Indianola Fire Department

The Indianola Fire Department and City of Indianola are currently hiring a Part-Time EMT and a Part-Time Paramedic! Learn more about the roles:

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐌𝐓
This position is responsible for responding to the scene of Fire and EMS-related emergencies to save lives and property and preserve the environment.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜
This position is responsible for responding to the scene of Fire and EMS-related emergencies and administering pre-hospital emergency care to the level of certification recognized by the State of lowa, Bureau of Trauma Services.

Want to apply? Please visit indianolaiowa.applicantpro.com/jobs and submit your application before the positions are filled!

Thank you to all of our Jr. Fire Academy participants! We hope to see you return next year!

The Indianola Fire Department and City of Indianola are currently hiring Career Firefighter/Paramedics! In this role, you’ll be responsible for protecting the life, property and environment from fire and providing specialized rescue and emergency medical services to the community.

Want to learn more and apply? Please visit indianolaiowa.applicantpro.com/jobs and submit your application before the deadline!

Issue Impacting Landline 911 Calls; Wireless 911 Calls Still Being Received The City of Indianola is aware of an issue impacting landline 911 calls, where calls are not being received due to a malfunction with the service provider. Wireless 911 calls are still being received. Please call 911 from your mobile device.

Irving Elementary will be open as a storm shelter from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The address is 500 W Clinton Ave, Indianola, IA 50125. Please stay safe and weather aware.

More information ⬇️

Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Tornado Watch Expires for Indianola The Tornado Watch for Indianola and Warren County has expired. According to the National Weather Service's latest special weather statement, Indianola and Warren County will continue to experience strong wind speeds through the evening hours.

Check out 📸 from our Pancake Breakfast earlier today with the Indianola Noon Lions Club.

Thank you for joining us and helping raise funds to purchase new video laryngoscopes that will meet the needs of our paramedics and the citizens of Indianola!

Please join the Indianola Fire Department in congratulating Firefighter/Paramedic Tracy Van Zante, who was officially sworn in by Assistant to the City Manager/City Clerk Jackie Raffety at last night's Indianola City Council meeting!

UPDATE: After a successful test at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, the storm siren near West 17th Avenue is functioning properly.

===

ORIGINAL POST: 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒖𝒑, 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒂!

Following up from the overnight storms and this morning’s tornado warning, crews investigated the storm siren near West 17th Avenue to ensure it is functioning properly. All of the features of the siren were assessed and the breaker was reset. At 2 p.m. today, this siren will be bumped, which means it will be activated and sound for a complete cycle. For those in the area, PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A TEST.

To learn more about the sirens, please visit: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/faq.aspx?TID=33

Thank you, Warren County Philanthropic Partnership! The grants that the Indianola Fire Department and Indianola Fire Department Association received will help with the purchases of essential equipment to enhance the community's lifestyle and contribute significantly to the safety of our staff as well as Indianola residents and visitors.

Learn more online: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2044

After an illustrious career leading the Indianola Fire Department for nearly 10 years, Fire Chief Greg Chia has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2024.

View the full announcement: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2040

The Indianola Fire Department’s 2023 Annual Report is now available online, highlighting the department’s overall statistics from the past year, explaining the organizational changes the department experienced and recognizing its continued efforts in serving the community. Fire Chief Greg Chia presented the report to the Indianola City Council during its study session on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Some key data includes:

◾️ In 2023, the Indianola Fire Department received 2,983 calls for service – a 3% increase from the previous year.
◾️ A total of 1,050 calls – or 35.39% – that the Indianola Fire Department received in 2023 overlapped with a different event.
◾️ Despite increases in both overall and overlapping calls, the department's average turnout time to scenes is “faster than we ever have," Chia said. The average turnout time for EMS calls is 2 minutes, 37 seconds, for Fire calls it’s 4 minutes, 58 seconds and the average for all calls is 2 minutes, 38 seconds.

Access more information and view the full annual report by clicking the post ⬇️

Indianola Fire Department Releases 2023 Annual Report The Indianola Fire Department’s 2023 Annual Report is available online, highlighting the department’s overall statistics from the past year and recognizing its continued efforts in serving the community.

The Indianola City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year City property tax levy as follows:

Meeting Date: April 1, 2024
Meeting Time: 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 110 N 1st St., Indianola, IA 50125

At the public hearing, any resident or taxpayer may present objections to, or arguments in favor of, the proposed tax levy. After the hearing of the proposed tax levy, the City Council will publish notice and hold a hearing on the proposed city budget.

Indianola Fire Marshal Ted Neller submitted a request to the State Fire Marshal today, Thursday, March 14, to lift the burn ban, effective 8 a.m. The burn ban was first initiated on Wednesday, February 28.

If you choose to participate in open burning, please do so properly. As a reminder, burning within City limits is prohibited per Section 307 of the City's Fire Code.

Please continue using caution and follow all recommended safety procedures when conducting a controlled burn. Thank you for your cooperation!

Indianola Fire Department Lifts Burn Ban In Fire District The ban was lifted as of 8 a.m. March 14. It was first initiated on Wednesday, February 28. The Indianola Fire Department encourages property owners to continue using caution and follow all recommended safety procedures when conducting a controlled burn.

