Frequently Asked Questions

- How do I get a copy of a fire or emergency medical service (EMS) report?

Reports can only be requested by the persons involved in the incident; by the parent or legal guardian (with proof of guardianship) of a minor, or by subpoena. A signed and notarized medical release form (signed by client or guardian) must accompany a written request by an attorney. Picture ID is required if picking up a report in person. Download the Release of Information form and email it back to Fire Prevention.

-Why do so many fire apparatus respond to minor incidents?

Units are dispatched according to information received by Dispatch. Many times the type of situation found upon arrival is very different from the situation dispatched. And, part of responding to an emergency situation means being prepared to deal with the worst case scenario. Discovering that we need more units upon arrival is often too late. Experience has taught us that it’s better to have too much help than not enough.

-Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?

Automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, undeployed airbags and/or the presence of hazardous materials. If any occupants are trapped they will begin the extrication (removal) process. All firefighters are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) or Paramedics, and they can begin providing treatment to patients prior to the arrival of ambulance personnel.

-Why does the fire department respond to medical emergencies?

Our firefighters are state certified at the level of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) or Paramedics. The Gila River Fire Department provides emergency medical services to assist with critical patient care, or when an ambulance is on transport or has an extended on scene time.  It is the department policy to send an company on all life threatening calls; heart attacks, trouble breathing, possible strokes, vehicle accidents, etc.   These extra hands will help with patient treatment and care. An emergency scene is very dynamic and based on the call type, a predetermined amount of resources will respond to meet the dynamics of that scene. The “company” may be an engine, squad, aerial ladder, tender, or heavy rescue vehicle, depending on the type of call.  

-Was it really necessary to break the windows and put holes in the roof?

Fire in a building creates a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. In many instances, firefighters must remove this heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. The reduced heat and improved visibility allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. We call this "ventilation". When a hole is made in the roof, dark smoke and dangerous superheated gases escape because heat and smoke rise. This makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft (an explosion of heated gases) and flashover. Another reason is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading. By venting the window of a room that’s on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire to the room of origin. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of a structure. Breaking a window really prevents more damage than it appears to cause.

-Why did the firefighters put holes in the walls and ceiling?

After a fire has been ‘knocked-down’, the fire crews have to check for extension and be absolutely certain that there was no "hidden" fire inside the walls, ceilings and partitions.

-Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through red lights at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

There are several reasons for this:

Emergency lights and siren are used only when responding to a call. Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. When the first unit arrives on scene, they may assess the situation and inform the dispatcher they can handle the emergency. All other responding units are then cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Operating a fire truck with emergency lights and sirens is a very high risk operation for the fire crew and for the other motorists. It may be safer for everyone on the road and in the best interest for the incident  for a fire crew to shut the emergency lights and sirens off after clearing a busy intersection.

-When I see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens while I am driving, what should I do?

State law dictates that motorists yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if you car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed.

Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Do not make any sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided highway.

Do not tailgate or follow a responding apparatus. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

-Why do I see fire trucks from different cities responding to calls here?

GRFD participates in mutual and automatic aid agreements with neighboring cities all over the Valley.  This partnership provides a better safety net of first responders that can be used to mitigate the various types of emergencies we face in the community.

- What qualifications are needed to become a Gila River Firefighter?

Please see the qualifications on our Career Opportunities page..

- Do I have to go through the Fire Academy if I am already employed as a Firefighter, Paramedic or EMT?

Yes.

- Can I volunteer as a Firefighter in Gila River?

GRFD does not currently support a volunteer firefighter program. If you wish to volunteer in the community as part of the Crisis Response Team, please call 520-796-5905. Gila River Crisis Response Team

- Will a criminal record prevent me from applying for a job as a Gila River Firefighter?

GRFD considers all applications and evaluates the nature and severity of past criminal history when selecting firefighter candidates. There is no blanket answer to this question as everyone’s circumstances are different, however the department keenly recognizes its obligation to maintain the public trust and screens applicant accordingly.

