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TO REPORT AN EMERGECNY: DIAL 9-1-1
Q: Is today a Burn Day?
A: The best way to find out is to call (877) 982-0011 just before you light your barrels or piles. The conditions may change during the day that may cause a change in the burn day status. and remember, THERE IS NO BURNING DURING FIRE SEASON! Check out our Open Burning Information page.
Q: How do I become a Volunteer Firefighter?
A: We have all the information for you to become a support member, resident volunteer, or structural firefighter. Fill out a Interest card today! Check out our Join Us page.
Q: Other than medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, and fires, what other things do you offer for the community?
A: We offer many services to our community. Check out our Community page.
Q: How can I get a smoke detector?
A: You can purchase a smoke detector from your local hardware store, many retail stores, or online at places such as Amazon, Costco, etc. Check out our Smoke/CO Detectors Program or call 503-678-5966.
Q: Why do I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through an intersection and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?
A: Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were canceled and put back into service, ready to take another call. Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go "Code 3" (lights and siren) through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been canceled from the call they were responding on.
Q: Does an ambulance or fire engine always go to a 911 call with their lights and sirens?
A: Depending on the potential call severity, there are 4 levels of dispatch/response: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta.
Alpha response: one fire engine, no lights or siren. Example: Non-injury fall, public assist/lift assist.
Bravo response: one fire engine, one ambulance, the closest unit may be responding lights or siren. Example: Fall injury, abdominal pain, bleeding problem.
Charlie response: one fire engine with lights and siren, one ambulance with lights and siren. Example: Heart problem, shortness of breath, stroke.
Delta response: one ambulance, one fire engine, both with lights and sirens. Example: Cardiac arrest, traffic collision with known entrapment, chest pains, breathing problems.
Q: I called for an ambulance but a fire engine showed up as well. Why?
A: As previously referenced, based on the response, an engine may be necessary for the severity of the problem or for extra staffing. In addition, It may take awhile for a ambulance to reach you as they may be responding from further away.
Q: Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents?
A: It's for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes help keep our personnel safe when we go back to our apparatus to get more equipment, and it helps protect the victims we're trying to stabilize.
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