General FAQs

The job as a firefighter is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers. Quick and coordinated team responses must occur to meet the daily challenges that are faced. If you are interested in a career with the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Department, visit our Career Opportunities page. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact Division Chief Kevin Joles for more information at (785) 830-7000 or kjoles@lawrenceks.org.

The department does allow civilians, Explorer Cadets, and hospital staff to ride-out on apparatus to increase awareness of department function and operations; and for exposure to career opportunities and recruitment. A Civilian Ride Along Waiver outlining the guidelines and Confidentially and Non-Disclosure Agreement must be signed and returned to the Administration Office, 1911 Stewart Ave, Lawrence, KS. For more information please visit our Ride Along Requests page.

Yes, but a FREE burning permit (available here by clicking on the green thumbs up) is required and conditions stipulated on the permit must be met (Residential/Recreational Burning Requirements). Burning permits may also be obtained at any of the fire stations and must be signed by a Fire Department representative (Our Locations).

Unfortunately, the department does not have any certified car seat inspectors and cannot inspect your car seat. We would recommend contacting the Lawrence Police Department.

No, City Ordinance No. 7594 prohibits the use, possession, handling, and sale of fireworks within the city limits. View our Fireworks Safety page.

If you live within the city limits of Lawrence, Kansas, your protection class rating is one (1). To find out more about ISO ratings and if you live in Douglas County visit: ISO Public Protection Classification

The primary use of the room is for the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical department to meet its many daily missions (training, public education etc.). When it is not being utilized by Fire Medical personnel it is made available to community based groups for limited time periods. No outside group should have expectations that the room will be available on a regular or re-occurring basis. The room shall only be authorized for use by community based groups conducting meetings and special events (not private functions) that are not intended to, and do not, generate revenue or compensation in any form for the responsible party or user group or any third party. Clubs that bring in quantities of supplies for the time they will be using the room or wishing to meet for regular scheduled sessions do not meet use intent of this room. Room shall not be used for organized political or religious activities, or any activity that may directly or indirectly injure or damage any individual or property. The room is not a public forum, and the department reserves the right to reasonably restrict use of the room to prevent a use that does not promote the health, safety, prosperity, security, and general welfare of the community or its citizens. For more information on the use of the room or to find out if the room is available, please call the Administration Office at (785) 830-7000.