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Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

Where is the Fire District business office located?
22400 Headquarters Drive, just north of the intersection of Central & Hwy 18
Click here for a map.

What are Fire District business hours?
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

How many fire stations are there in Apple Valley Fire District?
There are six fire stations. Four of the stations are staffed 24-hours per day, seven days per week, for emergency response. Two of the stations are staffed as needed by on-call firefighters.

How many square miles does the Fire District provide fire protection services for?
The Fire District provides fire protection for a 206 square mile area.

What are the requirements for house numbers?
House numbers must be located on the house or garage, so that the address is easily seen from the street. The numbers must be a minimum of 4” high and be a contrasting color to the background they are mounted on. In addition, residents are encouraged, but not required, to post address numbers on their mailboxes. Newly built homes in Apple Valley are required to have lighted street addresses and the Fire District encourages lighted street addresses for existing residences also. Please note that the minimum size of 4” applies to residences only; a business will need to contact an inspector for commercial building requirements.

Does the Fire District rescue animals from trees or poles?

• Cats will normally come down on their own.
• In the case of an animal on power poles, call Southern California Edison.
• For other animal-related concerns, call Town of Apple Valley Animal Control at (760)240-7000, Extension 7555; or, if you reside in the unincorporated area of Apple Valley, call San Bernardino County Animal Control at (800)472-5609.

How can I get my fire extinguisher serviced?
There are several companies in Apple Valley and the surrounding area that provide fire extinguisher sales and servicing. Check your phonebook yellow pages under “Fire Extinguishers.”

How can I support my Fire District?
Donations are accepted through the Apple Valley Fire Protection District Public Safety Fund. Donations are used to purchase needed emergency medical and rescue equipment. Please see full information here.

BURN PERMITS

Do I need a permit to burn weeds?
Yes. Click here for full details.

How do I get a burn permit?
Burn permits may be purchased at the Headquarters Fire Station, 22400 Headquarters Drive, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).

What am I allowed to burn?
You are allowed to burn weeds/tumbleweeds, grasses, leaves, pine needles, and small tree trimmings.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Do you offer CPR & First Aid classes?
Yes, we offer Heartsaver CPR (Child, Infant and Adult) and Standard First Aid. The cost is $20 per person, per class. Please see the First Aid & CPR Training Page for more information.

Do you offer fire extinguisher training?
Yes, fire extinguisher training is available for community groups and/or businesses. Please contact our Public Education section by calling (760)247-7618 to arrange training.

HAZARDOUS WASTE

Where can I take my household hazardous waste?
Household hazardous waste can be taken to the Town of Apple Valley Public Works building located at 22411 South Outer Hwy 18 (cross street of Tonikan) the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Household hazardous waste accepted includes television sets, computer monitors, fluorescent tubes, pesticides, batteries, paint, polishes, herbicides, drain cleaners, antifreeze, fertilizers, poisons, household chemicals, motor oil, oil filters, photography supplies, and medications. For further information, call Public Works at (760)240-7000, Extension 7500.

Where can I take my used syringes/sharps?
The City of Victorville Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center accepts used syringes/sharps. They are open Wednesdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (760)955-5229 for more information.

What do I do with mercury (from a broken thermometer)?
In Apple Valley, seal the mercury in a plastic bag and take it to your nearest fire station. If NOT in Apple Valley, contact your local fire department.

BEES

“I have bees.” What do I do?

• If the bees are swarming and are an immediate threat to people or livestock, call 911.
• If the bees are not an immediate threat, call any local exterminator/pest control company found in the yellow pages of your phone book.

FIRE HAZARD COMPLAINTS

How can I report a house or vacant parcel with hazards?
Please call our 24 hour message number (760)247-3585 and leave your name, address, telephone number, and a description of the hazard and its location.

What if I have a question about an abatement notice?
Please call the 24-hour message number (760)247-3585. Provide your APN (the number located below the date on your notice), your name, a daytime phone number, and brief message about your question. You will normally receive a return phone call within 24-48 hours. You may also e-mail a question to: hazard@applevalleyfd.com.

What can be done about illegal dumping on vacant land?
If you should observe illegal dumping, please call WeTip 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463). An award of up to $1,000 is possible if an arrest and conviction occurs due to the information you provide. Unfortunately, the property owner will be responsible for cleaning up illegal dumping on their land.

Can Joshua trees be removed?
Joshua trees are protected by law. If you have a Joshua tree on your property that you feel is a hazard, contact the Town of Apple Valley’s Planning Department at (760)240-7000.

FIRE EXPLORERS

How do I become a Fire Explorer?

• You must be between 14 and 21 years of age.
• You must live in Apple Valley.
• You must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 (‘C’) or better in school.
• You must be willing to learn and be available to actively participate in various drills, fundraisers, and fire training.
• You must submit an application. Applications are available at Fire District Headquarters, 22400 Headquarters Drive, Apple Valley. Applications are accepted at any time, but are processed only twice a year. When your application is processed, you will be notified of an interview with a Senior Advisor.

What do Fire Explorers do?

• Fire Explorers are the firefighters of tomorrow.
• Active Fire Explorers:
• Volunteer at many special events, including the Freedom Festival in July, parades, and other District events.
• Assist firefighters during flooding and other emergency incidents.
• Attend drills twice a month, and continually practice the skills they are learning.
• Attend Fire Explorer academies and participate in Explorer musters.