Answer:

When there is a fire, you may have seen firefighters breaking windows and cutting big holes in the roof. What they are doing is called ventilation. Ventilation allows smoke and superheated gasses to escape from the building. This prevents two dangerous conditions known as flashover and backdraft that could potentially kill firefighters or any other people still inside the building. It also decreases the temperature inside of the building and increases visibility so that firefighters can work more safely and effectively. While it may look like the firefighters are just breaking things, they are actually performing a critical task at a fire.

Answer:

The fire department cannot accept the gasoline/oil as we do not have a method for disposal. Another option is to call a hazardous materials waste hauler to dispose of it for you.

Answer:

It depends on the situation. Often times a rescue is not required. With cats in trees, we strongly suggest opening a can of tuna (this usually works), leaving the immediate area and waiting for the cat to get down on its own.

Answer:

The physical demands can be great for short periods of time. We function in hazardous environments and under great stress during emergency operations. Current educational requirements to become a Firefighter are a minimum high school education.

Answer:

The fire department does not service fire extinguishers. There are many fire extinguisher companies in the telephone book that have the proper equipment to service them.

Answer:

Yes, fire station tours are offered at our stations. School-aged children are the most prevalent visitors to the stations, but everybody is welcomed. Call the individual fire station that you are interested in visiting to set up an appointment.

Answer:

Please pull to the right and stop. This will allow fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response.

Answer:

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4 responds with adequate resources when reacting to a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help than not enough.

A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks almost simultaneously. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams.

Answer:

As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, assessed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control or that a single unit could handle the emergency. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle with red lights and sirens go through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call to which they were responding.

Answer:

Two reasons. First, automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Second, Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4 firefighters are medically trained. They assist the ambulance with patient care or assist in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

Answer:

For any emergency in the Walls Walla County area, you should dial 911. The Walla Walla County 911 Center, receives all 911 emergency calls for Walla Walla County. For non-emergency calls, please call the number for the department you wish to reach.