Frequently Asked Questions

NFPA standards say that a minimum of 17 fire fighters must be on the scene of a structure fire. We ride three on a unit so it takes several units to deliver the number of personnel required. We also MUST operate on a “worst case scenario” basis. That is, we must think that the fire is as bad as it can get. It would take longer to get more people if they were not dispatched with the first alarm.

We turn off the electricity to prevent the accidental electrocution of our fire fighters and to prevent burned and damaged wiring from starting another fire.

Ventilation holes are sometimes cut to release the hot gases from inside the structure. A build-up of fire gases is dangerous to fire fighters because it can suddenly burst into flames in an event known as a flashover. Flashovers kill fire fighters every year and the best way to avoid it is to cut the ventilation holes.

The fire Department runs the First Responder Program. It only makes sense that if a Fire Apparatus can be there in 3.6 minutes, and an ambulance may take 6 to 10 minutes, the patient has a better chance of survival if the Fire Department responds. Fire Department response is limited to life threatening situations only.

Call (940) 761-7901 and schedule the tour with our administrative assistants.

The department recommends a 2A 10BC fire extinguisher.

Call (940) 761-7901 and schedule your fire safety inspection.

Due to our carefully planned station relocation project in 2000, our average response time is 3.6 minutes.

The city of Wichita Falls is, by ordinance, always in a burn ban. It is illegal to openly burn inside the city limits of Wichita Falls.

The Wichita Falls Fire Department is a fully paid department with no volunteer positions.