-Does GRFD accept lateral hires?

The fire department does not currently accept lateral employment opportunities.

-What is the Apprentice Program?

The Apprentice Program is a unique opportunity that provides qualifying GRIC community members the skills, training and certifications needed to become a Gila River reserve fire fighter/EMT. This program is furthering GRIC's mission and vision by developing our resources to provide services and opportunities to achieve the highest quality of life. 

-How do I apply for the Apprentice Program?

Visit our Career Opportunities page for when the next Apprentice Program will begin.

-How do I schedule a ride along?

Please visit out Community Outreach page

- How can I request GRFD for a safety presentation at my school, church, business, event, etc.?

Contact our Fire Prevention at 520 796 4501

- Do you offer any programs to help my child who plays with fire or sets fires?

GRFD  has offered a Juvenile Firesetter Program in the past. Contact GRFD Fire Prevention at 520 796 4501 for details.

- How can I request GRFD for a safety presentation at my school, church, business, event, etc.?

Contact our Fire Prevention at 520 796 4507

- Do you offer any programs to help my child who plays with fire or sets fires?

GRFD  has offered a Juvenile Firesetter Program in the past. Contact GRFD Fire Prevention at 520 796 4501 for details.

- Can I burn yard waste?

Please consult our Fire Prevention at 520-796-4501 or Tribal Department of Environmental Quality at 520-562-2234 which establishes limits for the emissions of air contaminants produced from open burning.

- How do I get a copy of a fire incident report?

Reports can only be requested by the persons involved in the incident; by the parent or legal guardian (with proof of guardianship) of a minor, or by subpoena. A signed and notarized medical release form (signed by client or guardian) must accompany a written request by an attorney. Picture ID is required if picking up a report in person. Download the Release of Information form and email it back to Fire Prevention.

-How do I get a copy of my EMS incident report?    

These reports can be acquired through Gila River EMS agency (520)796-4586

- Do you collect clothes and toys for incident victims?

The GRIC Crisis Response Division will collect items for victims of an incident.

Please contact Gila River Crisis Response Team

(520)796-5905 Gila River Crisis Response

- Do you collect toys for children?

Yes, we collect toys & bicycles all year long, but especially around the holidays for our Holiday Toy Drive. You can drop them off at any fire station or at our headquarters.

-I'd like to share an experience I've had with GRFD, how can I do this?

You can email grfdpio2@gric.nsn.us

-Does the Fire Department open cars if the keys are locked inside?

The fire department no longer provides this service. The fire department will open a vehicle with keys locked inside if there is an immediate threat to life.  All other request for vehicle lock-outs should be made through your local directory or contact your service center for the appropriate services.

-How do I schedule a ride along?

Please visit out Community Outreach page

-What is the closest fire station to my house?

Please see our Fire Stations page and Station Map.

- How do I report a fire hazard such as a blocked fire lane, locked exit doors, bars on windows with no quick-release latch, etc.?

Call the GRFD Fire Marshal at 520-796-4501 or the Gila River Police Department at 520-562-4512

- How do I safely get rid of hazardous chemicals?

Throwing household chemicals in your trash container, pouring them down the drain, or dumping them at the curb is dangerous and irresponsible. To better serve community members, GRIC offers a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. Local businesses and industries that have questions on disposing of hazardous chemicals should contact the GRIC DEQ at 520-562-2234.

-  How do I get rid of a swarm of bees?

The fire department does not remove bee swarms unless they are attacking people or pose an immediate life-threatening hazard to people in the area. For non-emergency bee swarm removal consult the local directory or contact the district service center for advisement.

- How do I check my smoke detector?

Every smoke detector has a test button, usually in the center of the detector. Press the test button and hold for a few seconds. If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop after a few more seconds. Remember to check your batteries monthly and change the batteries in your smoke detector once a year.       

- Who do I call to report a broken hydrant?

Department of Public Works at 520 562 9500