FAQs • Calera, AL • CivicEngage

I have seen a fire truck with its lights and siren on go through an intersection .... then turn its lights off, .... Why?": This is more than likely because the call was a multiple unit response and another arriving unit radioed back to the others that either their response wasn't necessary or doesn't warrant the dangers of running with lights and sirens.

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Fire & Rescue

1. Do I need a permit to burn trash or debris?: If you live in the incorporated City limits of Calera, you need a burn permit. You can pick up a Burn Permit at either Station One (1310 17th Ave) or Station Two (360 George Roy Pkwy.) If you have questions, you can contact the Fire Dept by email or by calling at 668-3518. There are times of the year when burning in Shelby County is prohibited. These prohibitions are established by ADEM (Alabama Dept of Environmental Management.) Read Municipal Code, Chapter 7, Article IV

2. Where can I find the Calera Fire Administration building?: The Fire Administration office is located at the Main Fire Station #1. Our address is 1310 17th Ave Calera, Al 35040 . 205-668-3518

3. Who is in charge of finding out how fires start in Calera?: The person in charge of Fire Investigations in the City of Calera is Fire Marshal Danny Church. His number is 205-668-3864.

4. What information should I give the call taker when I call 9-1-1?: What type of emergency do you have, the location of the emergency, Try to keep it short, but remember stay on the line until the call taker says you can hang up. Remember, stay calm! If they can't understand you, they can't help you.

5. A fire truck, ambulance, or police car is approaching with its lights and sirens on .... What should I do?": When an emergency vehicle approaches you with its lights and sirens on, when it is safe to do so, pull to the right and stop even if you are in the left hand lane. If it is not safe to do so, stop where you are and wait for all the emergency vehicles to pass. Don't pull into an intersection if you are at a traffic light or stop sign. Please be courteous, remember the emergency we're responding to may be yours. BE SAFE!

6. I have seen a fire truck with its lights and siren on go through an intersection .... then turn its lights off, .... Why?": This is more than likely because the call was a multiple unit response and another arriving unit radioed back to the others that either their response wasn't necessary or doesn't warrant the dangers of running with lights and sirens.

7. Can I have someone from the fire department check my blood pressure?: Yes, stop by the station during normal business hours, and someone will be happy to take your blood pressure.

8. How should I plan for a disabled family member during a fire?: Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs.

9. Can I use a fire hydrant in Calera to fill a pool?: No, you cannot use a hydrant to fill a pool. Your domestic house water system must be used for this purpose

10. Why do I have to dial 9-1-1? If I call the fire station direct would it save time?: The firefighters might not be at the station when you call. Even if they are, the firefighters will still have to activate 9-1-1 so that other emergency responders are notified. On the other hand, the 9-1-1 emergency system is designed to save valuable seconds. When you dial 9-1-1, the system routes the call to the police or fire unit that is closest to your home. Only call the fire station with non-emergency business.

11. What Fire Codes Does the City of Calera Operate Under?: The City of Calera Fire Department has adopted the International Fire Code 2009

12. What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home?: Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A-B-C fires. This type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes including wood, paper, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.

13. Why do fire engines respond to car accidents, even when they didn’t look serious?: The Calera Fire Department responds to all accidents where there is suspected injury to occupants of the vehicle. When a call is received at the 911 Communications Center, quite often the caller does not know if any injuries have occurred as a result of the accident. Even minor accidents cause “whiplash” or other injuries. Sometimes, the reason for the accident is a medical condition that caused the operator to lose control of their vehicle. To that end, all accidents are considered serious and require a response of medical personnel.
The Fire Department also has a stake in the protection of the environment. The department supervises the clean-up of fuels, oils and coolants that may affect our natural resources.