Fire

The Prior Lake Fire Department is committed to providing the highest quality emergency response, fire suppression, and fire prevention education to the cities of Prior Lake, Credit River, and Spring Lake Township, while maintaining environmental preservation. We promote health and safety for our members and the community, foster partnerships with our neighbors, and demonstrate professionalism through continuous improvement.

The Fire Department provides fire, rescue, and EMS service to the residents and businesses that encompass the three communities which span 74 square miles and serve a combined population that nears 40,000.

For years, the Fire Department operated with paid-on-call firefighters who live within the Department service area. The Department still relies on those on-call firefighters, but as of July 2, 2023, the Department added nine full-time firefighters and three fire captains. Learn more about the full-time fire department process.

The Department's first full-time crew will be housed at Fire Station 1 and will provide around the clock, 24-hour service to the cities of Prior Lake, Credit River, and Spring Lake Township.

BURN PERMIT

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY

CAR SEAT INSPECTION/FITTING REQUEST

FAQs

Are permits required for recreational fires?

No. Burn permits are not required for recreational fires that are 3’x3’ or less in diameter. The only materials permitted in a recreational fire is wood from trees, small branches, or charcoal.

Yard waste such as leaves and grass cannot be burned in recreational fires.

Recreational fires must be at least 25 feet away from structures or other combustible material and should be in an approved fire ring or outdoor fireplace. An approved fire extinguisher or garden hose must always be available, and fires are required to be fully extinguished when not attended. Recreational fires during windy or dry conditions or during state mandated burning bans are not permitted. Burn permits are required for any open burning larger than 3’x3’ in diameter.
Carbon Monoxide

A carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is rarely noticed and can be fatal. A CO detector is a device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide and sounds an alarm when dangerous CO levels develop. Install CO alarms on every level of the home and outside every bedroom to prevent being overcome by poisoning while sleeping.

CO detectors should be replaced every 5-7 years from the date of manufacture, which can usually be located on the back of your CO detector. Replace the batteries in your CO detector every six months when you change your smoke detector batteries. If the alarm “chirps" to warn the batteries are low, replace the batteries immediately.

Symptoms of CO poisoning can range from headache, nausea and ringing in ears to lethargy or losing consciousness, as well as eye and skin irritation. If you experience these symptoms consistently, immediately seek medical help.
How to become a paid on-call Prior Lake Firefighter

Firefighters are selected through a competitive application process. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver license, reside within the Prior Lake Fire Department service area and live within a reasonable distance of Fire Station 1 or 2. All applicants must pass an interview process, a physical ability test, a criminal/DL background check, a pre-employment drug test, and an occupational physical.

Check the City’s Employment Opportunities to determine if the City is currently seeking firefighter applications.

More FAQs