FAQ

Emergency Response

When should I call 911 vs. non-emergency?

Call 911 for emergencies requiring immediate response:

  • Fire, smoke, or smell of gas
  • Medical emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, unconsciousness)
  • Vehicle accidents with injuries
  • Any situation requiring police, fire, or ambulance immediately

Call our non-emergency number (817) 295-9539 for:

  • General questions about our services
  • Station tours or community events
  • Non-urgent requests (blood pressure checks, smoke detector help)
  • Follow-up questions about previous incidents

When in doubt, call 911. It's better to call and not need emergency services than to delay during a real emergency.

View All FAQs

More Answers About Emergency Response

Emergency Response
Why does a fire truck respond to medical calls?
A fire truck will sometimes arrive at an incident first because it is the closest emergency unit to the emergency scene and we are committed to getting help to your location as fast as possible. All emergency response personnel are well-trained in providing Emergency Medical Services. We have several personnel... Read The Rest
Emergency Response
Why send multiple vehicles to a fire?
Each fire truck carries a specific complement of equipment and personnel. There are a number of specialized roles that firefighters undertake at the scene of a fire, and firefighting is a very labor-intensive activity. Firefighters must be rotated out periodically in order to change out air bottles and physically rest... Read The Rest
Emergency Response
What should I do when approached by emergency vehicles?
When you notice an approaching emergency vehicle, immediately pull to the right and stop. If you are approaching an intersection and see an emergency vehicle that is approaching the intersection from behind you or another direction, come to a stop, preferably one or two car lengths back from the intersection if possible... Read The Rest
A Firefighter's Gear Weighs Over 70 Pounds
A fully equipped firefighter carries more than 70 pounds of protective gear, including a helmet, turnout coat and pants, boots, gloves, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and tools. Wearing this gear while fighting a fire in extreme heat requires peak physical fitness and continuous training.
Stop, Drop, and Roll Still Works
If your clothing catches fire, do not run. Running fans the flames and makes them worse. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll back and forth until the fire is out. This technique has saved countless lives since it was first taught in the 1970s.