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Fire Department

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1. Can you make the lights turn green?

Yes, the Fire Department's apparatus have lights that emit a particular frequency of flashing light that activates a control on the traffic lights to cause them to change to green in the direction of travel. They are called Opticoms. You may see us occasionally driving around checking them by driving through intersections with only one flashing white light.

2. How do I dispose of my half-empty paint cans?

Dispose of half-empty paint cans by opening them and allowing them to dry solid. Then dispose of in regular trash pick-up. Another way is to take them to a local paint store that accepts discarded paint. Do not throw liquid paint in the regular trash pick-up.

3. What do I do with old oil or gasoline?

Old oil or gasoline may be discarded at a local Auto Parts Dealer or a local Oil Change Franchise. However, call first to make sure they are willing to accept your discarded products. Please, do not try to burn it.

4. Will the Fire Department refill my fire extinguisher?

The Fire Department does not refill fire extinguishers. We even have to send ours out to a vendor to have them refilled. An approved and licensed vendor can be found in the yellow pages.

5. How do I get a permit to burn?

A burn permit may be obtained by calling the Fire Department at 972.874.6270 and requesting one. However, certain requirements must be met before a permit can be issued. These requirements are published on the burn permit webpage.

6. Are camp fires legal and do I need a permit for one?

Camp fires are illegal. Open burning is illegal, except under permit (see the burn permit webpage) and within the regulations as prescribed. Special considerations for various outdoor events may be granted through the Fire Marshal's Office.

7. Why does a fire engine come when you call for an ambulance?

A fire engine comes along with an ambulance for safety and manpower. We plan for the worst and hope for the best when responding to a call.

8. What does MICU mean?

MICU stands for Mobile Intensive Care Unit; similar in some respects to an emergency room on wheels.

9. When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?

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.

10. Why did I get billed for an ambulance transport?

Ambulance billing is consistent with promulgated ordinances within the Town. Taxes provide for a portion of the operating expenses for our Emergency Medical Service (EMS). An itemized bill is sent for all transports to any of the area hospitals. The amount of that bill is dependent on the level of care and service provided to the individual. This is an attempt to recoup specific costs associated with the particular service provided. The revenues gained through this process offset the additional costs of providing advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

11. What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?

The difference between an emergency medical technician (EMT) and a paramedic is a matter of training. A paramedic goes through more training and can provide a higher level of emergency care than an EMT. A paramedic is an EMT. There are different levels of EMT training:

• EMT - Basic


• EMT - Intermediate


• EMT - Paramedic


• Licensed Paramedic

Each level requires more training than the prior.

12. Why does the emergency equipment run with lights and siren and then just turn them off?

On occasion, the fire engine and ambulance will be driving with lights and sirens and then suddenly turn them off, perhaps only to turn into a shopping center parking lot. Be assured that when this happens it means we have received information through our 9-1-1 dispatchers that the caller or incident is no longer a dire emergency. It is what we call “being disregarded.” Any or all of the apparatus may continue to drive to the call or perhaps some will return to the fire station, but we do not do it just to get to the store faster.

13. Does the Town furnish your meals?

The Town of Flower Mound does not furnish the firefighters' meals while on duty. We contribute to a shift / station fund and purchase our own groceries to cook meals while at work. Sometimes you may see us out picking up meals at one of the local restaurants.

14. Do the personnel on the ambulance fight fires also?

The personnel on the ambulance are also firefighters. We all fight fires and we all help on medical calls.

15. Why are the fire hydrants different colors?

Fire hydrants are different colors to indicate the size of the water main they are connected to. The color gives us an idea how much water we can expect to get out of a particular hydrant. Red indicates the smallest main size, then blue, and finally green. Other cities may use other colors. Flower Mound paints all the hydrants silver and then paints the top the corresponding color for the main size.

16. How many hours does a firefighter and administrative personnel work?

The Flower Mound Fire Department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Administration personnel work a regular Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.

Firefighters at the station work from 7 a.m. until 7 a.m. the next day. We work 24 hours on duty and then have 48 hours off duty. From 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. we are actively working toward some productive measures. This could include training, vehicle maintenance, cleaning the station, hydrant maintenance, preplan, public education tours, or several other things. After 7 p.m. firefighters may relax and watch TV, read, study, or sleep. However, at any point in time we may have to go on an emergency call.

17. Why was my ambulance ride to the hospital so bumpy and uncomfortable?

The patient cot has a thin, firm mattress that lays directly on an aluminum frame that provides very little comfort. Unfortunately, the cot must be firm in order for us to perform CPR on critically ill patients. In addition, we try to respond to medical emergencies as quickly as possible in order to provide timely, life-saving treatment. Consequently, this requires vehicles with good road-handling characteristics. If these large, heavy vehicles had a softer, more "spongy" suspension that would provide a smoother ride, they would not be safe to drive to the scene as quickly as possible.

18. What type of fire extinguisher is best for my home?

A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10B:C on the label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C and may be located at many Flower Mound retail establishments.

19. Can I get my blood pressure checked at the fire station?

Yes. We offer this service free at all fire stations in Town. Please recognize that, from time to time, our personnel might be absent from the station due to emergency calls or training activities.

20. How often should I change the battery in my smoke detector?

Once a year or sooner if the low battery alarm comes on. Pick a date to change the battery that will help you remember, like the date you change your clocks ahead in the spring.