Updates from the Minnetonka Fire Department

Editor's note: The following is a release from the city of Minnetonka.

In firefighting lingo, a flashpoint is the temperature at which combustible materials can burst into flame. The flashpoints in this quarterly feature, however, are not so volatile—rather, they are the initiatives and events that serve as the catalyst for the excellent service provided every day by the Minnetonka Fire Department to city residents and businesses. For more information about any of these items, call the fire department at 952.939.8598.

A Word about House Addresses

The Minnetonka Fire Department responds to about 1,600 calls every year. To ensure that we can find your house if you have an emergency, please be sure your house address numbers are well lit and clearly visible from the street.

What If? Public Education Program

In addition to providing helpful tips, the fire department’s public educators have taken the “What If?” program on the road to visit events, grocery stores, assisted living homes, businesses and schools. The public educators also provide fire station tours, work with scout troops, provide activities at the fire station and work with public educators throughout the state to expand our programs.

The “What if?” program invites you to visit the What If? page to learn more about the fire and life safety program.

By The Numbers

During the second quarter of 2012, the fire department responded to more than 400 calls for service, including several structure fires and mutual aid calls. The department also assisted with the paper mill fire in Sartell, Minn. Also during the second quarter, firefighters attended more than 40 hours of ongoing training, including a joint training exercise with the Bloomington, Edina, Excelsior, Hopkins, Richfield and St. Louis Park fire departments

Fire Department, City Open House is October 9

The 2012 Fire Department and City Open House is Tuesday, October 9, from 5–8 p.m. Mark your calendars now, and look for more information in the September and October Minnetonka Memos!

Fire Alarm Fee Reminder

Because there are costs associated with responding to false fire alarm calls, the city charges $250 for each fire department response to an automatic fire alarm except fire sprinkler or water flow alarms. There is also no charge for residents reporting a fire alarm sounding, when it is reported through the 9-1-1 system.