FAQ

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT FD 12

The fire insurance class rating is based upon fire department and dispatch communications, water supply, quality of the fire department, including adequacy of equipment, sufficiency of staffing, level of training and the geographic distribution of fire companies.

The Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) evaluates fire districts and assigns a protection class number from 1 to 10.

A “Class 1” generally represents exemplary fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the community’s fire suppression program does not meet PIAL’s minimum criteria.

FD12 currently has a Class 3 rating, and has constantly worked for more than 10 years to maintain this rating. As the district grows, it becomes more of a challenge and provisions must be made to maintain this classification.

Fire District 12 covers 63 square miles, our boundaries wrap around the City of Covington to the south, east and north, and take in one of west St. Tammany’s busiest corridors – Hwy. 190 between I-12 and Covington. From rural areas north of Covington to the densely populated Tammany Hills and Crestwood subdivisions, FD12 provides service to more than 25,000 people and 1,200 businesses. Take a look at the district map.

The 54 full-time fire suppression personnel and 8 support personnel of FD12 proudly serve 63 square miles of unincorporated Ward 3.

The ranks of FD12 suppression personnel are: Firefighter/Operators, Fire Captains, District Fire Chiefs, and Chief of Operations.  Additionally, we also have the ranks of Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief, Mechanic, Master Mechanic, Chief of Training, Chief of Fire Prevention, and Chief of Administration.  The final and highest rank is that of Fire Chief.  The Fire Chief is the head of the agency and all division ultimately report to the Chief. The Fire Chief reports to the Board of Commissioners.

FD12 is always seeking good applicants for the fire service. Becoming a firefighter is a process that begins by applying to the civil service, taking the entrance firefighter exam, and then applying to the appropriate fire district.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY DIRECTLY TO FD12

For information on the entrance firefighter/operator civil service exam, visit https://ose.louisiana.gov/testing-employment/competitive-applicants/

To see Fire District 12’s requirements for a firefighter/operator, download this PDF

A pumper is the primary firefighting tool. A tanker is used in areas where fire hydrants are inadequate or unavailable. An aerial truck is used in high rise or commercial buildings and heavy rescue, which carries extraction equipment and other necessary tools needed by firefighters, is also used.

Yes. FD12 welcomes the opportunity to have the public visit any of our stations. If you would like to request a fire station tour, please call the business office at 985-892-5161 during normal business hours.

FD12 has 3 District Chiefs, 18 Fire Captains and 33 Firefighter/Operators.

A firefighter receives ongoing training his entire career.

Initially, each recruit must attend a comprehensive 13 week recruit training academy to learn how to function as a firefighter, and an apparatus operator. During the academy, recruits receive training, and become certified in Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations , First Aide, CPR/AID (automatic external defibrillator), Vehicle Rescue, and Driver/Operator-Pumper.

Upon the successful completion of the academy, the now probationary firefighter is assigned to a shift, where he will serve as a member of a company. Soon after being assigned to a shift, the probationary firefighter will begin to further his EMS education. Within one year from his date of employment with the fire district, he is required to become a nationally and state licensed EMT (emergency medical technician). This course is approximately 12 weeks long.

After completing these initial courses, the firefighter will begin to attend more advanced classes at his own pace over the course of his career to make him a more effective firefighter, as well as make himself eligible for promotions.

In addition to attending advanced classes for promotion, each firefighter is required to complete a minimum amount of continuing education each year as it relates to their rank. All officers must complete 12 hours of officer training. All operators must complete 12 hours of driver/pump training. All members must complete 4 hours of hazmat training, 240 hours of company training, 36 hours of EMS (emergency medical services) training, and 8 multi-company drills.

Fire District 12 currently has 5 stations. For a complete list and to find your nearest fire station, click here.

Fire District 12 firefighter works ­­­24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty. They are divided between three shifts: A, B and C.

Firefighters ventilate (chop holes in a roof and break windows in a building) to remove the blazing heat, smoke and toxic gases.  As a fire burns, it moves upward and outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof stops the damaging outward movement and enables firefighters to fight the fire more efficiently, actually resulting in less damage to the structure and its contents.

Our firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s).  The fire truck carries much of the equipment that you would find on the ambulance. The fire truck crew can secure the scene, provide an assessment of your medical condition and begin treating most conditions before the ambulance arrives on the scene.

Visit the business office during the normal business hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m. to request one. Call 985-892-5161 or fill out our contact page.

Please call the business office at 985-892-5161 during normal business hours to make your request or fill out our contact page.

FD12 has limited space but does hold a few home owner’s association meetings at several of our stations. To inquire about the availability of space for your community group’s meeting, please contact the business office at 985-892-5161 during normal business hours to make arrangements or fill out our contact page.

Please click here to see our Stations and Maps in our District.

FD12 is governed by their Board of Commissioners. The board is designed to make the entire organization accountable to the citizens we serve. A five-member Board of Commissioners is appointed by the Parish President and the Parish Council. Once appointed, the Board of Commissioners elects its own officers.  Currently the board consists of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and 2 Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners holds regular meetings, generally on the third Thursday of every month.  The meetings are held at Fire District 12 HQ, 19375 Hwy 36 in Covington at 5 pm. The public is always invited and welcome to attend.

EMERGENCIES

We recommend dialing 9-1-1 for injury or life-threatening emergency incidents, fire or police matters.

Most calls are dispatched within 1 minute of being received. We strive to have the first unit on scene within 6 minutes, but response time depends on personnel and equipment.

