Ames Fire Department
Frequently Asked
Questions
Here are links to some frequently
asked questions regarding home safety.
-
Do you sell t-shirts?
Yes, we sell
t-shirts and sweatshirts. They are available in sizes M - XXL.
They can be purchased at Fire Station 1, 1300 Burnett Ave.
T-shirts are $12.00 and Sweatshirts are $20.00. We accept cash
only.
- What is the burning policy in the
City of Ames?
There is no
burning off yard waste, brush, or garbage allowed. Click
here to read the City of Ames Burning
Policy.
- How can I become an Ames Firefighter?
Go to our
Employment Information
Page.
- How can I schedule a fire truck or firefighter at my function?
Call Station
#1 at (515) 239-5108 and the Administrative Secretary would be
happy to check the Fire Department's
schedule.
- Do
you offer tours of the fire stations?
Yes, Ames Firefighters are more than happy to
show you around the stations. We just ask that, of
possible, you call
ahead to Station #1 at (515) 239-5108. The Administrative Secretary
would be happy to schedule your group.
- Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?
You can take old fire
extinguishers to the following locations: Hokel Machine, Iowa
Fire Extinguisher, or the City of Ames Resource Recovery. Note:
they will ask you to make sure that the fire extinguishers have
been discharged.
- Do
you offer fire extinguisher training?
Yes, the Ames Fire Department offers
fire extinguisher training to service groups, companies, and
other organizations. Call Station #1 at (515) 239-5108 and
the on-duty Captain would be happy to
schedule a training session with our firefighters.
- When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying
emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
By Iowa law,
you are required to pull to the right and stop. This allows fire
apparatus adequate and clear lanes to safely continue its
response.
- Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?
Fire company
units are dispatched according to information received by the
9-1-1 operator. A structure fire requires a number of people to
do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned
certain responsibilities such as fire suppression, search and
rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid
intervention teams when firefighters become trapped or injured.
The Ames Fire Department would rather be overcautious when they
respond to citizens in need of help. We are always 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
that it is better to have to much help than not enough.
- Why do I see fire trucks with full
lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and
then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow
down?
Sometimes
several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first
arriving unit can assess the situation and call off the unneeded
units. They are then put back in service and ready for other
calls.
- Why do
fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?
There are two reasons. First, automobile accidents present other
hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the
presence of hazardous materials. Second, firefighters are
trained in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the
vehicle.
- Why do firefighters respond to medical calls?
The Ames Firefighters are trained and
certified as Iowa First Responders. We
carry medical equipment on our trucks. We arrive to assist the
paramedics. When we arrive first we are able to begin a patient
history, take vitals and size up the scene to transfer the care
of the patient quickly.
- How can I get a copy of a fire incident report?
Yes, you may call Fire Station #1 at (515) 239-5108 and ask for
the Administrative Secretary. We will attempt to provide copies
of incident reports within two business days.
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