This list is just a small sample of the questions we frequently encounter. We encourage you to contact us if you need further explanation or should have additional questions.
Can I have a bon fire or burn brush in my yard?
Yes. Burning outdoors, or open burning, is allowed in Eagle and Watertown Townships with a burning permit. Burning is limited to natural materials and must be attended at all times. The burning of construction material is not allowed. Visit our Open Burning page for more information or call the fire station at 627-9831 to obtain a burning permit.
Why did I get a bill?
In order to recover a portion of the cost of providing emergency services, Eagle and Watertown Townships have enacted a cost recovery ordinance. By ordinance, anyone receiving aid or assistance from the fire department can be billed a service fee for those services. Although the service was provided by the fire department, and the bill may appear to be from the fire department, the department is in no way involved in the billing process. Looking Glass Fire is not authorized to approve, negotiate, reduce, or waive a bill for service in anyway. All billing is conducted by the township offices, or a third-party company on behalf of the township offices. Questions and comments regarding your bill should be directed to the appropriate township office. Contact information is available on the bill or at our Links page.
If you are uncertain which township your incident occurred in, please feel free to contact the fire station and we can assist you.
Why does my ambulance come from somewhere else?
There are many reasons why you may see an unfamiliar ambulance. The three most common reasons are:
1. Looking Glass Fire does not provide transport service. When our Paramedic arrives you will receive the same care you would from an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance. If your condition is life-threatening, the Paramedic will be able to immediately intervene saving critical seconds. Once you are stabilized, your care will be transferred to the ambulance that responds to transport you to the hospital. Ambulance service is contracted by the townships. Eagle residents can expect an ambulance from the Grand Ledge Area Fire Department. Watertown residents can expect an ambulance from Mercy Ambulance.
2. State law requires all ambulances to participate in a mutual aid agreement. If you need an ambulance and your standard ambulance is on another call, dispatch will automatically request the next closest ambulance. It would not be uncommon for an Eagle or Watertown resident to be transported by an ambulance from Portland Fire or Delta Township Fire.
3. Many ambulance service agencies only staff one ambulance. In the event of a multiple vehicle crash or major incident, the fire department may request a certain number of ambulances. Based on the mutual aid agreement mentioned above, dispatch will continue requesting ambulances further from the area until the number of ambulances needed are obtained. It could be possible for a traffic crash victim on I-96 to be transported by Clinton Area Ambulance, Lansing Fire, or Potterville/Benton Township Fire.
What happens if the volunteers are not available?
Like many rural fire departments, Looking Glass Fire is able to provide service by utilizing a core group of well trained and highly committed volunteers. By having members from all walks of life, there are a certain number of volunteers available at any given time. Is it possible that there could be an occasion when none of them are available, yes. However, the expense involved in an all full-time staff would be tremendous and would be an unreasonable tax burden to you. The use of a small full-time staff, supplemented by volunteers is the most reasonable approach. If you have a fire, you will get an immediate response from the staff on-duty at the station. That response will be supplemented by the volunteer staff.
Looking Glass Fire also maintains mutual aid agreements with our neighboring departments. If the on-duty staff determines that additional resources are needed, they will request assistance from the surrounding departments as well. It is not uncommon to draw 8 to 10 apparatus and 20 to 30 personnel on a fire.
Side note: Do the volunteers get paid, yes. They are compensated a small amount for their time and expenses. The term volunteer is an honorary title that recognizes the countless hours they (and their family) sacrifice.
What is my ISO Rating?
The ISO Rating for Looking Glass Fire is 7 / 9 / 10. Your rating depends on where you live in the township. The chart below will help you determine what the ISO Rating is for your property. For additional information visit our ISO Rating page. Feel free to contact us if you should have additional questions about ISO.
Location
With Fire Hydrant*
Without Fire Hydrant
Eagle Township
7
9
Village of Eagle
N/A
10
Watertown Township
7
9
*With Fire Hydrant = within 1000' of a fire hydrant (Lansing Board of Water and Light or City of Grand Ledge)
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