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1. When there is only a small fire, why do so many fire engines respond?

Different types of fires require different levels of response from the fire department. Car fires, dumpster fires, and ringing alarms usually get a single fire engine response. If a single-family house fire is reported, typically 3 fire engines, a ladder truck, a paramedic ambulance, and a chief officer will respond. Fires reported at a commercial business will get a 4th engine and a 2nd ladder truck. If these units are not needed, they will be released back into service by the Incident Commander. Generally it is better to have too many resources than too few.

2. Why do I have to call 911? If I call the fire station directly, wouldn't it save time?

The firefighters might not be at the station when you call. Even if they are, they will still have to activate 911 so that other emergency responders are notified. On the other hand, the 911 system is designed to save valuable seconds. When you dial 911, the system quickly locates and routes the call to the sheriff or fire unit that is closest to your location.

3. Why does Poway need a ladder truck?

While it is true that Poway does not have many tall buildings, there are a few multistory structures in town such as Pomerado Hospital, the medical center behind the hospital, a multistory hotel, a number of apartment complexes, and some large industrial buildings that are set back from the street in the Poway Business Park. Although most people believe that the large aerial ladder is used only for tall buildings, it can also be used for horizontal reach as well.

The ladder truck also carries an assortment of equipment not normally carried on a fire engine. Some of this equipment includes additional ground ladders that can reach higher locations than ladders found on a typical fire engine, the Jaws of Life and other assorted extrication equipment for people trapped in their cars due to automobile accidents, forcible entry tools, generators and lights to illuminate an emergency scene, rope rescue gear for cars that plunge down steep embankments, and salvage equipment to help protect valuables and other important items from smoke and/or water damage. The ladder truck also has the capability of responding to medical emergencies with at least 1 paramedic on board when other fire department units are responding to other emergency calls.

4. What does a firefighter's workday routine consist of?

A typical 24-hour shift will begin with the firefighters inspecting all of their safety gear and equipment. The firefighter / paramedics will also inspect the medical equipment that they use on medical aids. The engineer (driver) will inspect the fire engine and other fire apparatus to ensure that they are ready. While the crew is completing the inspections, the Captain will schedule the day’s activities. This can include training drills, building inspections, physical fitness, report writing, and other assigned tasks or projects. Also, of course, they respond to both emergency and routine calls for assistance.

5. Why do I see firefighters working out while on duty?

When a firefighter is suited up to fight a fire, he/she is wearing close to 50 pounds of protective gear not including the hoses and tools that are required to perform their job. Because firefighting is a very physically demanding job, the firefighters are encouraged to work out while on duty and to stay physically fit.

6. Why do I see the firefighters at the store shopping for food while they are on duty?

Because firefighters work 24-hour shifts, they fix and eat lunch and dinner at the station, so they also shop while on duty. However, if an emergency call comes in they will leave their cart with a store employee in order to immediately respond to a call.

7. What do firefighters do when they are not on emergency calls?

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts with 24 hours off in between. Training and equipment maintenance are an important part of each day’s schedule. Firefighters also conduct fire safety inspections of businesses and pre-fire planning of target hazards. They also provide educational fire safety talks and station tours to school children.

8. What can I do to protect my house from wildland fires?

To protect your home from wildfires, you must create a safety zone, buffer zone, or firebreak of at least 100 feet around your home by reducing the amount of dead or dying vegetation. This does not necessarily mean all vegetation should be removed. In fact, having fire-resistant plants and trees around your home that are properly trimmed and well watered can serve as a firebreak. For more information, please visit the Defensible Space page or call the following:

• For protecting your home, call the Poway Fire Department at 858-668-4460.
• For protection of sensitive habitat, call the Development Services Department at 858-668-4600.

9. Do I need to put a smoke detector in every room? How many do I need?

At a minimum, smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. Remember to vacuum out and test the detectors regularly, and don’t forget to change the batteries at least once a year.

10. What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home?

Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A, B, and C fires. This type of extinguisher is designed to put out the types of fires that usually occur in homes including wood, paper, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.

11. When I call the paramedics, why does a fire engine show up?

The Poway Fire Department has 2 firefighter / paramedics assigned to each of their ambulances and 1 or more on each fire engine and ladder truck. Our department responds with the closest engine and ambulance for medical aids, but sometimes an ambulance may be responding from a distance, so having the closest engine respond can get help to a victim more quickly. There are also times when a medical emergency is quite serious and may require the assistance of multiple crew members. If it is determined that the situation does not require both crews, 1 of them will be released and placed back into service.

12. Where can I go for CPR classes?

Some of the local organizations that offer CPR classes include:

• AB CPR - 858-693-3304
• Jurman's Emergency Training - 858-452-1543
• Palomar Pomerado Health - 800-628-2880
• The American Red Cross - 858-309-1200

13. Who should I call for a hydrant leaking, fire hazards, and inspections?

• Hydrant leaks - Public Works, 858-668-4700
• Fire hazards - Fire Department, 858-668-4466
• Inspections - Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division, 858-668-4470