FAQs • Orono, ME • CivicEngage

Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?: This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof 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 the 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 through the attic.

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Fire Department

1. Does the fire department accept old fire extinguishers or household chemicals that I don't want?: The fire department does not accept old fire extinguishers or household chemicals.

2. What should I do when a fire truck or ambulance approaches me while I am driving?: If any emergency vehicle approaches you with emergency lights and sirens on, pull to the right and come to a stop. Emergency vehicles are trying to get to a scene as quickly as possible while driving respectfully. Also, please slow down when you see emergency vehicles on the side of the road. Roads may be slippery and firefighters may be in the roadway helping others.

4. Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?: If you would like your blood pressure checked, please come to the fire station between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Blood pressure clinics are also held in the laundry rooms between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Hasbrouck Court on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and at Longfellow Heights on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. These clinics are for residents of the complexes only. A weekly blood pressure clinic is also held between 12:30 and 1 p.m. every Wednesday at the Birch Street School.

5. Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?: Call the Fire Inspector at 207-889-6113 or check the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers.

6. Why does a fire truck show up when I called for an ambulance?: Certain medical calls require additional personnel to help treat a patient. By dispatching a fire truck to an ambulance call, extra paramedics are available to quickly move the patient to the ambulance and start treatment. This results in medical care being delivered more effectively. If another call comes in, the fire truck is available to respond to the next emergency.

7. 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. Each truck carries different equipment that allows us to help the citizens of Orono. Fire engines carry the water and the hose to put out a fire. The ladder truck carries saws, ladders, and other specialized equipment to help put the fire out safely. The ambulance responds to help treat any citizens or firefighters who are injured. The Orono Fire Department thinks pessimistically when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. They are fast, well-trained and pleasant in their response.
There may be three fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can, prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

8. 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, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call. Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go "Code 3" (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 going on.

9. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?: This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof 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 the 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 through the attic.