Ever wonder how our firefighters stay on top of their game? Here's a sneak peek into one of last week's training sessions.

From perfecting forcible door entry to mastering life-saving techniques, our crews are always ready to tackle any challenge head-on. Their commitment to serving and and protecting the community is unmatched.

📸: Aaron Young/City of Indianola Communications Manager

The Indianola Fire Department has determined that open burning presents a danger to life and property throughout the fire district that the department serves. As a result, Indianola Fire Marshal Ted Neller submitted a burn ban request to the State Fire Marshal.

Pursuant to Iowa Code 100.40(1), a burn ban within the Indianola Fire District is in effect until further notice beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 28.

Click the post to learn more information about the burn ban.

Indianola Fire Department Initiates Burn Ban In Fire District The Indianola Fire Department has determined that open burning presents a danger to life and property throughout the fire district it serves. Pursuant to Iowa Code 100.40(1), a burn ban is in effect beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 28.

Indianola Firefighters Association Received a 2023 Warren County Philanthropic Partnership Grant

We're thrilled to announce that the Warren County Philanthropic Partnership has awarded the Indianola Firefighters Association $2539.09 for a Stair Chair! Last year, 2023, the Warren County Philanthropic Partnership supported some amazing projects that were funded for a total of $112,067.32 in grant awards. Congratulations to all the 2023 recipients!

Indianola Fire Department Received 2023 Warren County Philanthropic Partnership Grant

We're thrilled to announce that the Warren County Philanthropic Partnership has awarded the Indianola Fire Department $5,000 for a Rescue Boat! Last year, 2023, the Warren County Philanthropic Partnership supported some amazing projects that were funded for a total of $112,067.32 in grant awards. Congratulations to all the 2023 recipients!

Thanks to the generous support of the Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant, the Indianola Fire Department recently acquired state-of-the-art extrication tools from Genesis Rescue Systems that will significantly enhance the department’s rescue capabilities.

1️⃣ Combination Tool: This versatile tool can both spread and cut through damaged metal, allowing crews to swiftly access victims trapped in vehicles or machinery. With the ability to create openings up to 10.6 inches, it’s a game-changer for rescue operations.

2️⃣ Ram: This self-contained hydraulic cylinder is designed to spread components apart in a different method. With a capacity to create openings ranging from 21 to 36 inches, it provides rescue personnel ample workspace to conduct safe extrications.

Both tools are battery-operated, include built-in LED lighting and have increased the department’s accessibility during rescue efforts.

Learn more online at https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2023

The Indianola Fire Department would like to remind you to be vigilant in the kitchen this Super Bowl Sunday – the United States’ second biggest day for food consumption – which means a lot of time spent planning and preparing game day snacks. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

We've compiled some tips (with a 🏈 twist) to help keep you safe ahead of the big game. View more here: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2020

Now tell us, who are you rooting for?

Indianola Fire Department: Keep Fire Safety In Mind This Super Bowl Sunday The Indianola Fire Department would like to remind you to be vigilant in the kitchen this Super Bowl Sunday on February 11, 2024 – the United States’ second biggest day for food consumption – which means a lot of time spent preparing game day snacks.

Today is the first Saturday of the month. The storm sirens will be tested at 1 PM today.
Remember that cities perform a monthly test to ensure that the sirens are functioning properly. Any time severe weather threatens on a test day, the outdoor sirens will not be tested to avoid confusion.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for such incidents. On Thanksgiving Day alone, an estimated 1,160 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments in 2021, reflecting a 297% increase over the daily average.

As we gear up for gatherings and delicious feasts, the Indianola Fire Department encourages community members to enjoy a fire-safe holiday and to keep these 10 tips from the NFPA in mind:

1️⃣ Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
2️⃣ Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
3️⃣ Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
4️⃣ Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
5️⃣ Keep knives out of the reach of children.
6️⃣ Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
7️⃣ Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
8️⃣ Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
9️⃣ Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
1️⃣0️⃣ Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, Indianola!

Today is the first Saturday of the month. The storm sirens will be tested at 1 PM today.

Remember that cities perform a monthly test to ensure that the sirens are functioning properly. Any time severe weather threatens on a test day, the outdoor sirens will not be tested to avoid confusion.

𝑮𝒆𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒔' 𝑵𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒂! 🎃👻

This year, Indianola will celebrate Beggars’ Night from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 30. Please visit our website at www.indianolaiowa.gov/955/8605/Beggars-Night for helpful tips and reminders when trick-or-treating.

Also: We have two upcoming events for the community to enjoy! Join us Saturday, October 28, for the Indianola Parks & Recreation Children's Costume Party, and start Beggars' Night at the fifth annual Trunk or Treat at the Indianola Public Library.

Let's make Halloween 2023 a memorable and safe one!

On August 30, our new firefighters were exposed to the different technical rescue skills the fire department uses. There is no ice now, but they were able to wear ice rescue suits in Banner Lakes. They also reviewed ropes and tying knots securing a co-worker into a basket stretcher at Pickard Park.