FAQs • Sand Springs, OK • CivicEngage

How come I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?: As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, assessed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control or that a single unit could handle the emergency. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call. Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle with red lights and siren through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were responding to.

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Fire Department

1. How do I get a copy of a fire incident report?: Call the Fire Department at (918) 246-2548. It can usually be available for pickup, or emailed to you.

2. Can I have a controlled or open burn?: No burning is allowed in the city or the county, but there are limited exceptions. Find out more
Open Burn Information.

3. Does Sand Springs have volunteer firefighters?: Although we believe volunteer firefighters to be a valuable asset to many communities, Sand Springs is a full-time paid organization and does not use volunteer firefighters since we have to provide consistent staffing and training.

4. How can I find out what services the Fire Department offers?: Call (918) 246-2548 or you may find details on our Services Offered Page.

5. Is counseling available if my child is setting fires?: Yes, call the Fire Marshal at (918) 246-2551.

6. How do I get a permit for professional fireworks?: Call the City of Sand Springs Main Number at (918) 246-2500.

7. Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?: Any fire station between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

8. Where can I find out about CPR classes?: CPR is taught by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

9. How can I schedule a fire truck or a firefighter at my function?: Call the Fire Department at (918) 246-2548.

10. When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?: By Oklahoma law, you are required to pull to the right and stop. This allows fire apparatus adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response.

11. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?: Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Sand Springs Fire Department thinks over cautiously when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned from experience that its better to have too much help than not enough. A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams when firefighters become trapped or injured.

12. How come I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?: As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, assessed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control or that a single unit could handle the emergency. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call. Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle with red lights and siren through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were responding to.

13. Why do I see firefighters breaking windows in a building on fire?: As mentioned in the statement above, dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. By venting the window of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house. Breaking the window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause.

14. Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?: Two reasons. First, automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Second, firefighters are trained Emergency Medical Technicians. Therefore they can assist our ambulance provider (EMSA) with patient care or assist in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

15. Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls?: As mentioned in the statement prior, firefighters are trained as EMT's. Our primary mission is to provide supplementary support to our local ambulance service provider. With additional fire stations and personnel on duty, we can often arrive prior to the rescue squad and begin life saving techniques such as CPR and/or use defibrillators. The Sand Springs area utilizes EMSA for emergency ambulance care.

16. How can I become a career (paid) firefighter?: See Firefighter Recruitment page on the Fire Department's website or call the City's Human Resources Department at (918) 246-2507.