Request for Fire & EMS Reports
Fire Department Reports
Forest Park's Fire & Emergency Services staff are happy to fulfill all lawful and proper requests for reports in a timely manner as prescribed by Law. There is a cost associated with the release of some reports, set forth by State Law and County Ordinance.
Release of Department Records
All requests for reports must be submitted in writing. Requests must include the date and address of the incident location for a Fire Report and should include the patient’s name for Emergency Medical (PCR) Reports. Any other report or record request must be specific.
We do not create nor compile custom summaries, lists, or reports of fires or other emergency responses, pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71).
All record requests will be subject to a replication fee of ten (10) cents per page copied with a research fee equal to the hourly rate of the lowest paid person qualified to research the request after the first quarter hour. (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71 (c,d,e,f,g) and § 50-18-71.2). The requested report, record, summaries or compilations must be in existence at the time of the request. O.C.G.A.50.18.70(d).
All records that are requested under Georgia Code 9-11-34 (a)
TO SUBMIT AN OPEN RECORD REQUEST PLEASE CLICK HERE
I. Fire Reports
Any citizen of Georgia may obtain copies of fire reports which are defined as public record. Information contained in reports which does not fall under Open Records will be redacted prior to release. Persons other than the property owner or renter of the property will be charged a replication fee of ten (10) cents per page for copies of requested documents. If the report is to be mailed, a self-addressed stamped envelope (S.A.S.E.) must be provided in addition to the replication fee, or fees for correct postage shall be assessed. Additionally, administrative research fees may apply after the first quarter hour, assessed at the rate of the lowest paid hourly employee who is qualified and available to perform the search, retrieval, duplication, supervision, and inspection of such requested records (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71 (c,d,e,f,g) and § 50-18-71.2.
If fees are assessed, records shall not be released without payment.
II. Patient Care Reports
Per the Georgia Open Records Act, access to files that would be an invasion of personal privacy, including medical or similar records, can be refused. O.C.G.A.50-18-72 (a)(2). The Forest Park Fire and Emergency Services recognizes the information on a PCR Report as a medical record, subject to protection on the basis of privacy interest. To obtain replication of a PCR, one of the following criteria must be met, along with meeting the criteria for a Fire Report:
- Request by patient (picture ID required); or
- Request by next of kin, if patient is deceased (picture ID and notarized copy of death certificate required); or
- Request by individual possessing patient’s Power of Attorney (picture ID required and notarized copy of Power of Attorney required); or
- Request by parent or legal guardian if patient is a minor or incapacitated (picture ID and proof of relationship required); or
- Request by attorney upon presentation of notarized medical authorization for release from patient; or
- Presentation of valid subpoena for production of evidence or court order; or
- Request by a Law Enforcement Agency pursuant to an official criminal investigation (signed warrant or subpoena required).
III. Other Records
All other records requests must be specific in nature as to which records are sought. Those which are not subject to Open Records shall not be released. Charges for research and replication fees are applicable.
