Frequently
Asked Questions

Call the Fire Department at (660) 665-3734. It can usually be available for pickup, faxed to you, or sent via regular mail.

You can call (660-665-3734). We will put you in contact with a Volunteer Chief as quickly as possible or add your name to our list of prospective test for hires. Reserves/volunteers are a valuable asset to our department as well as surrounding rural departments.

You may visit the Central Fire Station located at 401 North Franklin, Kirksville, Missouri, or contact the department at 660-665-3734 to set up a tour, etc.

Should a child have a problem setting fires, is there counseling available?

Contact the Department’s Code Officer at 660-665-3734.

Contact the Fire Department at 660-665-3734 to obtain a list of contacts who conduct these courses.

Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?

By Missouri law, you are required to pull to the right and stop. This allows fire apparatus adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response.

This is a signal that an emergency vehicle is approaching and has activated a traffic control system which systematically and safely changes the traffic signal to provide a "green" light for approaching emergency vehicles. The system is usually set so that the signal is received well in advance of the emergency vehicle's arrival. And it does systematically cycle through and just doesn't change opposing traffic's signal without warning. This allows the intersection to clear and helps improve the responses to emergencies through intersections.

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. 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 its better to have too much help than not enough.

A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishing, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams when firefighters become trapped or injured.

This is called "venting the roof" or "ventilation." The two main reasons for this practice concern the dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulation in a burning building. It is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of back draft (explosion) and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

Broken windows can also allow dangerous superheated gases to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. By venting the window of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house. Breaking the window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause. n the statement above,

Automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Secondly, firefighters are trained Emergency Medical Technicians. Therefore they can assist with patient care or assist in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls?

How can I become a career (paid) firefighter?

Who do I call if I have problems with bees?