FAQ
- What is a Fire Protection District?
- Some times I see fire trucks running lights and sirens, then they turn them off for no reason. Are you guys just doing that to run red lights?
- Why do I see firefighters shopping at the grocery store?
- Firefighters must spend a lot of time just sitting around, waiting for a fire, don't they?
- Why do so many emergency vehicles respond to every incident?
- I'd like to arrange a tour of a fire station for a youth group. Is that possible?
- Are you hiring?
Q: What is a Fire Protection District?
A: A Fire Protection District, as governed by Chapter 321 of the Missouri Revised Statues, is a political subdivision which is organized to supply fire protection. That is to say that such a district is an independent (i.e. not part of a municipal government) organization, that levies taxes and uses the revenue from those taxes to provide fire protection. The residents that live within the defined boundaries of the the District elect a Board of Directors for the district and vote on all tax initiatives.
Q: Some times I see fire trucks running lights and sirens, then they turn them off for no reason. Are you guys just doing that to run red lights?
A: Absolutely not! Because of the unpredictable nature of emergencies, and because we often get very little information when we are called, we assign trucks and personal to handle a serious incident. There are times when the first unit to arrive on the scene of an emergency will find that they are able to deal with the incident on their own or with less help than is on the way. In such cases the units that are not needed are canceled and put in service to respond to other emergencies, even though they were already on the way to this one. That is why you will some times see a unit "shut down" to non-emergency status.
Q: Why do I see firefighters shopping at the grocery store?
A: Fire crews work 24-hour days and must supply their own meals while in the firehouse. They stop to purchase food within their assigned area and are always available for emergencies.
Q: Firefighters must spend a lot of time just sitting around, waiting for a fire, don't they?
A: No! When they are not responding to emergencies, firefighters have lots of other duties. They perform fire inspections in businesses, schools and churches. There are also ongoing training exercises so they can keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date. They also take time to familiarize themselves with changes in our fast-growing area: new streets and new construction, so they are prepared to act quickly in an emergency. And, when time permits, firefighters are allowed to use part of their day for exercise, in order to stay fit for the often strenuous demands of firefighting and rescue work. These activities take place seven days a week.
Q: Why do so many emergency vehicles respond to every incident?
A: South Metro has a system for determining the appropriate number of people and the urgency of the response for different types of emergencies. We send the amount that may be needed so there will be no delay in providing whatever aid is necessary.
Q:
I'd like to arrange a tour of a fire station for a youth group. Is that
possible?
A: Yes, we welcome visits to our facilities.
However, with the vigorous training schedule, as well as
day-to-day emergencies, it can be a challenge to find a time
that fits both your schedule and the firefighters. Please
call South Metro Headquarters at (816) 331-3008 during
regular business hours to arrange a time to visit
A: Please see our section on Employment
Do you have a question you'd like answered about the department? Send it along to webmaster@southmetrofire.org