Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S) 

How do I get information about the Juvenile Fire Setter Program?
Call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 513-785-7506.

Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?
Any Hamilton Fire Station.

Where can I pick-up a free smoke detector?
Any Hamilton Fire Station.

Does the Hamilton Fire Department refill fire extinguishers?
No, the department does not service or refill fire extinguishers. Look in the yellow pages of the phone book under “fire equipment” to locate local fire protection companies.

Who do I contact if I have an emergency medical billing question?
Call 1-800-875-0136

Why do so many fire apparatus respond to a simple incident?
There may be three or more fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a  “simple” incident. In emergency services we have learned that assuming something is “simple” can be a horrible mistake. There are many fireground tasks that must be performed at a structure fire including fire attack, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage and back-up lines. All these fireground tasks need to be conducted simultaneously. The department responds quickly and we plan to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who requests our help.

Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof or breaking windows of a building on fire?
This is called “ventilation”. There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulates in a burning building. Unlike the TV or movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof or a window broken the heat, smoke and gases escape. This makes it much easier for the firefighters to find and extinguish the fire. Ventilation also reduces the chance of backdraft and flashover.

Why does a fire truck come when I call for a paramedic unit?
The Hamilton Fire Department uses a fully integrated emergency medical delivery system. We utilize dual-role firefighters in the delivery of fire and emergency medical services. All Hamilton firefighters are required to be Certified Emergency Medical Technicians with 69 of the 113 firefighters being Paramedics. Many times an engine company can arrive on the scene of a medical emergency quicker than a paramedic unit. All Hamilton fire apparatus carry a wide variety of medical equipment including automatic external defibrillators, IV solutions, intubation equipment, oxygen and other medical supplies. Quick medical intervention is our goal.

Does the Hamilton Fire Department get cats out of trees, off poles or off roofs?
No. Try opening a can of cat food or a can of tuna. The cat will get down on it’s own.

Why do I see fire trucks at grocery stores and why does the entire crew go?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts. They are permitted to go to the store to purchase their food for the day. The entire crew goes because they are always in service to respond to an emergency. If an alarm is dispatched they will respond from the grocery store. The City of Hamilton does not purchase food for on-duty firefighters. The firefighters make the purchase with their own funds.

How do I become a firefighter?
Contact the City of Hamilton Personnel Office at One Renaissance Center, 345 High Street, or email at cspersonnel@ci.hamilton.oh.us