FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come to the fire station to get my blood pressure checked?
Fire Department personnel are happy to check blood pressures at our facility. Remember, the fire fighters may or may not be in the station when you go. If you have a true emergency please dial 911.

Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?
Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Celina Fire Department is prepared to deal with the worst that could happen at any given incident. They are fast, well-trained and pleasant in their response. There may be three fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services, we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can be prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?
Check the internet under Fire Extinguishers. The Celina Fire Department does not service extinguishers.

Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?
This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof 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 the 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 through the attic.

How come 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 unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call. Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go "Code 3" (lights and siren) through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were going on.

Why is the fire truck at the grocery store every day?
Firefighters routinely go to the grocery store to buy food for the day. Generally, firefighters prepare two meals each shift; lunch and dinner. The meals are purchased with their personal money and is not funded by tax payer dollars.

Why do I see the fire truck and ambulance at local restaurants?
On occasions firefighters will choose to dine out due to an abundance of calls for service during the day. This prevents the firefighter’s ability to purchase food for the day. We encourage our personnel to be in the public eye often giving them the opportunity to engage the community.

Can a citizen schedule a birthday party at the fire station?We do not allow the scheduling of birthday parties at the fire station. This is due to the possibility of a call for service during the party and large apparatus leaving the station. This process offers danger to those in attendance, additionally we are expected to leave our building secure upon departure. The fire department can swing by a birthday party at your location. This would need to be scheduled in advance by calling 972-382-2652

Does the fire department allow station tours?
We always welcome station tours of our facility. An appointment is not necessary but does allow for better preparation if we are in training etc. We will give a tour of the building along with the opportunity to view all the fire equipment in the apparatus bay. Questions are encouraged and we will gladly answer all inquiries.

Does the fire department accept expired medications?
The fire department does not accept expired medications. We suggest that you research the internet as there are several sites that will be helpful.

What is the schedule for fire personnel at your station?
We have 3 platoons to include A-Shift, B-Shift and C-Shift. Each shift works 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty. This method of operation is very common in the fire service although in some regions schedules can vary.

I see some firefighters with EMT on their uniform while others have Paramedic on their uniform. What is the difference?
EMT stands for “Emergency Medical Technician.” EMT’s can perform basic skills and can only administer a limited number of medications. EMT is the predecessor to becoming a Paramedic. Paramedics are capable of advanced skills, they are allowed to administer numerous medications.

When I see a fire truck or ambulance go through an intersection they always slow down or either stop before advancing through the intersection. Why?
Intersections are by far the most dangerous to travel through. Our fire personnel have been directed to slow down considerably while approaching a green light. When approaching a red light from the approaching side, our units are directed to come to a complete stop prior to proceeding.

Does the fire department provide EMS in addition to fire suppression?
The fire department provides both fire suppression and EMS to the community. Personnel are assigned to a unit just prior to their shift each day. When assigned to the ambulance, personnel are just as capable on fire suppression activities and will respond to both. All our personnel are required to be cross trained in both fields of study and spend numerous hours training to achieve perfection.