Fire Department FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide smoke alarms for residents?

Yes, we have a program to provide and install smoke alarms for the elderly, handicapped, and those residents who cannot afford them. You can contact Fire Headquarters at 610-734-7674 or go to our Smoke Alarm Request Page HERE

How can I obtain a copy of a Fire Report?

A Fire Report can be purchased one of three ways:

  1. In person at Fire Headquarters located at 7216 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA  19082, with a check or money order in the amount of $25.00.
  2. By printing and mailing a Fire Report Request Form.
  3. Online by selecting Fire Report Requests on the left and then selecting FirePay, or by clicking here.
Are outdoor fire places permitted?

As per the Upper Darby Fire Code 302-2, please see below:


What is the phone number to...?

For emergencies, call 9-1-1. Be prepared to give the operator your exact location, address or cross streets. For non-emergency fire department business, you can call;

 

Fire Headquarters at (610) 734-7673

 

Station 20: Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Station at (610) 259-9110

 

Station 26: Highland Park Fire Station at (610) 449-8144

 

Station 36: Cardington-Stonehurst Fire Station at (610) 352-1088

 

Station 37: Upper Darby Fire Station at (610) 352-1666

 

Station 74: Primos-Secane-Westbrook Park Fire Station at (610) 284-9999

Does my business need a Knox-Box?

As per the Upper Darby Code, 302-23, please see the following; 



Knox Box Program

Upper Darby Township and the Upper Darby Township Fire Department have committed to a Knox Box Program. This will help us provide the best service possible to the commercial properties in our community. The Knox Box program provides first responders with a secure and damage-free way to access your property. 

The Knox Box pictured here is the approved Knox Box to be used in the Township of Upper Darby. It is a small box installed at your property and will contain the keys and/or entry codes to the property. The fire department keeps a master key to the Knox Box, so we do not have to keep copies of your property keys. The fire department having access to the Knox Box ensures that we will have quick and damage-free entry to the property when there is an emergency. 

To order your Knox Box, please see our e-approval order process below. 


Besides fires, what other calls does the fire department respond to?

In addition to fire calls (building, vehicle, cooking, outside trash/rubbish, outside brush), we also respond to motor vehicle accidents, medical aid assistance,

elevator rescues, gas leaks, chemical smells, search and rescue, hazardous material incidents and the occasional flood and helicopter crash.

Does the fire department fill or empty pools?

The Upper Darby Township Fire Department does not provide this service.

Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide and how does it harm you?

Carbon monoxide, CO, is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, poisonous gas.  It is a by-product of “incomplete combustion”.  When a person inhales high levels of carbon monoxide for a long period of time, it displaces the oxygen in the blood causing the heart, brain, and other vital organs to be deprived of oxygen.  Extended exposure to strong concentrations of carbon monoxide is life threatening.  Loss of consciousness and suffocation may result without warning.  Make sure your home has a CO detector!!  If you have a concern that you may have a Carbon Monoxide problem in your home or business, please exit the structure and call 911.

What are symptoms of CO poisoning?

Initial symptoms are flu like but without the fever.  Other signs include headaches, fatigue, nausea and dizziness which may seem to last for days.  If CO is detected in your home, have everyone leave immediately and call 911, wait outside or at a neighbor's home.

How can I prevent CO buildup?

Proper maintenance and venting of all fuel burning appliances is crucial.  Examples are your furnace, hot water heater, dryers and fireplaces.  Never leave a car running by an open door or window or in attached garages, even with the garage door open.  Never run gas power tools or engines inside.  Run generators at least 20 feet from the building, never run a generator inside.

Firefighters and Station Houses
Are the township firefighters paid employees or volunteers?

Yes and Yes.  Upper Darby Township is a combination fire department.  Our department is comprised of both Career (paid) firefighters and Volunteer firefighters.  Our career firefighters work 24 hour shifts Monday through Friday and our volunteer firefighters work Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of Garrettford-Drexel Hill station #20 who is strictly volunteer firefighters 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

How many fire stations are in the township?

Upper Darby Township is home to 5 fire station houses:

  • Station #20:  Garrettford - Drexel Hill, est. March 12, 1908
  • Station #26:  Highland Park, est. November 29, 1911
  • Station #36:  Cardington - Stonehurst, est. January 16, 1916
  • Station #37:  Upper Darby, est. in 1916
  • Station #74:  Primos - Secane - Westbrook Park, est. in 1955


Click here for station addresses, phone numbers and an interactive map of station locals.

What do firefighters do in between calls?

Firefighters have many duties when they are not responding to emergency calls.  Some of the most important ones include continuous ongoing training to maintain and improve their fire and EMS skills, inspecting and maintaining the fire apparatus and equipment, doing routine fire safety inspections for local businesses, creating and implementing emergency preparedness and fire safety programs for school children and the community, maintaining the cleanliness of the fire stations, and filling out the reports and paperwork associated with these activities.

Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in the roof during a fire?

Firefighters ventilate super-heated, poisonous, or explosive gases and smoke for safety and visibility. This allows firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chance of a possible dangerous explosion.

When will the fire department be hiring?

The Upper Darby Fire Department candidate application process traditionally occurs once every three years. The next application process is currently scheduled for 2024 and information will be posted to this site and all UDFD social media pages.