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Fire Department

Show All Answers

1. Where are the Administrative offices of the Hamden Fire Department?

The Administrative offices of the Hamden Fire Department can be located at:

2372 Whitney Avenue
Hamden CT, 06518

2. How can I reach the Fire Chief's office?

The non-emergency administrative number is 203-407-5880. For all emergencies, call 911.

3. Where are the Fire Marshals offices?

The Hamden Government Center
2750 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden CT, 06518

4. How do I reach the Fire Marshal's office by phone?

Fire Marshal Brian Dolan 203-407-3181 or Deputy Fire Marshal 203-407-3182.

5. How can I reach the Hamden Fire Department Training / EMS Officer?

Hamden Fire Department (HFD) Training / Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Officer, Lt John Grasso 203-407-3183.

6. How do I get a copy of a fire or emergency medical service report?

Come to the Fire Administration Office located at 2372 Whitney Avenue to obtain a copy of a fire report. Contact the Fire Chief's office at 203-407-5880 for information on obtaining an emergency services medical report.

7. Can I take a tour of a Fire Station?

Yes. You may stop by your local fire station between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and ask for a tour, but due to the hectic schedules of firefighters with both planned and unplanned activities, we recommend you contact us to schedule a tour at 203-407-5880.

Remember, even when tours are scheduled the tour may be cut short or cancelled due to an emergency call.

8. Why is it necessary for Fire Fighters to break windows and cut holes in a roof?

As a fire burns, it moves upward and outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation) stops the damaging outward movement and enables firefighters to fight the fire more efficiently and safely.

9. Why does a fire truck or fire rescue vehicle respond with the ambulance?

Both ambulances and fire rescue trucks are staffed by cross trained firefighter/paramedics and firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician. A fire rescue truck is dispatched with the ambulance on many calls for additional manpower or resources. In most cases the fire rescue truck may be closer and can initiate medical care before the arrival of the ambulance.

Together, the fire rescue truck and ambulance crews make a highly efficient team to provide you with an unsurpassed level of care.

10. But what can a fire rescue truck do for me if I am sick or hurt?

The fire rescue truck carries much of the same equipment that you would find on the ambulance. The fire rescue truck crew can provide an assessment of your medical condition and begin treating conditions before the ambulance arrives on the scene.

11. Why do I sometimes see fire trucks or ambulances running with their lights and sirens on, and then suddenly they turn them off?

Lights and sirens are only used when responding to an emergency call. If another apparatus reaches the call first, additional apparatus may be cancelled or continue to the call in a non-emergency mode.

12. When I am driving and I am approached by an emergency vehicle, what should I do?

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.

13. How do I check my smoke alarm?

Each smoke alarm has a test button. Press the test button and hold it for a few seconds. If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop when you release the button. Remember to test your smoke detector monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. 

If your smoke alarm is over 10 years old it needs to be replaced with a new unit.

14. Does the fire department provide free blood pressure checks?

Yes. Any Hamden Fire Station will check your blood pressure without an appointment, granted they are in the station and not on a call.

15. How do I refill or check my fire extinguisher?

The Hamden Fire Department does not service or refill fire extinguishers. Look for a fire extinguisher service company or purchase a new extinguisher if the pressure gauge is low.

16. Why do we see fire department crews at the grocery store?

Fire crews work a 24 hour shift that includes lunch and dinner. The firefighters all eat the same meal, as a group. The crews pay for their food out of their own pockets. 

Each morning, after the equipment is checked and their housework completed, one of the vehicles (either the engine or rescue truck) will make a quick trip to the grocery store to purchase the food for the shift. All crews remain in service to respond to calls while shopping and eating meals.

17. Does the Fire Department provide child locator decals?

Rescuing people is the top priority for all firefighters. They are trained to make a thorough and systematic search for anyone inside a burning building as soon as they arrive at a fire scene. In the interest of community safety, the Hamden Fire Department does not recommend that "child" or "invalid" locator decals be placed on home windows for a variety of reasons.

First, the typical family moves average of once every five to seven years. Even if a family doesn't move from the house, the family may switch rooms with time, making the decal meaningless. Often, children sleep in rooms other than their own, leave their room when frightened, or spend the night away and, therefore, may not be in the room marked with a decal. 

Most importantly, a decal can also invite a burglar to enter through a marked window because the occupant of that room would present less of a threat.

The most effective way to protect your family in the event of a fire in your house is to:

• Ensure smoke alarms are installed and working properly
• Prepare and practice a family fire escape plan

18. How many smoke alarms do I need in my home and why is my smoke alarm making a funny sound (chirping)?

One smoke alarm isn't enough! You should have at least one smoke alarm in every bedroom and in the hallway outside each bedroom. A typical 3 bedroom home would need at least 4 properly installed smoke alarms to provide a reasonable amount of protection for your family.

Smoke rises, so the best place to install an alarm is on the ceiling or high on an inside wall approximately 6-8 inches below the ceiling. Anytime your smoke alarm goes off, check your home thoroughly. If you see or smell smoke, immediately get out of your home and call 911. If the detector is chirping, replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can't do its job and the risk of dying in a fire increases greatly.

19. What is the best kind of fire extinguisher for my home?

A multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A-10B-C on the label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. We recommended installing an extinguisher in the kitchen and in the garage.

20. Why did so many fire trucks come when I just had a fire on my stove?

The Hamden Fire Department bases its response on the type of call it receives. Even a small stovetop fire can grow rapidly. Until a fire crew can access the structure and determine that the fire is out, we would rather err on the side of caution and have all the resources in place to protect your family and property. 

Our goal is to have a minimum of 15 firefighters on the scene of your fire within minutes of you calling 911.