Firefighter Visits, Station Tours and Ride-along Program

Firefighter visits and station tours

Basic information for all firefighter visits

  • Children must be ages 5 or older to participate.
  • Firefighter visits must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance and not more than 2 months in advance.
  • Firefighter visits last 20-40 minutes.
  • Groups may schedule one visit per day, per fire station.  If you have more than one group, please submit a separate request for each group on different days.
  • Visits may not be scheduled earlier than 9:00 a.m.
  • The firefighter visit may be cancelled at the last minute with no notification due to emergency response or firefighter training activities.

Firefighter visit options

You may choose Option A or Option B.  Be sure to select the option that is most appropriate for your group.

Option A – Visit a Fire Station

  • Maximum number of participants is 25 (includes chaperones)
  • Requires 1 chaperone for every 5 children.  Fire stations are active places for firefighter work.  This must be kept in mind when touring the station.  Appropriate ratios of children to chaperones are required. 

Option B – Firefighters Visit You

  • Minimum group size is 10.
  • A parking area must be provided where the fire truck can get in and out quickly in the event of an emergency.
  • An adequate number of chaperones must be present to quickly clear children from the fire truck if there is an emergency. 

For more information, Email the Fire Marshal’s Division.

Ride-along program

Program rules

  1. Hours of participation in the ride-along program are generally between  0800-2000.
  2. A civilian ride-along is to depart the Columbia Fire Department facilities by 2000 hours. 
  3. Firefighters from other organizations may request to participate after 2000 hours; however, they must submit a letter from the Chief of their Department granting permission to ride. If approval granted, those who plan to spend an entire shift need to provide their own pillow, bedding, and clothing. 
  4. All persons wishing to participate in the Ride-Along Program must be at least 18 years of age.
  5. Civilian ride-along will not be permitted to engage in any emergency scene activities, including, but not limited to interior firefighting activities, hazardous materials mitigation or other potentially dangerous tasks. Any deviation from this section must have the prior written approval of the Fire Chief. 
  6. Pre-approved firefighters from other organizations may participate in emergency incidents where SCBA is not required to perform the task outside the structure, such as dragging hose, carrying and raising ladders, etc. 
  7. The ride-along must adhere to orders from the Columbia Fire Department Division Chief and Company Officer(s). 
  8. Any costs incurred as a result of medical care to treat an injury/illness sustained during the course of their ride-along period will be the sole responsibility.
  9. A ride-along request is to be submitted seven (7) days in advance for each date requested. The request form may be submitted in person or via fax, mail or email. 

Application procedure

To request a ride-along with the Columbia Fire Department, please contact Fire Administration at 573.874.7391opens phone dialer.