City of Kenosha Menu
Fire Department
Fireworks
-Please use caution when handeling fireworks and remember that fireworks that are self propelled or blow-up are illegal in the City of Kenosha. The link below is a guide fireworks safety.
Covid Resources
-The Kenosha Fire Department has been busy preparing and stands ready for the increase of medical requests for help related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
-Please help stop the spread of the virus by staying home and going out in the public only when absolutely necessary. Help slow the virus by wearing a mask when you are out of your home.
Help prevent the spread of COVID-19
If you are seeking non-emergency information regarding Coronovirus (COVID-19), we encourage you to dial 211. As the COVID-19 situation evolves in our area, this hotline may provide information and resources from community officials, nonprofits and government services. You may also click here for information and resources.
For the most current information on Influenza and COVID-19, and for Kenosha County recommendations, you can visit the link below:
Kenosha County Health Department
For information on things you can do to manage your health at home, see the following handouts:
10 Things To Do Quarantine At Home
About Our Services
The Kenosha Fire Department serves the City of Kenosha through the delivery of Emergency Services. The Department is committed to serving and protecting the citizens and visitors of Kenosha by providing paramedic level medical care and advanced fire suppression techniques. The department also is equipped to handle hazardous material incidents, along with fire prevention education, fire inspections and fire investigations.
Kenosha firefighters continually advance their skills and knowledge through daily in-service training, college coursework, and specialized hands-on training.
Charles Leipzig
Fire Chief
The City of Kenosha Fire Department is online applications through July 11, 2020, to establish an eligibility list of qualified applicants for Firefighter/EMT vacancies that occur in 2020 through early 2021. The complete job posting can be read here. To fill out an application, click here. Please note that the City of Kenosha does not accept paper applications.
The requirements for the 2020 recruitment for Firefighter/EMT are as noted below:
- Be a minimum age of eighteen (18).
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent.
- Have, or have ability to obtain a valid driver's license with a good driving record that meets City of Kenosha standards.
- Be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
- Have no criminal convictions substantially related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
- Be able to perform the essential duties of Firefighter/EMT.
The 2020 recruitment process will award additional point to candidates that are successful in getting through the Written Examinations, Oral Examinations, and Physical Abilities assessment (CPAT). Points for the following certifications and education are as noted below:
- 4 Percentage points for a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college
- 4 Percentage points for an Associate's Degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection or a related field
- 3 Percentage points for an active State of Wisconsin or Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician certification
- 2 Percentage points for State of Wisconsin Firefighter I certification or equivalent
- 2 Percentage points for State of Wisconsin Firefighter II certification or equivalent
Recent Cold and Influenza outbreak has dictated that we refrain from some of our Public Relations activities. We have asked our staff to limit our appearances and public relations events in order to prioritize care for the general public as well as the health of our staff. Please refrain from Fire Station visits and asking for appearances until we are in better position to accomodate these items later in the year.
Kenosha Fire Department Station #1 opened in August of 2019. Crews have occupied this new, state-of-the-art building and are responding to calls from the new facility. This Fire Station was built to expand in it's operations and grow with the community.
For City Wide Current Event please visit the Events Page.
OPEN BURNING ORDINANCE
The City of Kenosha does allow "Recreational Fires"
This is allowed under the following conditions:
- Fire is contained in a commercially available fire pit/fireplace with a screen in place.
- Clean and dry wood are used (no trash or yard waste).
- Fire is used on a level, stable and non-combustible surface.
- Fire is not within 15 feet of a combustible structure, house, garage fence, etc.
- Wind speed is at 15 mph or less. Wind Speed
- Fire is attended by a responsible adult with proper means of extinguishment.
- Hours limited to 4:00pm until 10:00pm. Propane fireplaces are not limited to this time restriction.
- Air quality is deemed"good" or "moderate" by the Wisconsin DNR. For current DNR Air Quality, click here
Calls for Open Burning outside the conditions as stated above will result in a Municipal Citation of $187.00.
Below is a link to the ordinance
Please enjoy recreational fires safely and be a respectful neighbor. If fires create smoke that is intrusive to your neighbors, it is deemed a "nuisance". In this event, we will ask that you extinguish the fire and issue you a warning. A warning will mean that if the Fire Department a called for a similar call, you will issued a municipal citation.
Click Here for Permit requirements : Bon Fire Permit
Sky Lanterns are forbidden within the City limits.
"Drowning is Preventable"
Life rink Kiosks have been placed on the Light house Pier, the South Pier and both sides of the Pike River exit. Please avoid the need for these by staying clear of swimming in these areas. There is a fine for tampering with these life saving devices.
Click Here to view Drowning is Preventable
Lake Michigan is known to be the most dangerous of all the great lakes. It is referred to as an "inland sea". Weather changes in a moments notice and danger under currents make swimming very dangerous. Swimming from the north or south pier are illegal and dangerous as well. The ever moving tide as well as undercurrent that is prevalent in the harbor inlet, the marina inlet and the the pike river outlet are extremely dangerous and many have lost their lives in these deadly waters. Lake Michigan is beautiful and a 1st class body of water for swimming, fishing and other recreational sports. please respect the dangers inherent in this body of water.
Click below for Current Beach Conditions
Rip Tides occur during increased surf and wave heights. This also occurs when another body of water enters the lake. There are areas in Lake Michigan this does happen. Most dangerous is where the Pike River drains into Lake Michigan. This is historically a dangerous place to swim. This area is very unpredictable. The waves and amount of water that drain into the lake can create a drastic and dangerous under-tow that will convey a swimmer off-shore in a very short time. Swiming in, or near this area is not advised.
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Water Safety- Around 1000 children lose their lives each year in open water accidents in United States each year. Most of these are during the summer months. Please use the website below to educate yourself and family on the dangers involved with open water and a check list of items to consider as you and your family enjoy the open water season.
Are you properly insured?
Most home-owners insurance policies cover fire and content loss to $300,000. You may exceed this if you have a fire that causes damage to a neighbor's property. Please review your policy.
Renters
Fire loss to the physical property cover the owner's property. Renter's items are not insured by the owner's insurance. If you rent, you will need your own policy to cover any losses to your items. Frequently renters will ask "Are my belongings covered". Unless the renter has an insurance policy, renters items are NOT covered. Typical renter's insurance premiums range from $150-300 for a typical 3 bedroom apartment with belongings. If you rent, please review you insurance needs to avoid undue hardship after a fire.
Dangers of Asbestos
As you may know, asbestos was once widely used as insulation in buildings. When these buildings catch fire, the asbestos in them becomes airborne and can threaten the health of those that comes into contact with it. For more information about the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma, please visit: https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma or www.mesothelioma.com
To request information about a property or development as part of the Freedom of Information Act: Send Email
Public Education Request
Until further notice, the KFD will be suspending Public Relations Requests. Please check back in the Fall of 2020.
Due to the Governor’s stay-at-home order and our department’s call volume, we are not participating in birthday parades at this time. We will resume scheduling fire station visits when this public health crisis has subsided.