Q: Can I arrange a tour at the Fire Station for my child’s school?
A: Yes, tours can be arranged for various groups such as schools and youth groups. Please call (909) 798-7600 to schedule your Tour.

Q: Can I select a specific date and time for my tour?
A: Yes, However the crews that conduct the tours are also on duty and may have to respond to any and all emergencies that they are called to. Therefore, your tour may get interrupted. Also, please be aware that some days and times are better to schedule than others. I.E. Saturday mornings are very busy for the fire dept as we operate the household hazardous waste program with on duty crews. Because of this many pieces of firefighting equipment would not be available for your tour to view.

Q: Can our group just show up for a tour?
A: Because we do get a lot of request for tours, it is requested that you make plans 2 weeks prior to your visit. This will allow the fire dept the best opportunity to schedule your group for your tour. We do our best to ensure that as many fire trucks are available for your tour to see.

Q: Can my child slide the pole?
A: Unfortunately we DO NOT allow guest on tours to slide the pole.

Q: Can I drop off my used needles at the fire station?
A: Yes. The station that accepts your used sharps is located at 525 E. Citrus. When you drop off your filled sharps container, you will be issued a new empty container.

Q: Why do I see the Firefighters at the store shopping for food on duty?
A: Because firefighters work 24 hours at a time, they must eat lunch and dinner at the station. They are allowed to shop for meals while on duty. However, if an emergency call comes in you will also see them run out of the store and respond in a very timely manner.

Q: What schedule does a firefighter work?
A: Firefighters work 24 hours at a time and then are off for 24 hours. This schedule offers the greatest protection to the citizens of Redlands. Having firefighters on duty 24hrs a day, 365 days a year, you can be assured that at the Redlands Fire Dept will be ready to respond to your emergency.

Q: What does your work day routine consist of?
A: Because we work 24 hours at a time there are many things that we try to accomplish during our work day. A typical day for a firefighter will go as follows: Check out all of their safety gear and equipment. Firefighter/Paramedics will also check out all the medical equipment that they use on medical emergencies. The drivers will check out the fire truck and make sure that it is ready to respond to any fires or medical emergencies. While this is being done the Engine Captain will arrange all the activities for the day. These include training for firefighting, conducting building inspections, physical fitness and any number of specialized training such as Haz-mat or rope rescue, just to name a few. PLUS handle any and all emergency calls for help that come in.

Q: Why do I see the firefighters working out while on duty?
A: When a firefighter is suited up to fight fire he is wearing approx 50-60lbs of gear. That does not include any hose or tools that are required for firefighters to do their job. Because firefighting is such a physically demanding job, the men and women of the Redlands Fire Department are encouraged to work out while on duty and stay physically fit. This is not only for their benefit, but more importantly the benefit of the citizens which they protect.

Q: Does the Fire Dept have a Dalmatian dog? Why did they use Dalmatians in the fire service?
A: No, we do not have a Dalmatian or any other dog. Dalmatians were used when the fire pumps were pulled by horses. The Dalmatians would run beside the horses and help guide the horse to the fire. The dog running next to the horse kept the horse from getting spooked while responding to the fire. After the crews would return to the fire house the Dalmatians would often live and sleep with the horses.

Q: Why do I see two fire trucks, one ambulance and a police car or two on scene of a medical emergency?
A: A true medical emergency requires a large number of personnel. In order to properly perform CPR you need 5-6 firefighters plus an ambulance crew. Current staffing dictates that we send two pieces of equipment to all medical emergencies. Once a patient is assessed and it is determined that one crew can handle it, they other crew is returned to service so they are available for the next 911 emergency.

Q: When I call for the paramedics, why does the fire dept show up?
A: The Redlands Fire Dept. is staffed with 18 Firefighter/Paramedics, 6 of which are on duty every day. In addition, all the remaining personnel are trained emergency medical technicians and use these skills often. This offers the greatest medical service possible to the citizens at the lowest cost.

Q: When I call 911, why do I get a bill?
A: You will NEVER receive a bill from the Redlands Fire Dept for EMS services that we provide. Your tax dollars provide fire and EMS service. However, if you elect to be transported to an emergency room by AMR (Ambulance provider) they will send you a bill for their services as they are a for profit company. AMR is not part of the Fire Dept.