The fire personnel serving the City of Auburn have one focus: protecting what you value. In the event of a fire, medical emergency, vehicle accident, natural disaster, or another emergency, we do everything we can to protect the people and property involved. Staffed 24 hours a day, our career and part-time firefighters operate out of two strategically located stations.

New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Program:

Starting on November 10, 2025, the Auburn Fire Department is launching a new Carbon Monoxide Alarm program. According to a recent study published by the Home Safety Council, the national estimate of Carbon Monoxide alarms in U.S. households is 35%. While the national estimate of Smoke alarms in U.S. households is 80%. 

The Auburn Fire Department does a great job with our smoke alarm program and getting the message out that every home needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. We also want every home (that needs one) to have a working carbon monoxide alarm.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. It can kill you before you know it because you can't see it, taste it or smell it. At lower levels of exposure, it can cause health problems. Some people may be more vulnerable to CO poisoning such as fetuses, infants, children, senior citizens and those with heart or lung problems. When CO is breathed in by an individual, it accumulates in the blood and forms a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the bloodstream to cells and tissues. Carbon monoxide attaches itself to hemoglobin and displaces the oxygen that the body organs need. 

Carboxyhemoglobin can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability. Later stages of CO poisoning can cause vomiting, loss of consciousness and eventually brain damage or death. 

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion of fossil fuels. Fumes from automobiles contain high levels of CO. Gas appliances such as furnaces, space heaters, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, along with charcoal grills, fireplaces and wood burning stoves produce CO. Carbon monoxide usually is vented to the outside if appliances function correctly and the home is vented properly. Problems occur when furnace heat exchanger crack or vents and chimneys become blocked. Insulation sometimes can trap CO in the home. 

Children and older adults are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning, due to their size and their immune systems.

The Carbon Monoxide Program:

The Auburn Fire Department recently received funds through the NIPSCO Public Safety Grant.  With these funds the fire department has purchased a limited amount of carbon monoxide alarms to be given away for free to households that do not currently have one. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a serious threat, and everyone should be protected.

Carbon Monoxide detectors will be made available for free to homeowners in the City of Auburn and DeKalb County until funding is exhausted.  Households with children and older adults will receive a Carbon Monoxide alarm on a first come basis. The alarms are available at Fire Station #2 located at 902 S. Grandstaff Dr. Recipients of the alarms will have to fill out an information form to receive an alarm.

The Auburn Fire Department recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm near the bedrooms. If a home has more than one story, a detector should be placed on each story.

Thank you,

Doug Cox, Fire Chief

Fire Inspections

If you have any questions regarding fire inspections, email Division Chief Shane Jacobs or call at 260-925-8255 Ext. 1504.

Firefighter Training

Training is one of the most important things we do. With a large number of state-certified instructors on staff, we're able to offer training sessions to many neighboring cities. For more information, email Division Chief Andy Maloney or call at 260-925-8255, ext. 1503.

KnoxBox for Businesses

When seconds matter, it's important that first responders have rapid access to your building. The KnoxBox enables immediate access and helps avoid unsafe forced entry-ultimately, reducing injuries and minimizing property damage. Fill out this form for a KnoxBox (PDF).