The Chandler Fire Department is holding a free open house for the public 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12 at Fire Station No. 9 at 211 N. Desert Breeze Blvd. The event is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to educate residents about the services provided by Chandler Fire, and to share safety, fire prevention and emergency preparedness information with the public.

After the Mesa Fire Department responds to an emergency, residents or victims are often in need of follow-up services - from shelter to social services. That's when the department's Connector Program volunteers step in to help put those in need with services that can help them.

The Mesa Fire Department is seeking volunteers for its Connector Program, which provides non-emergency services such as crisis support, motorist assistance, social services referrals and transport.

Mesa firefighters, staff and volunteers knocked on the doors of 400 Mesa homes Saturday morning to test smoke detectors, replace old ones and help raise awareness about fire safety.

Mesa firefighters, staff and volunteers knocked on the doors of 400 Mesa homes Saturday morning to test smoke detectors, replace old ones and help raise awareness about fire safety.

Queen Creek firefighters show off the first of their new fire equipment to the Queen Creek Town Council on Wednesday. It's the first equipment to feature the name of the department, which has used Gilbert equipment since starting Jan. 1. More equipment is expected early next year.

The Tempe Fire Department is training residents in January for emergency preparation. The training is part of the city's Community Emergency Response Team, which is a nationwide initiative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. CERT volunteers are trained by fire department personnel in areas like disaster preparedness, fire safety, treating injuries, and search and rescue. The program's goal is that citizens will put these skills to use in the event of daily or large-scale emergencies.

The Chandler Fire Department will collect donations of holiday toys for local children on Dec. 9 and 12.

Mesa would like more fire stations, but money is tight. So the fire department, using the materials and manpower on hand, has found an effective stopgap measure.

The Scottsdale Fire Department helped a hiker down from a mountain Friday morning in Pinnacle Peak Park.

Rural/Metro fire captain Mark Debruyckere was named National Firefighter of the Year in 2001. Last year, he had to sprint up and down the stairs of an obstacle course, weighted down by a fire hose, just to keep a job he has held for more than two decades.

To some Scottsdale residents, seeing a rattlesnake in a desert wash behind a row of homes requires an immediate 911 call for help.

Rural/Metro fire captain Mark Debruyckere was named National Firefighter of the Year in 2001. Last year, he had to sprint up and down the stairs of an obstacle course, weighted down by a fire hose, just to keep a job he has held for more than two decades.