Q: How do I report a non-emergency incident? Do I still need to call 9-1-1?
A: Please call 9-1-1 for any type of fire or medical emergency, or for medical non-emergencies. For other types of calls, call Headquarters at (864) 967-9545.
Q: There is a leaking fire hydrant on my street. Who is responsible for repairing it?
A: Fire hydrant maintenance is the responsibility of Greenville Water Works.
Q: Why does the Simpsonville Fire Department make so much noise when they respond to a call?
A: State law requires that vehicles responding to an emergency must use both red lights and sirens. We do try to respect the community and the surrounding homes close to all of our fire stations in the early morning hours.
Q: My smoke detector is "chirping". What should I do?
A: Generally, a chirping sound means that the battery in your detector needs to be changed. If you would like assistance with a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, please give us a call at (864) 967-9545 during business hours.
Q: How do I request a Fire Report?
A: Call (864) 967-9545. There is no fee for report copies. Date, time and location of the incident is needed before we can process your request. There is a 24 hour hold time before picking the report up.
Q: Where can I get my fire extinguisher serviced?
A: There are several businesses listed in the phone book under "Fire Protection"
Q: Where can I take a CPR or First Aid class?
A: American Red Cross
Q. Are you hiring?
A: We are always accepting applications and will keep them on file for six months. Visit our Employment page to find out more about the hiring process.
Q. Does the Fire Department offer fire safety related educational programs?
A. Yes, we offer a wide range of Fire Safety Programs through our Fire Prevention Office - everything from station tours to fire safety seminars for preschool children to fire safety presentations for senior citizens. Contact Headquarters for any requests of this nature. (864) 967-9545
Q. Why does a fire engine respond to medical emergencies?
A. To provide the fastest patient care possible. There are 4 fire stations strategically located in the District all equipped with fire engines and EMT trained personnel. These First Responder's can arrive at the scene and begin stabilization of the patient prior to the arrival of the paramedics. Each Engine also carries an Automated External Difibulator (AED) which has been proven to save lives. Our engines carry the same equipment as an ambulance carries, the only difference is we do not transport.
Q. How many alarms does the Fire Department respond to every day?
A: The Fire Department currently responds to approximately 1,700 alarms annually and continues to increase. That is roughly 5 alarms per day. For more information on the number and types of alarms visit our Alarm Statistics page.
Q. How do I make a fire escape plan?
A: If a fire breaks out in your home, you have to get out fast. Prepare for a fire emergency by sitting down with your family and agreeing on an escape plan. Be sure that everyone knows at least two unobstructed exits--doors and windows--from every room. (If you live in an apartment building, do not include elevators in your escape plan.) Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet after they escape. Have your entire household practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
Q. As a smoker, are there any special precautions I should take?
A: Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America. Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy could be deadly. Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays and soak butts with water before discarding them. Before going to bed or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under and around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
Q. How can I make my kitchen fire-safe?
A: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short, rolled-up, or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them and children can't grab them. Enforce a "Kid-Free Zone" three feet (one meter) around your kitchen stove. If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until cool.
Q. How can I use a space heater safely?
A: Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet (one meter) away from anything that can burn. Keep children and pets away from heaters, and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.
Q. Are there any precautions I should take regarding household electricity and/or appliances?
A: If an electrical appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Don't overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Don't tamper with your fuse box or use improper-size fuses.
Q. What should I do to get out of a burning house or structure?
A: During a fire, smoke and poisonous gases rise with the heat. The air is cleaner near the floor. If you encounter smoke while you are escaping from a fire, use an alternative escape route. If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) above the floor.
Q. What should I do if my clothing catches fire?
A: If your clothes catch fire, don't run. Stop
where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll
over and over to smother the flames.
Q. Where can I get information on carbon monoxide detectors?
A: Visit the USFA website to get useful information.
Q. Was it really necessary to break the windows and put holes in the roof?
A: As a fire burns, it moves upward, then outward. Removing windows and cutting holes in the roof, ventilation in firefighting terms, stops that damaging outward movement of smoke and heat and enables us to locate potential victims, and fight the fire more efficiently, resulting in less damage in the long run. This procedure also reduces the risk of serious injury to firefighters.
Q: Why did the firefighters put holes in the walls and ceiling?
A: They had to be absolutely sure there was no "hidden" fire inside the walls, ceilings and partitions.
Q: Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?
A: You can stop by any of our fire stations between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.any day of the week