Report a Fire
In an emergency situation continue focusing on the bold text below. Reporting a fire is not something that you need to do everyday; however, it is very important that you know how to report a fire when the time comes.
Steps
- Alert residents by Pull a Fire Alarm.
- Get a phone.
- Call the emergency number
- America/Canada - 911
- United Kingdom - 999
- Europe - 112
- Saudi Arabia - 998
- Pakistan - 16
- Australia - 000
- India - 100
- Ireland - 999 or 112
- For more emergency numbers, click here.
- Report to dispatcher:
- There is a fire.
- Where the fire is.
- The size of the fire.
- From the outside - relate the smoke to the size of the windows.
- From the inside - relate the level of smoke to the floor (stay low).
- The size of the structure/building.
- (By now fire departments are dispatched)
- People requiring medical attention.
- (By now paramedics are dispatched)
- The presence of hazardous materials.
- Whether nearby property is endangered.
- Any other information the dispatcher may request.
- At the arrival of the fire department, report to the deputy chief
- if anyone is trapped inside.
Tips
- Prioritize your own safety.
- Let the firefighters do their work. They are professionals.
- Stay on the phone.
- Try to use a calm and relaxed voice.
- Dispatchers work in pairs. One will talk to you, the other listens and dispatches.
- Do not bother the chief deputy more than necessary.
- If a large fire is reported paramedics are often called to the scene by default, but always report injuries in need of medical attention.
Warnings
- If you are hesitant whether there is a fire or not, do not hesitate to call the emergency number. It is the dispatchers' judgement whether a sounding fire alarm needs attention or not. You weigh the consequences of your own actions.
- Do not make fake emergency calls. It is illegal and the cost of dispatching firefighters to a scene is high and may delay them in saving the lives of others. Every minute of unnecessary delay may count towards someone's death.
- If your safety is compromised you may need to hang up on the dispatcher. If possible notify them ahead.
Things You'll Need
- A phone
- A visible fire or suspicion thereof
