Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions people have about Fire Department Operations.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE FIRE REPORT?
In most localities, a fire report is a public document and is available at the Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention, or the Fire Marshals office. There is a $5.00 processing fee for fire reports. To request one, – Please contact Belvidere Fire Administration, 123 S. State St., Belvidere, IL – PH: 815-544-2242
HOW DO I GET A TOUR OF THE FIRE STATION?
We recommend that you either call 815-544-2242 or email a request to pr@belviderefire.com to schedule a time for a tour. Of course, the public is always welcome to stop by and see us at any time. Remember, even when tours are scheduled the tour is subject to the station receiving an alarm and having to leave.
WHY ARE WINDOWS BROKEN OR HOLES CUT IN THE ROOF?
As a fire burns, it moves upward and outward. Breaking the windows and /or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation) stops the damaging outward movement and enables fire fighters to fight the fire more efficiently, resulting in less damage to structure in the long run.
WHY DOES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPOND TO MEDICAL EMERGENCIES WHEN THERE IS NO FIRE?
Many departments train fire fighters in emergency medicine. this allows faster response to an emergency, better use of personnel, and most importantly, expeditious care to patients. This allows the nearest engine to quickly respond to a medical emergency.
WHY ARE HOLES CUT IN WALLS?
This is done so the Fire Department is absolutely sure the fire is completely out, and that there is no fire inside the walls or other hidden places.
SOMETIMES I SEE A firefighter AT THE GROCERY STORE. WHO IS PAYING FOR ALL THAT FOOD AND WHAT IF A FIRE OCCURS WHILE HE'S IN THE STORE?
While on duty the firefighters are always in radio contact with both the station and the dispatcher. That firefighter will respond to the scene of the emergency and join the crew he is stationed with. To answer the first part of the question, the firefighters pay for their own food. Normally the firefighters pool their money together at the beginning of the shift, plan their menu for the day and one of them does the shopping. The firefighters do their own cooking, and some of them are quite good. In fact, one of our firefighters won a firefighters recipe contest in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.
Juvenile Fire Setters Prevention Program
Dancing flames and colorful glowing embers hold great attraction for many people, young and old. But for some children, that fascination can turn into intentional and repeated fire setting behaviors. There is a growing concern throughout the United States over the number of fires started by young children and adolescents. Nationally, hundreds of lives are lost annually because of fires set by children. In Phoenix, more than $1 million in property is lost each year as a result of children setting fires.
By understanding what circumstances lead children to start fires and by following a few basic fire safety practices, you can reduce the chances of your children starting destructive fires. Curiosity about fire is part of a child’s growth process especially between the ages of 2 and 9. The majority of fires set by young children are set out of curiosity or experimentation. When children are bored and under no supervision, fires may happen. Matches and lighters should be locked up.
Any child can be a potential fire setter. Fire setting behavior in some children is a way of expressing feeling of frustration, unhappiness and need. Punishment, discipline and “scare tactics” will not satisfy a child’s curiosity about fire. The child may be angry over a divorce, a move or other crisis. They may be seeking revenge or using fire to send a message that they desperately need attention.
The Belvidere Fire Department offers families help in dealing with child Fire setters. An interview will be conducted by trained personnel to determine the severity of the fire setting problem. If the situation involves an accidental fire or a fire set out of curiosity, a Youth Fire safety Class is offered to the family at no cost. This class provides information on the proper use of fire as well as fire safety information. When appropriate, a referral can be made to a counselor at no cost.
Fire Safety education for the entire family:
Recognize that your child’s interest and curiosity about fire must be met with information and education.
Teach and practice home fire safety together as a family on a regular basis.
Remove fire hazards and temptation from your home.
Keep matches and lighters locked up.
Help your child feel good about him/herself.
Fire Safety Checklist:
Install and maintain smoke detectors
Develop and practice a home escape plan, with two exits from each room.
In case of a fire, call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house.
DO NOT RE-ENTER A BURNING BUILDING
The Belvidere Fire Department can help. Call the Juvenile Fire Setters Prevention Program at 544-2740.
