Lafayette Fire & Rescue

Proudly serving Lafayette Township, Chippewa Lake and Gloria Glens.

Fire Station

6367 Technology Lane
Medina OH 44256
Phone: 330-722-4965 (non-emergency)
Fax: 330-722-3059

For information on fire inspections (residential & business), contact:
Assistant Chief Tim Holzman – tholzman@lafayettetownship.com

For info. on our fire prevention events, 

contact: FF Shane Jenkins – sjenkins@lafayettetownship.com

For Information on becoming a member of our Fire Association, contact:
President Steve Kile - skile@lafayettetownship.com

The following circumstances are the only allowable situations when burning is legal by the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Fire Code.

ALL LEGAL BURNING SHALL BE CONSTANTLY ATTENDED UNTIL FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED!

Recreational fires are allowed if the fuel area is less than 

3 feet in diameter and less than     2 feet in height.

Fires must use CLEAN SEASONED wood or clean burning fuels (i.e. natural gas or propane) ONLY.

DO NOT USE GASOLINE OR OTHER PETROLEUM PRODUCT!

Fires shall not be used to dispose of household waste (ex. Leaves, trash, brush, or other 

unwanted waste).

Must have an adequate fire-extinguishing agent immediately available. (i.e. Water hose, fire extinguisher, sand)

Must be 25 feet from any structure or can be as close as 15 feet from a

structure in an approved fire container.

Open Burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor or creates an undue fire hazard shall be prohibited.

Summer Grilling, Fire Pits, and Fireworks.

Every summer residents look forward to backyard parties, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking and recreational fires. Thousands of Americans are injured each year by gas or charcoal grill fires. 

Summertime should be a time of fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following safety instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

Safety Tips for Grilling

• Charcoal burners and other open flame cookers are not allowed on multifamily dwelling balconies. Review Lafayette's Fire Grill policy.
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Position the grill well away (at least 10 feet) from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• If you own a propane grill, check the cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store it out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

Fire Pits

In recent years, there has been a new concern for the Fire Service - fire pits. Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambiance. But, with the popularity of fire pits increasing, fire safety has become even more important. There are many things you should consider while setting up & using a fire pit:

• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.
• Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
• Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
• Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
• Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
• Do not wear flammable or loose-fitting clothing such as nylon.
• Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard, or plywood.
• Avoid using softwood such as pine or cedar that likely pop and throw sparks. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested.
• Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
• Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.

When the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Warning for Medina County, the sirens are activated. This is accomplished in conjunction with local municipal units of government by installing sirens in major population areas. 

Lafayette Township has (2) outdoor warning sirens, (1) located at Lafayette Township Hall and the other at the old fire station. The one at Lions Club Park is not functional. 

All sirens are activated by the transmission of a signal with a tone alert. Medina County Sheriff’s Office transmits the signal. Each siren has its own receiver and tone decoder. 

When sirens are activated a three-minute wail indicates a tornado has been sighted or strongly indicated on radar. Seek shelter immediately and listen to radio or television for more information. 

Each siren is capable of covering about a one-mile radius from its location. The sirens are designed to alert citizens who are outside, but citizens inside buildings may hear the siren if they are close to the siren location. 

It's up to you! 

Every year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes and/or high winds despite advance warning. Some do not hear the warning, while others received the warning but did not take action. This information, combined with timely severe weather watches and warnings, could save your life when severe weather threatens our area. After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make! 

Testing Sirens will be tested for 3 minutes on the first Saturday of each month at noon.

Effective July 1, 2022, Ohio Law allows for the discharge of consumer grade fireworks within certain parameters and in compliance with Ohio Revised Code 3743 and the Ohio Administrative Code 1301:7- 7-56 (Ohio Fire Code). 

The Lafayette Township Fire District urges residents who wish to discharge consumer grade fireworks to do so safely and in compliance with applicable laws. Below are some highlights of the current rules: 

Consumer grade fireworks are permitted on the following days from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. only (OAC 5626.5.1 and 5626.5.2): 

• Chinese new year’s day, the fifth of May, the last Monday in May and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding, the nineteenth of June, the third, fourth, and fifth days of July, the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before and after the fourth of July, The first Monday in September and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding, and Diwali.

•  Additionally, fireworks are permitted on December 31 (New Years Eve) from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. and January 1 (New Years Day from midnight to 1:00 a.m. 

In the interest of safety, consumer grade fireworks are not to be discharged in adverse weather conditions including, but not limited to, high winds, draught conditions, or other conditions conducive to vegetation fires. (OAC 5626.5.3.1-3) 

Additionally, no one under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks, or be within 150 feet of the discharge area. (OAC 5626.6) 

Fireworks are not permitted to be discharged in federal, state, or local parks, recreation areas, etc. or on any street, highway, alley, or public way. (OAC 5626.5.6) 

While the above is intended to highlight certain areas of the Ohio Code, it is not an inclusive list of the rules. Residents who wish to discharge consumer grade fireworks within Lafayette Township Fire District are urged to consult ORC 3743 and OAC 5626 for further, more complete information. 

When an emergency happens, every second counts. You don’t want critical seconds to be spent by emergency responders trying to locate your house because you haven’t properly displayed your address on your mailbox or near your property entrance. Unmarked houses cause unnecessary delays.

If you haven’t already done so, please make sure that your home number is clearly visible so that we can find you in the case of an emergency.

Lafayette Township Firefighters' Association is offering reflective address signs for $20 each.

• They are made from18" x 6" 0.063 grade aluminum, these long-lasting lightweight aluminum signs stand up to Ohio's weather and will not rust, and is fade-resistant.

• They are highly visible reflective vinyl sheeting on both sides allows for optimal dark viewing so we may find your home both day and night. 

• They come pre-drilled, and may be attached to a mailbox, post, or wall.

• Hardware/ installation not included

Make It Visible From Both Directions

Posting your address number on your mailbox makes it easier for responders to find you, but remember that numbers need to be posted on both sides of the mailbox. Emergency vehicles may not arrive from the same direction as delivery companies.

In addition to posting numbers on your mailbox, the entry to your driveway must be marked if the mailbox sits across the road from your house as is the case in many places in Lafayette Township.

Make Your House Number Visible At Night

Responders may need to find you at night, so please illuminate your house number. Numbers on a mailbox or post at the end of your driveway should be reflective or white and on a contrasting background to ensure they’re easy to see at night.

Post Your House Address Near The Road

Avoid putting the number on a gate or fence at the driveway. Those numbers will not be visible when the gate is open.

Make Sure The Numbers Are In Clear View

Please be sure to trim any bushes away from your signs so that all numbers are clearly visible and not blocked by flowers, planters, flags, or other items.

Test It Yourself

Finally, drive the road to your house in both directions during the day and at night. Make believe that you’ve never been to your home before, and see how quickly you can find your house number as you approach your driveway and home. If you easily find your house, you’ve done a great job.

And if you notice that your neighbor doesn't have a visible house number, lend them a hand. Let's all be neighbors helping neighbors.

(Courtesy of Weston EMS)

Reflective Address Sign Order Form