Fire FAQ

How do I report a fire hazard?
• Weeds, Residential Homes and Duplexes - Contact Code Enforcement at the Police Department: 209-333-6823
​• Triplexes, Apartment Buildings, and Commercial Properties - Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at: 209-333-6739 or fire@lodi.gov. Please provide the street address and specific information regarding the fire hazard.
How can I obtain a copy of a fire incident report?
Please feel free to e-mail your request to fire@lodi.gov or call 209-333-6739
How do I report a leaking fire hydrant?
To report a leaking fire hydrant, contact the Streets Division of the Public Works Department at 209-333-6740
How do I arrange a station tour?
Visit the Community Education page and submit an online request form.
How can I dispose of medications and/or hypodermic needles/syringes?
Medications: Lodi Police Department, Main Lobby
​Hypodermic needles: Lodi Police Department, Property Room
Why am I not supposed to run over a fire hose?
Running over a fire hose can cause water interruption during a crucial time and can possibly also cause injuries or death. Any hose that has been driven over has to be taken out of service, tested, and, in some cases, replaced.
Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?
There are medical personnel on duty at each fire station that are glad to help with a blood pressure check or any other emergency medical issue that you might have.
Why does a fire engine or fire truck come when I only requested an ambulance?
A fire engine or fire truck will sometimes arrive at an incident first because it is the closest emergency unit to the scene and we are committed to getting help to your location as fast as possible. The City of Lodi has four fire stations spaced strategically around the city, all with highly trained EMT's. All firefighters are trained to provide basic emergency medical treatment. Firefighters respond to all calls involving life-threatening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pains, and sever bleeding. Firefighters can initiate treatment to stabilize a patient and provide information to the paramedics en route so they will be aware of any additional advanced life support equipment that will be needed on the scene. In San Joaquin County, American Medical Response (AMR), provides medical transport to hospitals.
Why do firefighters grocery shop together in a fire truck while they are on duty?
Firefighters are required to shop together as one unit, and they dig into their own wallets to pay for their food while on duty. Lodi Fire personnel cook together, eat together, and do just about everything together on their 48 hour shifts. When a call for service comes in, the goal, as always, is to respond together in an engine, truck or other apparatus as quickly as possible.
Why doesn't the Santa truck come down my street?
In an effort to give all citizens an opportunity to experience the Santa truck, routes are rotated every year. Lodi Fire personnel volunteer their time year round to coordinate the holiday routes, do maintenance work on the truck, and seek out funding to keep this Lodi tradition alive.
Does Lodi Fire have a volunteer program?
The Lodi Fire Department does not have volunteer firefighters. All personnel are full time employees of the City of Lodi. However, our neighboring fire districts do offer volunteer programs.
​Woodbridge Fire District: 209-369-1945
​Waterloo-Morada Fire District: 209-931-3107
​Mokelumne Fire District: 209-727-0564
​Thornton Fire District: 209-794-2460
How can I become a firefighter?
Firefighters must have a high school diploma and hold a valid driver’s license. Typically an ideal candidate would have courses in Fire Science.
​Qualified applicants who pass the first round of tests are interviewed and often go through an additional series of evaluations and testing. To enter a training program, applicants take at least two exams: a written test and a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) test. The written exam typically consists of around 100 multiple choice questions and covers spatial awareness, reading comprehension, mechanical reasoning, logic, observation and memory. Applicants must also pass a rigorous physical fitness test.
​In some jurisdictions, having an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license is a requirement for firefighters, who are often called out for emergency medical situations. EMT is often a multi-level process, but requirements vary by state.
​For those who want to go on to careers in fire science, paramedics, or advance to leadership roles within firefighting agencies, there are associate and bachelor’s degree programs at colleges, universities and trade schools.
​How much initial and ongoing education firefighters need is often determined by their leaders and job paths. For example, some firehouses have weekly required training for all firefighters while others have a full-time probationary period, while still others require a four-year apprenticeship. Keeping up with training is a vitally important part of the job. Note that one must usually complete regular continuing education courses to maintain their EMT licenses
Why do fire trucks use lights and sirens, even in the middle of the night when there is no traffic?
The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers and pedestrians know than an emergency vehicle is on the way to an emergency. By law, emergency vehicles have certain privileges extended to them. All privileges have rules legislated by the state and enforced by the department. The main rule of safety is that all traffic is aware that an emergency vehicle is responding and approaching, even in the middle of the night.
What is the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck?
A fire engine is the apparatus that carries hose and water to a fire. An engine carries over 3,000 feet of fire hose in various sizes, a 2,000 gallons per minute pump, and 500 gallons of water in a tank. A fire truck is essentially a giant toolbox. It carries specially trained personnel and tools, which are used for search and rescue, vehicle extrication, structural collapse rescue, and several hundred feet of ladders.
Why do I have to call 9-1-1 instead of the non-emergency/administration number?
Lodi Fire dispatches through Stockton Fire. For a fire unit to respond to your need, they first must be dispatched. Fire stations are not properly equipped to take calls, and calling directly could delay response time.