Fire Department

In an emergency, always dial 911 first.

The City of Blakely Fire Department helps protect more than 13,000 people across more than 500 square miles in Blakely and Early County. It provides fire suppression and rescue for the city, supports the Early County Volunteer Fire Department through an intergovernmental agreement, carries the “Jaws of Life” rescue equipment, and assists Emergency Medical Services at vehicle accidents and other medical calls. Its fire prevention division offers safety programs to schools and any organization that asks.

Personnel and equipment

Fifteen career personnel are supported by eight volunteers, with a minimum of four firefighters per shift plus the on-call fire chief. The department operates four fully equipped engine pumpers, a 55-foot telesquirt, a rescue and brush fire vehicle, a hazardous materials unit and a chief’s vehicle, and maintains three sets of vehicle rescue equipment.

Fire prevention

A 35-foot fire safety house, obtained through an Assistance to Firefighters grant in 2001, has been toured by about 10,000 children and adults. Firefighters visit local schools each year and make the house available to surrounding counties for schools, senior centers and health fairs. To schedule the safety house or a fire safety program, call 229-723-5150. Fire Prevention Week is the second week in October.

Training

Firefighters average 240 training hours a year and complete state-mandated training to be recertified annually, much of it on site with a 55-foot propane-fired mobile live fire trainer obtained through a Homeland Security grant. The department has a nationally certified fire instructor and three state-certified EMTs. Other departments may request the instructor at 229-723-3511.

The Early County High School Junior Firefighter Program promotes volunteering and firefighting as a career. Contact the department at 229-723-3511 or the high school at 229-723-3006.