AUBURN FIRE-RESCUE DEPARTMENT
Frequently Asked Questions A-Z
A
Ambulance Billing -
The billing for the Ambulance is
handled by Comstar Billing Company, they can be reached at 800-488-4351 with any
questions.
Ambulance -
Please follow this link for
information on the EMS division.
B
Bars on Windows -
Window bars on bedroom windows that
restrict exiting - window bars and security doors on bedrooms must be releasable
from the interior of the unit without keys, tools, combinations or special
knowledge to operate.
Bees - Who do I call if I have a swarm of
bees?
The Auburn Fire Department does not
remove bees unless there is imminent danger to a person. If such a situation
exists, firefighters destroy the bees and hives. To have bees removed, look in
the yellow pages under Beekeepers.
Blight - Who do I call if there is blight
in my neighborhood?
The Town of Auburn will work with
residents to resolve issues pertaining to property maintenance, zoning, animals,
mobile and street vending through a combination of education, assistance and
code enforcement. For more information contact the Department of Inspectional
Services at 508-832-7719 to report blight violations.
Blocking/Traffic - Why do fire trucks
park in traffic lanes when on a roadway?
Fire trucks often park in the travel
lanes of a roadway to provide advance warning and notification to approaching
motorists to transition from normal driving status to that required by the
temporary emergency traffic control measures ahead of them. In addition, by
positioning a fire department apparatus on an angle to the lanes of traffic
creates a physical barrier between upstream traffic and the work area of
emergency responders in effort to protect them from being struck by a passing
motor vehicle.
Blood Pressure Checks -
Any fire
station between the hours of 8am and 4pm. Remember, the firefighters may or may
not be in the station when you go.
C
Cats - Do you get cats out of trees/telephone
poles/off of roofs?
No. Try
opening a can of tuna and waiting for the cat to get down on its own.
CPR - Where do I call for CPR training?
Visit
the following link for CPR information.
DEF
Explorer Post -
Follow this link for information of the explorer
post.
Fire Prevention -
Fees -
Follow this link for the most up to date fee schedule.
Fire Apparatus - Why do so many fire apparatus
respond to simple incidents?
Fire
Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911
operator. The Auburn 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.
The fire department's philosophy is
to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. This will be either an engine
company, ladder truck, or an Ambulance regardless of the nature of the call from
the closest station. In preparation for the worst case scenario, a fire engine
often accompanies the Ambulance on certain priority level calls or for lifting
assistance. The first unit on scene may not be an advanced life support unit (a
unit with paramedics). Therefore, such a unit also will be responding.
There may be three fire department
vehicles on 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 prepared to
encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen
who needs help.
Fire Code - What fire code does Auburn use?
The Fire
Code for the Town of Auburn is the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations
Chapter 148 and 527 CMR. There are also several fire codes listed in 780 CMR
which is the Massachusetts Building Code. There are also Town of Auburn bylaws
that pertain to the fire department. For information on those bylaws contact the
Bureau of Fire Prevention and Investigation.
Fire Code Violation - How do I report a possible
fire code violation or unsafe situation?
You may
contact our office to report the unsafe situation or code violation. An
inspector will be sent out to verify the code violation and issue corrective
notices if applicable.
Fire Extinguisher - Who do I call about a fire
extinguisher that doesn't work?
Check
the yellow pages under Fire Extinguishers. The Auburn Fire Department does not
service fire extinguishers.
Fire Fighters - Why do I see firefighters cutting
holes in the roof of a building 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 version 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 the roof, cut holes to access
the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.
Fire Permit - How do I get a fire permit?
Call our
office at 508-832-7800.
Fire Truck - How can I schedule a fire truck or
firefighter at my function?
Call our
Public Fire Education office at least three weeks in advance at 508-832-7800.
G
Gas Leak - Where do I report a leak?
If you
smell gas, NSTAR and other gas companies add an odor to gas so you will know if
natural gas is leaking. If you smell gas, NSTAR has some
important safety
procedures NSTAR Gas provides 24-hour emergency service every day of the year.
Make sure to call 800-592-2000.
H
House Numbers - Do I need to have a number on my home or place of
business?
