Click on the question below to read the answer to these commonly asked questions.
Does the fire department assist with getting cats out of trees?
Due to limited success and the risk involved, Fire Department Mount Joy will no longer
respond to cat in tree calls. Other calls involving trapped animals are handled on a case
by case basis.
Will the fire department fill my swimming pool?
Fire Department Mount Joy will loan hose to connect to a fire hydrant for use in filling
swimming pools. This hose will only be loaned after receiving notice from the Mount Joy Borough Authority that the
homeowner has secured permission to do this.
Why does it seem there are so many fire engines on a call?
The answer is two-fold. First, firefighting is very dangerous and the highest priority
must be firefighter safety. One way of accomplishing a safer fire scene is to make sure
there are adequate firefighters both for the tasks at hand and to handle any unexpected
problems that arise. Secondly, volunteer manpower is down nation-wide and it is often
necessary to call additional units to muster the same number of firefighters as we did in
the past.
I recently moved to the area and was
surprised to receive a fund drive request from the fire department in the mail. Don't my
taxes pay for fire protection?
While all four municipalities we serve do contribute to the fire department budget, tax
dollars only make up about 33% of the overall income. The rest comes from funds generated
by the fire department. Our largest and most successful means of acquiring these needed
funds is by a direct mail fund drive appeal to the homes and businesses we protect.
Incidentally, your contribution to Fire Department Mount Joy is tax deductible.
How can I schedule a fire truck or a firefighter at my
function?
Fire Department Mount Joy will provide firefighters and apparatus for your functions
either for displays, demonstrations or as speakers. Contact either the Fire Safety Awareness Committee
or the Fire Chief.
Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't
work?
The yellow pages of the phone directory provide listings for several reputable fire
extinguisher service businesses. While Fire Department Mount Joy can make no specific
recommendation about these businesses, we are not aware of any problems with any of them.
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 can I tell if I have Carbon Monoxide in my house?
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. The only way to tell if you have
CO in your house is to have a operating Carbon Monoxide detector. Fire Department Mount
Joy does have a meter to measure the specific level of CO in a building or area.
How can I schedule a tour of the fire station?
Fire Department Mount Joy welcomes visitors to the station. Feel free to stop by any time.
There is usually someone there. If you would like a pre-arranged tour, contact the Fire Chief.
Does the fire department provide and install smoke detectors?
Fire Department Mount Joy will provide assistance with installation of smoke detectors. We
can in emergency situations and in cases of hardship provide smoke detectors. We do ask
that if you are financially able that you make a donation to the fire department to cover
the cost of the smoke detector.
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