FAQ

• Does the Fire Department rescue cats from trees?

  Although a cat in a tree is rarely ever an emergency the department will on occasion make a “non-emergency response” at a low priority to “put eyes on the situation at hand”.  Often times a can of tuna opened and placed at the bottom of the location where the cat is located will coax them down.  We are of the opinion that it is better to respond and not initiate action versus not respond and be called upon to after an untoward event occurs.

• Where should smoke detectors be placed in my home?

  Residential smoke detectors are early warning devices to wake a sleeping person or persons. Smoke detectors should be placed in each bedroom (sleeping area) and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms.

• Who do I contact for a Fire Station or Engine Company tour?

  Contact Prescott Fire Department Administration, 777-1700.

• Why do we send a fire engine, ambulance, and police officer to medical calls?

  Fire stations are strategically located with 24/7 Paramedic coverage to provide rapid medical response. In the vast majority of cases, they will be the first emergency units to the scene. The minimum training for a firefighter is Basic Emergency Medical Technician. Twenty-eight of our personnel are trained Paramedics. Each fire truck has the equipment necessary to deal with the majority of the problems that could be encountered at any medical scene. Ancillary problems include extrication of patients from vehicles and equipment, addressing spilled or leaking flammable and combustible liquids, and ensuring overall scene safety of the general public, all first responders, and patients.

  While the ambulance crews do assist with patient care and treatment, their primary responsibility is to transport patients to the hospital in their vehicle. Ambulances carry no equipment to mitigate any of the ancillary problems that may be associated with the call. In cases where Advanced Life Support is needed, the fire department requires that a Paramedic ride to the hospital in the ambulance to continue patient care.

  The Police Department responds to assure the safety of our personnel on occasions where there has been, or could be, the potential for violence at the scene. Police enforcement is also used for crowd and traffic control of the scene.