Fire Suppression & Prevention

The SSFD strives to protect lives and property from fire by not only extinguishing fires, but by also preventing them. Through our regular school tours, public education demonstrations, and residential smoke detector installation program, we have made significant strides in keeping fire from threatening our citizens. 

As they say “Prevention” is the best policy, but it does not always work. Because of the diverse landscape, construction types, and growth patterns of our city, fire suppression is a real challenge. Whether firefighting wildland / urban interface grass fires or major downtown structural fires, our firefighters train regularly on the tactics and tools necessary to perform these functions. From major multi-story commercial and industrial occupancies to rural homes, Sand Springs firefighters must be prepared to handle anything. 

All SSFD Firefighters are trained to NFPA 1001, Firefighter Level 2 at a minimum. 

Emergency Medical Response

Over 70% of our call volume are medical emergency and rescue responses. These types of responses are made in conjunction with our ambulance service provider, EMSA. From motor vehicle accidents to heart attacks, our firefighters are trained to provide advanced life support and patient care to citizens who live, work, and travel through our city.

Our firefighters receive monthly medical continuing education training and all calls are constantly assessed for quality control through the Office of the Fire Chief and Medical Control Board. Since 1996, all firefighters have been required to maintain EMT-Basic certification with over 70% of the job holding the I-85, AEMT, or Paramedic level of EMS Licensure.

Hazardous Materials Mitigation & Response

Chemicals and their byproducts provide significant hazard to the public, environment and emergency responders. The SSFD has an excellent working relationship with our local manufacturers and distributors that store hazardous chemicals, but we still stand on guard to protect citizens from accidental releases in fixed facilities and transportation corridors.

We are equipped to handle a wide spectrum of hazardous materials incidents, and we regularly train and refresh our firefighters in the associated skills to ensure they are well-prepared. Nearly 100% of the department is trained to the hazardous materials technician level, the highest level of hazardous materials training.

Technical Rescue

The term technical rescue encompasses several different incident types including:

• Agricultural / machinery rescue
• Confined space rescue
• High angle
• Ice rescue
• Swiftwater rescue
• Trench rescue 
• Vehicle extrication

Our firefighters are trained to utilize a significant amount of equipment to quickly resolve any of the rescue situations listed above. Vehicle extrication capabilities are available on both engine companies and the rescue company. All other rescue equipment is carried on the SSFD's heavy rescue unit and rescue boats. 

Community Service

Firefighters are regularly called to help citizens with other matters that aren't necessarily emergencies. For instance, SSFD is designated a "Safe Place" for kids to come to if they are in need of assistance. We also are regular participants in collecting money each Labor Day for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). In 2016 we collected nearly $16,000 during the Labor Day Weekend. This money was a small part of a large contribution made by firefighters nationwide for the MDA. 

Additionally, SSFD participates in the American Lung Association's "Fight for Air Climb" fundraising event to fight lung diseases.  Multiple times, SSFD Members have ranked in the top spots in the fire fighter division.