See the Department in Action.

The City of Downey Fire Department is administered and operated by 90 dedicated individuals, whose collective efforts and spirit of cooperation combine to offer the City's 100,000 plus citizens and daily visitors a modern and comprehensive array of emergency services, resources and capabilities.

To maintain a proactive state of readiness for a myriad of emergencies that may occur within in or boundaries, the Downey Fire Department focuses its resource pool and training in six budgeted programs: administration, fire suppression, emergency medical response and basic life support, joint fire communications, fire prevention/arson, and emergency preparedness. Management structure within the organization includes the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, 16 Captains, and a Deputy Fire Marshall/Haz Mat Specialist.

Through its four station, housing four Engines, 1 Truck, 2 ALS squads, 1 BLS squad and USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) vehicle, the Downey Fire Department responded to 7,868 emergencies in 1999. Total calls were comprised of 2,783 fire or hazardous condition-related incidents and 5,085 emergency medical responses. Department suppression and rescue training is facilitated by a centrally located, in-city training tower, as well as closed cable television network, which allows classes, meetings or training films to be broadcast into any fire station within the City.

Fireplace Safety

Every Chimney Needs An Annual Check Up. Many people think their chimneys only need to be cleaned and inspected if they burn wood in their fireplaces or wood stoves. However, almost all homes heating systems rely on the chimney to safely carry toxic gases out of the house. While a carbon monoxide detector can warn homeowners of potential poisoning after the deadly gas has entered the living area, an annual chimney "check-up" can help prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home in the first place. An annual chimney inspection by a Certified Chimney Sweep is a small cost that can deter the danger of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are a few chimney safety tips you should consider before using your fireplace this winter.

If you should have further questions regarding chimney safety, please contact the Downey Fire Department at (562)904-7345 or visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America's web site at www.csia.org.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

Check the batteries in your smoke detectors. If you do not have smoke detectors, we encourage you to purchase and install an approved smoke detector in your home before the holidays.

Fire extinguishers are an important fixture in the home. Quick response to a small fire in the home with an approved fire extinguisher could save your life and your home. (They also make great Christmas gifts!)

Decorative Materials and General Fire Safety

If using candles, make sure they are safe from overturning and away from readily ignitable materials. Keep matches and candles away from children.

All decorations should be treated with a fire retardant product and kept away from open flame or heat sources.

If you should have further questions regarding fire safety, please call the Downey Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau at 562.904.7345.

National Fire Protection Association

"Know When To Go! React Fast To Fire"

Each year there are thousands of fire deaths and injuries. Many occur because people don't realize how quickly fire can spread and how deadly smoke can be, so they fail to take immediate action when they hear an alarm. This year's theme - "Know When to Go! React Fast to Fire! - encourages people to appreciate the lethal power of fire and respond instantly to fire's early warnings.

Central Sprinkler Corporation Conducts Investigation on Omega Sprinkler Head

Historical Background The "Omega" series of sprinklers have been installed in automatic fire sprinklers systems in Southern California and throughout the country since 1983. They were developed to meet the residential and quick response markets. There are approximately 17 different models of the Omega series that are installed, mostly in the pendent or sidewall position. Only the PROTECTOR M model may be installed in the upright position. Central estimates that there are about 8 million Omega sprinklers in service. The Downey Fire Department is requesting that all Downey businesses and residential property owners check the make of all sprinkler heads installed on their systems.

Identification The Omega sprinkler can easily be identified by the 3 thin round metal heat collector disks, part of the operating element. The AC model is a concealed sprinkler and may easily be confused with other sprinklers with the cover plate in place.

Installations Where would one expect the Omega sprinklers to be installed? By far, the largest single type of sprinkler installed in residential occupancies (single family, apartment, hotels, motel, and congregate care) is the Omega Pendent and Sidewall Residential sprinkler. Probably 80-90% of all residential is Omega.These sprinklers were also most likely to be found in offices, schools, computer rooms, hospitals, retail stores, strip malls, electronic equipment manufacturing, and other occupancies having smooth finished ceilings. One model was specifically designed for institutional occupancies such as correctional and mental health facilities.

The Problem The first non-activation of an Omega sprinkler resulting from a fire occurred in May of 1995 in a hotel guest room. Two other failed activation's occurred in a medical center and a juvenile detention center. These all occurred in eastern or midwestern communities. The most recent fire where an Omega failed to activate was an apartment building in West Hollywood in January of 1997.A rubber O-ring has been blamed for preventing the discharge of water. The O-ring, which is part of the operating element, has expanded, and has prevented the plunger from dropping. Factory Mutual considers buildings having Omega sprinklers as "impaired" fire protection.

Central Sprinklers Actions Central Sprinkler will test representative samples. They have instructions for removing Omega Sprinklers on a Change-Out Procedure sheet. The Omega O-ring was changed to a silicon based O-ring in June of 1996. These new sprinklers are identified with a red dot on the pin holding the heat collection disks. Central also has a retrofit kit, a spring-type collar that can be slipped over an existing sprinkler without shutting down the system or removing the sprinkler. The spring collar is intended to assist the operating element to slide open and deliver water.

Recommendations UL has established a toll-free number (800)758-1794 to help homeowners, property owners and building managers arrange for samples of Central Sprinklers Company's "Omega" series sprinklers to be sent to UL for tasting and/or to provide related information on this issue. Callers can speak directly with UL representatives Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30p.m., Central time. Sprinklers can also be sent directly to Central Sprinkler Company by first calling (800) 523-6512. If you should have further questions, please call the DowneyFire Department at 562.904.7348. You may also obtain additional information by visiting UL's Web site at www.ul.com/omega/index.html