FAQ's and Contact Information

1. How can I obtain a copy of the bill or the report for my transport?

2. Why do you send a fire truck along with an ambulance (Transport Unit) to a medical emergency?

All fire companies have paramedic / EMT trained personnel and can get help to you more quickly. The Rescue (transport) Unit will provide transportation to an emergency room, depending on the nature of the call. All members of Flagler County Fire Rescue are certified Paramedics or Emergency Medical Technicians. All Flagler County fire companies are staffed with at least one paramedic on board.

3. Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in the roof during a fire?

Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This lets firefighters get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chances of a backdraft explosion.

4. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents -- more lanes than are necessary?

It's for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keeps our personnel safe when they go back to our apparatus to get more equipment, and it helps protect the victim we're trying to stabilize.

5. Why can’t cars drive over fire hoses?

The fire hose is the lifeline of a firefighter when fighting a fire. If you drive over it, the hose can be damaged, and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted -- possibly causing injury or death.

6. How do you become a firefighter?

To become a firefighter, you must have certain qualifications. You can get a list of the qualifications by contacting the Training Division of Flagler County Fire Rescue.

State of Florida Firefighter Certification Information:
State of Florida Firefighter Requirements

State of Florida EMT/Paramedic Training Information:
FL DOH EMT/Paramedic Certification Requirements

Flagler County Fire Rescue Training Division:
Office - 386-313-4262
Training Captain Email: acastaneda@flaglercounty.gov

7. Can I plant shrubs, bushes, or flowers around fire hydrants?

Fire hydrants must be clear of all obstructions by no less than 3 feet from fire hydrants for visibility and accessibility.

8. What number do you call for a fire inspection?

Contact our Fire Prevention Division by either of the following:

Phone – 386-313-4258

Email – firemarshal@flaglercounty.gov

9. Can I burn leaves and brush on my property?

Please refer to the specific fire codes for the area of the county in which you reside:

City of Bunnell Fire Code

City of Palm Coast Fire Code

City of Flagler Beach Fire Code

Florida Forest Service Burn Authorizations

10. Why do firefighters shop at the local grocery stores?

Firefighters work a 24-hour shift and must supply their own food. They combine their money to purchase food for meals. Often, you will see them at a grocery store in a fire engine or transport unit. To ensure Flagler County Fire Rescue personnel can respond as quickly as possible and ensure the entire crew arrives together crews use the unit on which they respond to emergencies.

11. How do I obtain a copy of the fire report after having a fire at my property?

Contact our Fire Prevention Division by either of the following:
Phone – 386-313-4258
Email – firemarshal@flaglercounty.gov

12. How can I schedule a fire truck to attend my community or school event?

Contact our Community Risk Reduction Division for scheduling:

Phone – 386-313-4258 – Fire Prevention

Phone – 386-313-4260 – Community Paramedic

13. Why do so many fire trucks respond when we call 911?

In an emergency response time is critical. We pursue a goal of arriving in as few minutes as possible for any emergency. Especially with fire since it doubles inside each minute while the fire department responds. Sending multiple units ensures quick arrival to the scene so that the fire fighters can begin extinguishing the fire. The robust response ensures our members can perform the task of extinguishment in the safest way possible. Once that process is started many times other responding units are quickly returned to service.

Flagler County Fire Rescue continually evaluates its emergency response profile to adjust as circumstances change.

14. Are there other ways to contact 911, other than calling on the phone?

Yes!

Flagler County’s E911 center has the ability to receive 911 calls via text message also. Texting during an emergency could be helpful if you are deaf, hearing impaired, have a speech disability, or if a voice call to 911 might otherwise be dangerous or impossible.

By entering the numbers “911” in the “To” field you can send the message from your wireless device.
The first text message to 911 should be brief and contain the location and type of emergency.
Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
As with all text messages, 911 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order, or may not be received.
Text to 911 is NOT available if you are roaming.