Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Gilroy Fire Department responds with adequate resources when they are responding to a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst case scenario based on the information received. It is likely that in a time critical emergency situation, requesting more units after discovering that there¹s a need after we arrive, will be too late. We have learned from experience that it is much better to cancel fire engines after we determine that they¹re not needed than it is to call for more fire engines after finding that we need more.

A structure fire requires a significant number of firefighters to simultaneously to do all of the assigned tasks that are needed to maintain firefighter and citizen safety. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention.

Show All Answers

1. What do firefighters do while they are waiting for a fire or other emergency?
2. What schedule do firefighters work?
3. Why do fire engines and ambulances respond on emergency medical calls?
4. Why do 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?
5. Why do firefighters use chain saws to cut holes in the roof of a building that’s on fire?
6. Does the Fire Department service fire extinguishers?
7. When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
8. Why did I see another Fire Department’s fire engine in Gilroy?
9. Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?
10. Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?