Phone: (586) 446-2950 (non-emergency)

Steve Kovalcik is the Sterling Heights Fire Chief.

The Sterling Heights Fire Department operates out of five fire stations throughout the city. The department is made up of four divisions: Administration, Extinguishment, Fire Prevention and Training.

Fire Administration is responsible for policy to ensure first-rate service to all citizens. This division plans and develops all fire programs.

The Extinguishment Division is responsible for life safety and property conservation due to the ravages of fire. The three battalions are the primary medical care providers within the city, responding to such incidents as:

• all medical emergencies
• hazardous material incidents
• cave-ins
• gas leaks
• downed wires
• vehicles accidents

All in-service fire engines are state-licensed Advanced Life Support vehicles. These vehicles, strategically located throughout the city, respond to all medical emergencies and carry all necessary advanced and basic medical equipment and supplies to bring the emergency room to homes and businesses. Fire engines are staffed with four state-licensed medical personnel; at least two of those personnel are paramedics.

The Fire Training Division is responsible for all of the training in the department. This training includes both fire and medical continuing education. The daily training programs concentrate on maintenance of firefighting and medical skills, as well as teaching new or modified skills to its personnel. Training is a dynamic ongoing process and a major priority in the scheme of delivering a quality product to the citizens of Sterling Heights by the department.

In addition to training its own personnel, CPR training is offered to citizens and businesses when requested.

Fire Prevention Division enforces the city's fire prevention codes and ordinances by conducting building inspections and site plan checks. This division is responsible for fire and complaint investigations as well.

They also provide fire prevention programs to the public, schools and industry as well as fire extinguisher training to business and industry employees. This includes senior citizen complexes and all nursing homes. This division is responsible for the school program "Learn Not to Burn," aimed at teaching young children fire safety. Fire education is presented to children in ways they enjoy and will remember, such as with "Little Hoser," the fully-animated fire hydrant, a movie featuring the Christmas Safety Fairy, and the "Hunt for Home Hazards," program which encourages youngsters to recognized fire hazards.

Juvenile Fire Setter Program

The Juvenile Fire Setter program is a service offered by the Sterling Heights Fire Department. The program was designed to instruct children in proper fire safety practices. It is aimed at children who have played with matches or who have started a fire.

Through the program, the child and family would discuss the incident and fire prevention methods with a specially-trained firefighter. After the initial interview, the child is invited back to the fire station for a tour. The firefighter will maintain periodic contact with the family to ensure the child continues to practice fire safety.