About the Fairmont Fire Department

• Why are the trucks yellow and not red?
• Why are fire hydrants different colors?
• Why did a fire truck come when I called an ambulance?
• Do you have a Dalmatian?
• Do you ever rescue cats out of trees?
• Are firefighters tanks filled with oxygen?
• Can fire trucks make the stoplights turn green?
• What are the Burn Laws in the city?

Why are the trucks yellow and not red?

In the 1970’s research showed that yellow was considerably more visible at night in comparison to red. Many departments went to yellow, some didn’t. At Fairmont, the yellow stuck and all of the trucks are yellow with a white top, with exception of the support vehicles which are all white.

Why are fire hydrants different colors?

The fire department color-codes the caps on fire hydrants according to how much water the hydrant can flow. This system quickly tells the pump-operator if the hydrant being used can supply enough water to the fire. The barrels of all hydrants in the city are painted yellow.

Why did a fire truck come when I called an ambulance?

The Fairmont Fire Department runs a “First Responder Program”. This means that every firefighter is trained in emergency medical services to at least the First Responder level. Some firefighters are also trained as EMT’s and Paramedics. The First Responder Program is designed to provide life-saving medical treatment to patients faster. Since fire stations are placed throughout the city, firefighters are dispatched to life threatening medical emergencies to provide care until the ambulance arrives.

Do you have a Dalmatian?

Although many firefighters have pets at home, it would be very difficult to care for a mascot at the fire station. We currently have no mascots, including Dalmatians.

Do you ever rescue cats out of trees?

Although we have never heard of a cat dying in a tree, we do, on occasion, receive calls for animal rescues. We treat these as we would any other threat to a person’s property and do what we can to save the animal.

Are firefighters tanks filled with oxygen?

The air-pack that a firefighter wears into a fire is called a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, or “SCBA”. They are similar to SCUBA gear, and are filled with filtered air, not oxygen.

Can fire trucks make the stoplights turn green??

Some of the fire department’s trucks are fitted with a system capable of notifying stop lights that en emergency vehicle is coming, and requesting a green light. If you see the small white light illuminate, this means that an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind..

What are the Burn Laws in the city?

See the “Public Information” link of the department’s homepage.