Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator.  The City of San Luis Fire Department is prepared to deal with the worst that could happen at any given incident.  

Our 9-1-1 Dispatchers will send sufficient fire apparatus to the reported event, based upon what they are told.  Many times, the first arriving apparatus can resolve the issue and will release unneeded equipment and personnel.  Dispatched equipment and apparatus may be on scene, and appear to be unused, unneeded and a waste of resources for what appears to be a “simple” incident. 

Without complete evaluation by the first arriving crews, we cannot assume something is “simple”.  If we are mistaken, the citizen and their property is at risk.  We are realistic, if not pessimistic; choosing to be prepared to encounter the worst.

Show All Answers

1. Why does a fire truck come when I call for an ambulance?
2. Why are fire trucks used to block lanes on the highway when there is an emergency?
3. How do I report a leaking or broken fire hydrant?
4. Can I schedule a visit to the fire station or can the fire department come visit us?
5. Can the Fire Department come unlock my car if I leave my keys inside?
6. Does the Fire Department install or inspect child car seats?
7. Can I do Community Service at a fire station or through the fire department?
8. Does the Fire Department fill private pools with water?
9. Can the Fire Department come out and change the batteries on my smoke detector?
10. Who do I call if I have a swarm of bees?
11. Does the City of San Luis do Blood Pressure Checks?
12. Do you rescue cats from trees or power poles?
13. Do you teach CPR classes?
14. What should I do when I am aware of an emergency approaching?
15. Emergency Access - Can we find you?
16. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?
17. What fire code does the City of San Luis use?
18. How do I report a possible fire code violation or unsafe situation?
19. Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?
20. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?
21. Can I burn trash within the City of San Luis?
22. Fireworks
23. How much clear space must be maintained around a fire hydrant?
24. How close to a fire hydrant can I park my car?
25. How do I get a copy of a fire investigation report?
26. How come I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?
27. What is my ISO rating?
28. Key boxes or “Knox Boxes”
29. Does the Fire Department sell or give away patches or t-shirts?
30. My smoke detectors are over 8 years old, do they need to be replaced?
31. I would like to buy a fire extinguisher for my home. What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy?
32. What are the Fire Code regulations for barbecuing?