St. Tammany's Fire District 12 FAQs:

• Does the fire department service fire extinguishers?
• Does the fire department install smoke detectors?
• When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
• Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?


• Why do 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?
• Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire?
• Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?
• Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls?

Does the fire department service fire extinguishers? (back to top)

The fire department does not service fire extinguishers. There are many fire extinguisher companies in the telephone book that have the proper equipment to service them.

Does the fire department install smoke detectors? (back to top)

Yes, the fire department will install smoke detectors in your home. Please call Fire District 12 985-892-5161 to set up a time to do this.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do? (back to top)

Please pull to the right and stop.  This will allow fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response. 

Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?

 (back to top)

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. Fire District 12 responds with adequate resources when they are reacting to a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help than not enough.
A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks almost simultaneously.  Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams.   

Why do 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? (back to top)

As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, assessed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control or that a single unit could handle the emergency. All other responding units are cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.
Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle with red lights and sirens go through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call to which they were responding.

Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire?  (back to top)

This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous superheated 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 or for victims to survive. When a hole is made in the roof, and the building is “vented,” the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It increases the victim’s chance for survival and makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibility of backdraft (explosion) 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 get ahead of the fire on a roof and cut holes to access the attic to stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

Why do firefighters break windows in a building that is on fire? (back to top)

Dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire.   By venting the window (horizontal ventilation) of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin.  Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house.  Breaking the window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause.  Replacing broken glass is much less expensive than repairing structural damage from the fire.

Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents? (back to top)

Two reasons.  First, automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials.   Second, Fire District 12 firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics.  They assist the local private EMS service with patient care or assist in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls? (back to top)

As mentioned in the statement prior, firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics.  Our primary mission is to save lives and alleviate suffering.  Due to the strategic location of Fire District 12 throughout the city, we can arrive quickly and begin emergency medical treatment or life saving techniques such as CPR and/or use cardiac defibrillators.  Fire District 12 EMTs and Paramedics arrive on the scene quickly and stabilize the patient’s medical condition.  Presently, the Fire District 12 does not provide ambulance services; therefore, a private ambulance company arrives later to provide transport to the hospital.