Volunteer Fire Companies

Patio Fireplace Use

Fireworks

Fire Safety Tips

Fire Expo

Firefighting Demo

2009 Fire Prevention Week pdf

Fire Company Directory
For all fire emergencies, call 9-1-1

Cheltenham Fire Company
413 Ryers Avenue, Cheltenham, PA 19012

Elkins Park Fire Company (history)
7818 Montgomery Avenue, Elkins Park, PA 19027

Glenside Fire Company
210 W. Glenside Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038

LaMott Fire Company
7600 Penrose Avenue, Elkins Park, PA 19027

Ogontz Fire Company (history)
8215 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027

Patio Fireplace Use (pdf)

Fireworks in Cheltenham Township (pdf) 

2008 Fire Marshal's Report (pdf)

Firefighting Demo 2009
Friday, Oct. 9, rain or shine * 7:00 p.m. * William Gottschalk Fire Training Area,Tookany Creek Parkway, Cheltenham
Community firefighters demonstrate their skills and techniques during this fire-safety awareness event for National Fire Prevention Week. Meet the volunteers, check out their equipment and ask questions. Information: 215-887-6200, ext. 235.

Public Safety Education
The Cheltenham Fire Department offers free Public Safety Education presentations. To schedule one for your group, contact the Fire Marshal.

Firefighters’ Incentives Thanks to Grant

        Thanks to a recent $834,070 grant from FEMA’s SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Program, the Cheltenham Fire Department can offer new incentives to recruit, train and retain volunteer firefighters for Cheltenham, Elkins Park, Glenside, LaMott and Ogontz Fire Companies.

• Every firefighter is eligible to be compensated for their time and effort relating to the successful completion of certificate training. Firefighters will receive $5 per every certificate-training hour up to a maximum of $600 per year.

• All firefighters will receive $650,000 worth of Accidental Death and Disability Insurance. The majority of the coverage – $500,000 – applies to fire-related activities, but the remaining $150,000 benefit covers any accidental death or injury, whether or not it is fire related.

• Each fire company will receive $1,500 per year to provide awards, plaques and trophies to members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service.

• The Cheltenham Township Fire Department will conduct a print media campaign to recruit new volunteer firefighters and administrative members.

         Anyone interested in joining the ranks of these special volunteers should call the Fire Marshal at 215-887-6200, ext. 235, or their local fire company, shown below.

 Background

Unsurpassed in courage, dedication and caring, nearly 200 volunteer fire fighters serve in the Township's five fire companies -- Cheltenham, Elkins Park, Glenside, LaMott and Ogontz. These extraordinary individuals risk their lives to protect the lives and property of their neighbors.

Every volunteer spends hundreds of hours each year practicing fire fighting techniques and training with sophisticated equipment. In addition, they maintain a 24-hour a day readiness to respond to emergency calls, often sacrificing work, sleep or family events in the line of duty.

Fire fighters also strive to prevent fires from happening through education programs. Specially trained fire fighters visit local schools to teach youngsters how to avoid fire dangers. The Fire Expo, held in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week each October, offers impressive apparatus demonstrations as well as expert advice on using smoke detectors properly and devising a personal home fire escape plan.

The entire community owes a tremendous debt of gratitude and respect to Cheltenham's volunteer fire fighters. For information on joining their proud ranks, contact the Fire Marshal.

Fire Safety Tips

SUMMER SEASON

WINTER AND HOLIDAY SEASON  

 The Cheltenham Fire Department and the United States Fire Administration offer these safety tips to help prevent fires this holiday season and throughout the winter:

Winter Tips

·         Have fireplaces and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned before each winter season. Always use a sturdy fireplace screen.  Fireplaces are made to burn clean, dry wood. Never burn ignitable liquids.  Avoid burning paper and pine boughs, which may cause embers that could rise up the chimney and ignite the roof.  Also, do not burn pressure-treated wood, any painted wood or plywood as they can contain harmful chemicals.

·         Place all types of portable space heaters at least 36 inches away from anything ignitable, including curtains, bedding and furniture.  Do not leave children or pets unattended with space heaters, and do not leave a room or go to sleep with the unit operating. Any portable heater used should be clearly marked UL listed.  Note: Township ordinances prohibit kerosene heaters in apartment buildings and ban propane heaters from any type of building in the township.  Store kerosene outside, away from heat, in clearly marked, approved containers.

·         Purchase only products that have been tested and approved by independent testing laboratories.

·         Have working smoke detectors installed on every level of the home and in every bedroom, and test their operation monthly.

·         Keep a UL listed, multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.

·         Practice escape plans so that all family members are familiar with them in the event of an emergency.

Holiday Tips

·            When selecting a tree, the needles should be green and should not break.  The trunk should be sticky to the touch.

·         Set up tree in a safe area located away from heat sources.  Heat will dry out the tree.

·         Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

·         As soon as the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.  Cheltenham Township’s used Christmas tree collections are available on selected dates from January 11 to 22, 2010.

·         If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant. 

Holiday Lighting

·         Indoor lights should be inspected for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking before putting them up. If damaged, discard them.

·         Turn off or unplug all decorative lighting before going to bed or leaving the house.

·         Lights used outdoors should be approved for outdoor use. All lights and any electrical cords and appliances, whether indoor or outdoor, should be UL listed)

·         Run all outdoor cords above ground, keeping them out of puddles and snow.

·         Do not overload electrical outlets.

·         Use surge protection power strips rather than relying on many extension cords to connect holiday lights, whether indoors or outdoors.

Holiday Decorations

·         Use only nonflammable or flame-retardant decorations, and keep them away from sources of heat and from any source of flame (stoves, heaters, fireplaces, candles, etc.).

·         If you use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and located where they cannot be easily knocked down.  Do not place candles on top of or next to paper, books, curtains or any other easily ignitable articles.  Never leave candles burning where children or pets are not supervised.  Never leave the house or go to sleep with candles burning.

Consider giving and installing the gifts that continue to save lives - give smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors are recommended on every level of the home and in every bedroom. For more fire safety information, contact the Cheltenham Fire Marshal at 215-887-6200, ext. 235.