Yes, Mass General Law chapter 148
section 59, in addition to Auburn Town Bylaws requires that you affix the street
number to your house or place of business. The figures used in numbering the
residential house or commercial building shall be Arabic numerals made of
durable material. Such number shall be colored to contrast sharply with the
background and shall be Arabic numerals at least 4" (four inches) in height for
residential buildings and Arabic numerals no less than 10" (ten inches) no more
than 18" (eighteen inch) Arabic numerals for commercial buildings. In addition,
there is a fine for persons displaying the wrong number on any residential or
commercial building other than the number assigned to the property by the Town
of Auburn Assessors Office. Any owner displaying any other number assigned
shall be punished by a fine for every 72 (seventy-two) hours that the violation
still exists.
Household Hazardous Waste -
The Town
of Auburn conducts collection events periodically. For more information contact
the Department of Inspectional Services at 508-832-7719.
Hoarding -
Hoarding
is causing home fires to become more dangerous than they should be. Residents
become trapped and entering becomes more dangerous for firefighters who are
looking for occupants. For more information contact the Department of
Inspectional Services at 508-832-7719 to report hoarding.
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 Red" (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 initially dispatched too.
Hydrant Leak - Where do I report a leaking
hydrant?
Auburn
Water District, 508-832-5336, after hours you will receive a machine message
with the phone number for the on call employee.
Elm Hills Water District.
508-755-5448.
I
Investigation Report - How do I get a copy of a
fire investigation report?
Contact
Fire Headquarters at 508-832-7800 and speak with the Administrative Assistant.
J
Juvenile Fire Setter Program -
Southbridge Fire Department coordinates the regional program, 508-764-5430.
KLM
Knox Boxes - Knox Box Company
The Town
of Auburn bylaws and the Auburn Fire Department requires a key box on
every occupancy (except private residences) where off site monitoring notifies
the fire department. Private residences may install a key box and provide the
key to their local fire station for citizens who may not be able to get to the
door in case of an emergency. For more information contact Fire Prevention at
508-832-7800.
The KNOX-BOX Rapid Entry System was
specifically developed for the fire department. With one master key, they can
gain access to commercial and residential property. More than 11,500 departments
nationwide use Knox key boxes, vaults, Haz-Mat cabinets, key switches, locking
FDC caps and padlocks. For more information call 800-552-5669.
N
No Burn Days -
Massachusetts Air Quality Department in conjunction with the Auburn Fire
Department determines if burning is allowed every day. Contact 508-832-7800
daily to see if burning is allowed. For more information on burning follow this
link.
OPQR
Paramedics -
Ever
wondered what the difference was between an EMT and a Paramedic,
follow this link for more information.
Planning and Development Service Department -
Town
Planner, 508-832-7704.
Permits - Fire
Auburn
Fire Department, 508-832-7800.
ST
Sand Bags - Who do I call to get Sand Bags?
The
Auburn Fire Department does not supply sand bags or shovels. Check the yellow
pages under Rock, or Sand and Gravel. Sand is supplied only when there is an
imminent threat of a flood. Only when such a situation develops, call the
Department of Public Works at 508-832-7814 to find out the location of the sand
pile.
Santa Tour -
The
Auburn Fire Department conducts a tour every year with Santa Clause riding
around town in the Fire Truck visiting all areas of the town. The tour is always
the Saturday before Christmas. Please follow this link for updated information.
Swimming Pool Regulations - Who do I call to find
out about swimming pool regulations?
Department of Inspectional Services, 508-832-7719.
Blocking/Traffic - Why do fire trucks park
in traffic lanes when on a roadway?
Fire trucks often park in the travel
lanes of a roadway to provide advance warning and notification to approaching
motorists to transition from normal driving status to that required by the
temporary emergency traffic control measures ahead of them. In addition, by
positioning a fire department apparatus on an angle to the lanes of traffic
creates a physical barrier between upstream traffic and the work area of
emergency responders in effort to protect them from being struck by a passing
motor vehicle.
UV
WXYZ
Youth Fire Setter Program - How do I get
information about the Program?
Southbridge Fire Department coordinates the regional program, 508-764-5430.
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