighting as a career and it has already produced results with one of the first students who completed the nine month program being employed as a career firefighter with the Blakely Fire Dept. March 2, 2009. Firefighters have one year to meet the requirements of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.
Equipment
We currently operate four fully equipped fire engine pumpers along with a 55’ telesquirt, a rescue/brush fire vehicle, a hazardous materials unit, and a chief’s vehicle. We maintain three sets of vehicle rescue equipment.
Fire Prevention
The fire department obtained a 35’ fire safety house through an Assistance to Firefighter’s grant in 2001. Since that time it is estimated that approximately 10,000 children and adults have toured the safety house. We make annual visits to the local schools as well as making it available to surrounding counties for schools, senior centers, and health fairs. If you would like to schedule the safety house or a fire safety program for your school or organization please call 229-723-5150 and we will make every effort to fulfill your request. Fire Prevention week is the second week in October.
Training
Firefighters average 240 training hours per year and are required to complete state mandated training in order to be re-certified each year. Much of the training is completed on site with the use a 55’ propane operated mobile live fire trainer obtained through a Homeland Security Grant. We also have a nationally certified fire instructor on staff. This trainer provides realistic training in all areas of firefighting to keep the firefighter prepared for the many challenges faced daily. If a fire department would like to request use of this trainer please call 229-723-3511 for more information. We have three state certified Emergency Medical Technicians and two more working toward certification.