Erlanger, Kentucky - Frequently Asked

Fire/EMS > Frequently Asked Questions > Frequently Asked

Why do you send a fire truck along with an ambulance to a medical emergency?
Fire trucks have first responder personnel and can get help to you more quickly. The ambulance or rescue unit will provide transportation to an emergency room, depending on the nature of the call.
Why do firefighters break out window and cut holes in roof during a fire? Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This lets firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduce the chances of a backdraft explosion.
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 keep 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.
Why do firefighters get upset when you 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.
Why do firefighters keep weeds and bushes away from fire hydrants?
Firefighters keep weeds and bushes 4 feet from fire hydrants for visibility and accessibility.
What number do you call for a fire inspection?
Call our Fire Deparment at 859-727-7942
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. The only way the Erlanger Fire Department can ensure that firefighters will respond and arrive in an average of less than 4 minutes is by using the vehicle they respond in -- with all firefighters present and available. Sometimes they receive a call while shopping for food, which means they leave directly from the grocery store and have to come back later to finish their grocery shopping.
Why does my water turn brown when firefighters turn fire hydrants on?
We inspect fire hydrants for proper operation. We turn the fire hydrants on to make sure they operate properly. We turn the hydrants on slowly so as not to stir up the sediment that is in the pipes, but at times the sediment does get stirred up and the water coming out of your faucet can be brown in color.