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Q. How do I contact the Fire Department?
A. Call 911 for fire and medical emergencies. The non-emergency number is (651) 429-8568. The White Bear Lake Fire Department operates a 24-hour 911 communication center to assist you.
Q. How do I report an electrical outage?
A. You can contact the Xcel Energy trouble line at 1(800)895-1999.
Q. How do I report a gas smell?
A. Call 911. The Fire Department will respond and will contact Xcel Energy.
Q. Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning sirens?
A. Outdoor warning sirens are not intended to be heard inside of buildings. Several factors contribute to the effectiveness of outdoor warning sirens including: wind direction and speed; obstructions such as trees, hills, and general topography; elevation, size, and location of the siren. All of the City is covered by the outdoor warning system.
Q. Do I need a permit for a recreational fire?
A. A permit is not required; however, the following rules must be followed: the fire must be surrounded by a non- combustible material; the fire can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter; no leaves or grass, painted or treated lumber, or trash may be burned. A means of immediately putting out the fire must be readily available. An adult must be present at all times. If the smoke becomes a nuisance, you may be asked to extinguish the fire.
Q. Is a permit required for other types of fires?
A. A permit is required for all outdoor burning other than recreational fires. This includes clearing land, burning of branches after a storm and prairie grass restoration projects. Burning permits are generally granted only in the rural areas of the City. Permitted fires are subject to the following rules: the Fire Department must be notified when the fire is started; the permit must be signed and at the burn site; the burns may not take place in high wind or during DNR imposed bans; a burn pile must be of a manageable size; tree stumps, treated or painted lumber, paper or trash may not be burned; the fire shall not take place within 50 feet of a structure; approved extinguishing equipment shall be readily available; an attendant knowledgeable in the provisions of the permit and the extinguishing equipment shall supervise the burning until extinguished. The department may require that the burning be immediately extinguished if necessary.
Q. How do I obtain a fire permit?
A. Contact Mike Turnbull to arrange for a permit: (651)429-8568 or mturnbull@whitebearlake.org
Q. How do I get involved in the Explorer Program?
A. The department has had an Explorer program for about 12 years. The program is designed for students from age 14-18 from the White Bear Lake area who are interested in a career in firefighting. Explorers meet two days a month at Fire Station 1. Please see Fire Explorer Program for more information.
Q. Is the Department hiring firefighters?
A. The Department is always looking for citizens who are interested in joining the Department. Our greatest need is for those available during daytime hours. All training uniforms and necessary gear is provided by the Department. Please see the Employment Opportunities page for a recruitment brochure highlighting information about the Fire Department and how to join the Department.
Q. Does the Fire Department offer CPR and First Aid?
A. The Fire Department provides various CPR, first aid and other health related classes. Some are free and others are provided at a low cost. Training is conducted at the Fire Station. However, the Department has provided training in other locations for large groups. Please see the CPR and First Aid page for more information.
Q. What is the mailing address and phone number of the Fire Department?
A. The mailing address for department administration is:
4701 Highway 61 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Our main Phone Number is (651) 429-8568
Q. What is the name, phone number, and email address of the Fire Chief?
A. Tim Vadnais, (651) 429-8568, tvadnais@whitebearlake.org.
Q. What is the name, phone number, and email address of the Fire Inspector?
A. Mike Turnbull, (651) 429-8568, mturnbull@whitebearlake.org.