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Fire Department

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1. How do I get a copy of an incident report?

More information on obtaining public records can be found on the Open Records Request page.

2. How do I get a burn permit?

• If you live inside the city limits of Gainesville, call 770-534-3612.
• You will be asked to provide your name, address, phone number, and a description of the items you plan to burn.
• A representative will then visit your location to issue the permit.
• Citizens are permitted to burn grass, leaves, and brush (lawn clippings and small tree limbs).
• Burn permits are issued on a daily basis from October 1st through April 30.
• There should be an available water source, someone in attendance at all times, and all fires must be out by dark.
• Pit burns for construction sites require additional measures.
• If you live outside the city limits, call Hall County Fire Department, 770-536-2442.

3. Can I come to the fire station to have my blood pressure checked?

Personnel at any fire station in Gainesville can check your blood pressure free of charge if they are not on another emergency call. Feel free to stop by your neighborhood fire station and let us check it for you.

4. How can I become a Gainesville firefighter?

Contact the City of Gainesville Human Resources Department 770-535-6887 or visit our job page. They can advise if applications are being accepted for the position of Firefighter. Applicants must successfully pass a written exam, physical agility test, and participate in a formal interview process. Candidates must then pass a background check, drug screen, and employment physical.

5. Where can I get a child safety seats inspection done?

The Gainesville Fire Department does not offer this service at this time. Please contact Gainesville Police Department at 770-534-5252. They are scheduling appointments each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Safe Kids can also check car seats Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment at 770-219-8095.

6. Will Gainesville Fire Department fill my swimming pool?

No, residents may fill their own pools by contacting the City of Gainesville Public Utilities Department, 770-535-6881, to rent a water meter and fill the pool using a hydrant. Hoses may be rented through local equipment rental vendors. Another suggestion would be to contact a pool company and ask if they have a list of vendors who might be able to provide this service for you.

7. When an emergency vehicle is approaching with emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?

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

8. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Units are dispatched according to information received by Dispatch. Many times the type of situation found upon arrival is very different from the situation dispatched. Part of responding to an emergency situation means being prepared to deal with the worst-case scenario. Discovering that we need more units upon arrival is often too late. Experience has taught us that it’s better to have too much help than not enough.

9. Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through red lights 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. When the first unit arrives on the scene, they may assess the situation and inform the dispatcher they can handle the emergency. All other responding units are then canceled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

10. Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire?

This is called "ventilation." There are two basic reasons for ventilating the roof. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building making it impossible for firefighters to see. When a hole is made in the roof, smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise, this makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft (an explosion of heated gases) and flashover (a quick transition to a fully developed fire).

Another reason 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 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.

11. Why do I see firefighters breaking windows when a building is on fire?

Dangerous superheated gases need 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’s on fire actually helps to contain the fire to the room of origin. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of a structure. Breaking a window really prevents more damage than it appears to cause.

12. Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?

Automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. If any occupants are trapped, they will begin the extrication (removal) process. Since most of our firefighters are also trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), they can begin assessing an injured party’s condition and assist in providing treatment prior to the arrival of ambulance personnel.

13. Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls?

Our firefighters are also trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). With our stations in close proximity, we can often arrive prior to the ambulance and begin life-saving techniques.

14. What about Fire Extinguisher Classes?

Fire extinguisher classes for local businesses are also taught by our personnel. Call 770-534-3612, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. You will be asked to provide a name, contact number, number of participants, and any date preferences. A member of our department will contact you to schedule the class.

15. How do I schedule a tour of a fire station?

Gainesville Fire Department welcomes the opportunity to have the public visit any of our stations. If your school or civic group would like to schedule a tour, please call 770-534-3612, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. You will be asked to provide a name, contact number, number of participants, and any date preferences. A member of our department will contact you to schedule the tour. In addition to touring the station and viewing apparatus and equipment, fire personnel can also provide your group with age-appropriate fire safety/fire prevention materials.

16. What about birthday parties?

Unfortunately, our stations are not set up to accommodate birthday parties. We can, however, schedule a tour for your group which has been scheduled separately from the party.

17. Want to learn more?

Schedule a tour, drop by for a visit, or sign up for the City of Gainesville Citizen’s Government Academy by calling 770-297-5499. Our personnel welcomes the opportunity to show you who we are and what we’re all about.