2023: 3068
2022: 2829
2021: 2861
2020: 2569
2019: 3090
2018: 3042
2017: 2921
2016: 2823
2015: 2786
2014: 2582
2013: 2585
2012: 2359
2011: 2324
2010: 2312
2009: 2017
2008: 2132
2007: 1900

Motorists should pull their vehicles safely to the right when an emergency vehicle is approaching. It is not recommended to stop in the middle of the road or proceed through an intersection against the signals.

To report a fire, remain calm, make sure you are in a safe location and provide the dispatcher the following information:

  • where the fire is located (provide the entire physical address, including street, boulevard, road, and any cross streets).
  • what is on fire.
  • who is in danger or trapped.
  • give brief details about the fire (for example: odor, smoke, or flames).

*Dispatchers are trained to gather all of the necessary information when you call 9-1-1, so they will ask the appropriate questions to get this information during the call. This list is to simply give you an idea of the general details they may need in this type of emergency situation. The questions asked by the Communications Officers (dispatchers) are not delaying response to the emergency.  As soon as an address is obtained, units are dispatched.  All of the information obtained is relayed to and aid the responding units.

To report a medical emergency, remain calm and provide the dispatcher the following information:

  • the location of the sick or injured person (provide the entire physical address, including street, boulevard, road and any cross streets).
  • what the symptoms are of the injured or sick person.
  • does the person have a known history of illnesses?
  • does the person take medication?

*Dispatchers are trained to gather all of the necessary information when you call 9-1-1, so they will ask the appropriate questions to get this information during the call. This list is to simply give you an idea of the general details they may need in this type of emergency situation.

To report a vehicle accident, remain calm and provide the dispatcher the following information:

  • the location of the accident scene
  • the number of injuries at the accident scene
  • how many vehicles are involved in the accident

*Dispatchers are trained to gather all of the necessary information when you call 9-1-1, so they will ask the appropriate questions to get this information during the call. This list is to simply give you an idea of the general details they may need in this type of emergency situation. The questions asked by the Communications Officers (dispatchers) are not delaying response to the emergency.  As soon as an address is obtained, units are dispatched.  All of the information obtained is relayed to and aid the responding units.

HOME | BUSINESS SAFETY | FIRE PREVENTION

Generally, the smoke alarm chirps when it’s time to replace the battery. We encourage residents to change the smoke alarm battery when they change their clocks for Daylight Savings time in the Spring and Fall each year.

It is generally recommended to have at least one (1) smoke detector per bedroom, and one (1) smoke detector in any large common area of the home.

Any ABC type fire extinguisher is suitable for home use, and can be found at your local home improvement store.

Please call the business office at 985-892-5161 during normal business hours and they will transfer you to the appropriate person in the Fire Prevention division or fill out our contact page.

All building codes require smoke detectors for any new construction or major structure remodels. However, for life safety reasons, every home should have adequate smoke detectors.

Fire District 12 personnel do not fill or check fire extinguishers. Search “Fire Safety Equipment” for a company that provides this service.

For around the home fire safety tips, including cooking, candles, heating, smoking and electrical, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website to download fire safety tip sheets.

Clearly visible house numbers are vitally important in saving precious time when firefighters, police or paramedics must respond to your home. Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

  • Always display numbers horizontally
  • For Residential, every single-family house should use numbers that are at least 4″ high. Multiple dwelling units such as apartments and duplexes should use numbers that are at least 6″ high.
  • For Non-Residential, including new office, commercial, retail, industrial and other non-residential buildings, they should have numbers that are at least 6″ high.
  • Numbers should be placed on, above, or at the side of the main entrance, so that they can be detected from the street.
  • Numbers should also be displayed on your mailbox.
  • If your house is not visible from the street, post numbers so that they are clearly visible from the road either on a pole, sign or post.
  • Make sure your address numbers are a color that is a strong contrast with their background and make sure the numbers on your house are under a light or illuminated.

FD12 conducts child safety seat inspections on an as-needed basis, by appointment only.  Please contact our business office at 985-892-5161 or fill out our contact page and someone will contact you to set up an appointment.

Call your local water company (who you pay your water bill to).

FD12 follows the parish and state guidelines for residential open burning regulations. A controlled fire or open burning of leaves and yard debris, such as pine needles, pine cones, shrubs, brush and cut timber, in Fire District 12 will not be in violation, if the following parish regulations are adhered to:

  • The fire shall not be greater than 8 feet in diameter.
  • The height of burning material shall not be greater than 4 feet.
  • Burning shall only occur between sunrise and one hour before sunset.
  • The fire site shall be attended at all times.
  • A functional water hose attached to an operating water supply shall be located next to the fire.
  • The fire site shall be at least 10 feet from the property line.
  • There shall be no more than one fire site per home site or parcel of land.
  • The fire site shall be located at least 50 feet from any structure. if closer than 50 feet, a container must be used.

The preceding information is for informative purposes only. It is not a burn permit, nor does it give you permission to burn in violation of any other local or state regulations.

Please be mindful of weather conditions.

Also, if the fire becomes a nuisance fire, creating dense smoke, noxious fumes, gas, soot or cinders, in unreasonable quantities that injures or endangers the health, safety or well-being of others, it will be extinguished immediately.

It should also be understood by the property owner, that even if the fire is not in violation of parish code, it may still be a violation of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s “Air Quality Regulations.” Compliance with the parish ordinances is no protection against being cited/fined by the D.E.Q.

Call your local water company, or the FD12 business office at 985-892-5161 during normal business hours.