FAQs • McPherson, KS • CivicEngage

Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in roof during a fire?: Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This allows firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chances of significant fire events such as back drafts or smoke explosions.

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Fire Department

1. 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 quickly. The ambulance or rescue unit will provide transportation to an emergency room, depending on the nature of the call. All members are certified Emergency Medical Technicians.

2. Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in roof during a fire?: Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This allows firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chances of significant fire events such as back drafts or smoke explosions.

3. 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.

4. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents, often more lanes than are necessary?: We block traffic lanes for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keeps our personnel safe when they go back to our apparatus to get more equipment, and it helps protect the victim(s) we are trying to stabilize.

5. How do I become a firefighter?: You must meet certain qualifications to become a firefighter. Contact the McPherson Fire Department at 312 E. Kansas Ave. or 620.245.2505 for more information.

6. 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 apparatus. The only way the McPherson 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 and with all firefighters present and available. Sometimes firefighters 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.

7. Why is it illegal to burn leaves and brush on my property?: All residences within the City of McPherson shall follow Section 34-5 of McPherson, Kansas Code of Ordinances.

8. What number do you call for a fire inspection?: To schedule a fire inspection, contact the McPherson Fire Department at 620.245.2505.

9. How do you get a smoke detector from the McPherson Fire Department?: Our smoke detector program provides free smoke detector installation in your home. Call 620.245.2505 to schedule an appointment. Smoke detectors save lives and are required by City of McPherson Code of Ordinance.

10. Can I plant anything around fire hydrants?: No, all fire hydrants need to be visible and unobstructed.

11. Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?: There are medical personnel on duty at the fire station that are glad to help you with a blood pressure check or any other issue that you might have.

12. What is Carbon Monoxide and how does it harm you?: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. It is a by-product of “incomplete combustion.” When a person inhales high levels of carbon monoxide for a long period of time, it displaces the oxygen in the blood causing the heart, brain and other vital organs to be deprived of oxygen. Extended exposure to strong concentrations of carbon monoxide is life threatening. Loss of consciousness and suffocation may result without warning. Make sure your home has a carbon monoxide detector!

13. Does the Fire Department have a bounce house to promote fire prevention?: YES! It is awesome! All fire prevention tools are purchased from donated funds.

14. How do I report a leaking fire hydrant?: Report a leaking fire hydrant or other fire safety concerns to the McPherson Fire Department at 620.245.2505.

15. What is the ISO rating for the McPherson Fire Department?: Our rating is an ISO 3 up to 5 miles from the McPherson Fire Station. Our rating is an ISO 10 for everything beyond 5 miles.

16. Where can I enroll in a CPR or First Aid Class?: First Aid and CPR courses are offered by McPherson Fire Department. To enroll in a course, call 620.245.2505.

17. How do I get a copy of my fire report?: All fire reports are public record and subject to KORA request. Incidents that are under investigation or pending litigation will not be released without a court order. All reports have a $45 administration fee.

18. How do I schedule a fire extinguisher class for my business?: McPherson firefighters routinely train local employers on the correct use and application of a fire extinguisher.

19. How big do my home address numbers need to be?: Address numbers need to be 4 inches in size or larger and should contrast against the background where located.