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The Jerusalem Township Fire and Rescue Department serves the community of Jerusalem Township, Lucas County, Ohio. With a total population of over 3,000, the department covers over 265 square miles with 30 square miles of land and 235 square miles of water. The department also serves the unincorporated communities of Bono and Curtice. The Jerusalem Township Fire / Rescue Department also provides mutual aid services for Allen Clay Joint Fire District, Carroll Township Fire / EMS and the City of Oregon Fire Department.
Joining the Jerusalem Township Fire / Rescue Department is a serious commitment that requires maturity, responsibility and dedication. Becoming a member of the department also requires training, both as a Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Ohio. An individual must also be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma/GED, pass a background check, pass an extensive medical examination, face both a Fire Administration interview, and be approved by the Township Trustees. Any new member is a probationary member until certain criteria are met.
The Jerusalem Township Fire Department started service to the community in 1944 but was officially incorporated by the State of Ohio in 1949. Back then, members of the department were volunteers, receiving little to no monetary gain from the service they provided. Its original name was the Jerusalem Township Volunteer Fire Department. Early pictures as seen below indicate that members of the department came from all walks of life and were employed through the community as outstanding members.
When I’m called to duty god
wherever flames may rage
give me strength to save a life
whatever be its age
Help me to embrace a little child
before it is too late
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert
to hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
to give the best in me
to guard my neighbor and
protect his property
And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife
Recreational Fires – the Ohio Fire Code defines recreation fires as: An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
What rules apply to the use of 1.4G fireworks by consumers?
Ohio Revised Code (R.C.)§ 3743.45 (as effective July 1, 2022) and Ohio Fire Code (OFC) § 5626(effective July 3, 2022) apply and can be read in their entirety via the links provided and attached document. Relevant OFC provisions outline how 1.4G consumer fireworks must be used and stored by consumers. Some provisions in the rules include:
Note: These separation distances – for both aerial and non-aerial devices – are increased for certain types of locations such as hospitals, schools, healthcare and residential facilities, apartment and multi-tenant buildings, military installations and railroads.
In addition, relevant R.C. provisions state that no person can negligently use fireworks while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance. A person who violates this is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor.
What are some safety tips for the discharge of fireworks?
Fireworks are extremely dangerous – so, please be safe and follow basic safety protocols. Each year, thousands of people are injured in fireworks-related incidents and sadly, many die as a result. In addition, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year resulting in extensive damage to structures, vehicles, and property. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following guidelines for safety:
Where can Ohioans buy fireworks?
Only fireworks purchased in Ohio may be discharged in Ohio. Consumers may purchase fireworks from any of the licensed sales locations throughout the state. When purchasing fireworks, the retailer must provide consumers with safety glasses (for free or at a nominal charge) and with a safety pamphlet.
Reflective Address Marker Order Form Fillable (requires Adobe pdf)
Recreational burning is allowed in the State of Ohio. Please review the section under Ohio Fire Laws for the Ohio Administrative Code for more details.
Contact the Lucas County dispatch non-emergency number, (419) 243-5111 to report down lines, if the down lines present an immediate danger, always call 911.
The Department is funded by the fire levy placed on the ballot for approval of the voters of the Township.
On average the Department handles between 350-400 calls each year with the trend of calls increasing year by year. The majority of our calls are EMS related calls, next with Fire, and water rescue, mutual aid, and weather related emergencies.
It is legal to purchase fireworks in the State of Ohio and discharge them but the during specific times. See attached resource or below:
Unless further limited by local jurisdictions, Ohioans can discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks only from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. (unless otherwise specified) on the following dates:
Press and hold the test button on the smoke or CO detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace your batteries. Most detectors have a life to them and should be replaced per the instructions provided. At no point should you paint or cover the detector.
Because of liability to the Department and owner of the pool or pond, the department is unable to assist with such a request. Many businesses locally exist specifically to help with such requests
Seen by most of our community as the reason for the Department’s existence along with the most noticeable vehicles in service today are tied to fighting fires. Our calls range from grass and brush type fires, residential and commercial structure fires along with agriculture and recreational incidents. All Department members have at least the minimum certification set by the State of Ohio with many having more advanced training.
Members of the Fire / Rescue Department are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics in the State of Ohio. We provide EMS services to our residents and mutual aid with two primary EMS Medic vehicles along with additional resources in our Engines and command vehicles. Training and continuing education are provided through the department to satisfy local administration and state requirements.
The Jerusalem Township Fire / Rescue Department maintains readiness for many different types of water rescue situations including on the lake and from inland water sources. The department has trained personnel in diving and ice rescue. We are fortunate as a department to have a separate dive truck, water rescue trailer, air boat and two shallow water rescue boat.
Voluntary inspections of resident occupancies are provided to home owners at no cost to Township residents. Often a requirement is set for foster homes to have a health and safety inspection completed by the location jurisdiction having authority: other times the home owner has questions or concerns. Please contact the department directly to make specific arrangements.
Chapter 1301 of the Ohio Fire Code, Version 2017 establishes rules and regulations pertaining to the enforcement of the Ohio Fire Code for commercial buildings within the Township. The purpose of the Ohio Fire Code and the responsibility of the Fire Prevention Bureau is to ensure that health and life safety along with compliance to the Ohio Fire Code.
Tony Parasiliti
Email: firechief@twp.jerusalem.oh.us
Cell: (419) 261-4998
Paul Mullen
Email: fireinspector@twp.jerusalem.oh.us
Cell: 419-346-8081
9501 Jerusalem Road Curtice, Ohio 43412
Emergency 911
Non-Emergency Dispatch: (419) 720-0270
Fire Station General Line: (419) 836-7302
