Emergency Response

When should I call 911 vs. non-emergency?

Call 911 for emergencies requiring immediate response:

  • Fire, smoke, or smell of gas
  • Medical emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, unconsciousness)
  • Vehicle accidents with injuries
  • Any situation requiring police, fire, or ambulance immediately

Call our non-emergency number (817) 295-9539 for:

  • General questions about our services
  • Station tours or community events
  • Non-urgent requests (blood pressure checks, smoke detector help)
  • Follow-up questions about previous incidents

When in doubt, call 911. It's better to call and not need emergency services than to delay during a real emergency.

More Answers About Emergency Response

Emergency Response
What should I do when approached by emergency vehicles?
When you notice an approaching emergency vehicle, immediately pull to the right and stop. If you are approaching an intersection and see an emergency vehicle that is approaching the intersection from behind you or another direction, come to a stop, preferably one or two car lengths back from the intersection if possible... Read The Rest
Emergency Response
Why does a fire truck respond to medical calls?
A fire truck will sometimes arrive at an incident first because it is the closest emergency unit to the emergency scene and we are committed to getting help to your location as fast as possible. All emergency response personnel are well-trained in providing Emergency Medical Services. We have several personnel... Read The Rest
Emergency Response
Why use lights and sirens at night?
The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers and pedestrians know that an emergency vehicle is on the way to an emergency. Texas state law as well as our standard operating procedures require that our drivers utilize emergency warning equipment during emergency response regardless of the time of... Read The Rest
Never Go Back Inside a Burning Building
Once you are out, stay out. No possession is worth your life. People who re-enter a burning building account for a significant number of fire fatalities each year. Call 911, go to your meeting spot, and let the firefighters do their job — they have the training and equipment to enter safely.
Crawl Low Under Smoke
Smoke and toxic gases rise to the ceiling first. In a fire, the breathable air is closest to the floor. If you encounter smoke while escaping, get down on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest exit. Just a few breaths of toxic smoke can cause disorientation and loss of consciousness.