Frequently Asked Questions

When a fire truck is approaching, it’s important to take the following actions to ensure the safety of everyone on the road and allow the emergency vehicle to pass quickly:

• Pull Over: Safely pull over to the right side of the road and stop. If you’re on a multi-lane road, move to the rightmost lane.

• Yield: Yield the right of way by stopping and allowing the fire truck to pass. Do not try to outrun or follow the emergency vehicle.

• Stay Alert: Keep an eye on other vehicles and pedestrians as they may also be reacting to the approaching fire truck.

• Do Not Block Intersections: If you’re approaching an intersection, do not block it. Move through the intersection and then pull over.

• Wait for All Emergency Vehicles: Sometimes, multiple emergency vehicles will be responding to the same incident. Make sure all emergency vehicles have passed before you resume driving.

By following these steps, you help ensure that emergency responders can reach their destination quickly and safely. Your cooperation can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

When you call for an ambulance, you might also get a fire truck because many fire departments have personnel who are trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. Fire trucks are often equipped with medical equipment and staffed with trained medical personnel, allowing them to provide critical care quickly. In many emergencies, time is of the essence, and the nearest fire truck might be able to reach you faster than an ambulance. Additionally, having more responders on the scene can be crucial for situations that require more hands, such as cardiac arrests, serious traumas, or complex rescues. This coordinated response ensures you receive the best possible care as quickly as possible.

No, you cannot park in a fire lane. Fire lanes are designated areas reserved for emergency vehicles to ensure quick and unobstructed access during emergencies. While fire trucks may park in these lanes even when not responding to an incident, this is to ensure they can access and leave quickly if dispatched on a run. Additionally, having fire department resources already parked in the fire lane in non-emergency situations ensures they are in the correct location if an incident occurs. Parking in a fire lane as a private vehicle is illegal and can result in fines and your vehicle being towed. Keeping fire lanes clear is essential for the safety of everyone, allowing emergency responders to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.

Great question! When you see a fire truck turn off its lights and sirens suddenly, even after going through a red light, it’s not just to get through the intersection. We have multiple fire trucks responding to emergencies. When the first arriving fire trucks assess the situation, they might determine that there is no emergency or that the situation is under control. In such cases, they will either “routine” the response, which means shutting off the lights and sirens but continuing to the scene, or they will cancel the response altogether. This ensures that resources are used efficiently and remain available for other potential emergencies.

The fire department is not able to take or dispose of fire extinguishers. We recommend you call the Buncombe County Solid Waste office at 828-250-5460 for directions on disposal.

Unfortunately, the West Buncombe Fire Department does not refill fire extinguishers. It is recommended that you contact a commercial fire extinguisher company for recharging.  A listing of commercial fire extinguisher companies can be found in the local phone directory under fire extinguishers/equipment.  Many household fire extinguishers cannot be recharged and must be discarded after use. An annual inspection of the expiration date is encouraged to ensure that the manufacturer date has not expired.

Unfortunately, the West Buncombe Fire Department is not able to provide any detection devices. You are welcomed to call the station at 828-254-7387 to see if we are aware of any agencies providing that support. We will however, come and install battery operated devices or hardwired devices with compatible wiring harnesses that you have purchased. 

At a minimum, there needs to be one smoke detector in each bedroom, one outside each bedroom or group of bedrooms, and on each level of the home. We are more than willing to come out and conduct a home assessment to specifically determine how many you need and the location for them.

You should change the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year. However, it’s a good practice to check your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly. Many people find it convenient to change the batteries during the same time each year, such as when they change their clocks for daylight saving time. Additionally, if your smoke alarm starts emitting a chirping sound, this is a signal that the batteries are low and need to be replaced immediately. For alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries, replace the entire unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you have propane or natural gas installed in your home (for heating, cooking, drying, or a fireplace) or have an attached garage, then YES, you need a carbon monoxide detector.

It is important to keep the area around a fire hydrant clear to ensure easy access for firefighters in case of an emergency. While you can plant around the hydrant, there are specific guidelines to follow:

1. Maintain Clear Access: Leave at least 3 feet of clear space around the hydrant on all sides. This ensures that firefighters can quickly and easily connect hoses and operate the hydrant.

2. Avoid Obstructions: Do not plant large shrubs, trees, or other obstructions that could block access to the hydrant. Keep the area free of fencing, walls, or other barriers.

3. Choose Low-Growth Plants: If you want to landscape around the hydrant, choose low-growth plants that will not obstruct visibility or access. Ground covers, flowers, and small ornamental grasses are good options.

4. Regular Maintenance: Keep the area well-maintained. Trim any plants that start to encroach on the clear space around the hydrant.

By following these guidelines, you can maintain an attractive yard while ensuring that the fire hydrant remains accessible for emergency use.