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Fire-Rescue Department

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1. How often should I check my smoke detector?

Battery operated smoke detectors should have their batteries changed twice a year. We like to remind people change the battery when the time changes in April and October.

2. Do I need a smoke detector?

Yes, every home should have and is now required to have smoke alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 40% of all home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms, while 23% resulted from homes in which smoke alarms were present but did not operate.

3. Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

Only homes with fuel fired equipment are encouraged to provide carbon monoxide detectors. Examples of fuel fire equipment are any appliances that use natural gas, LP gas or fuel oils as the fuel source. Electric appliances would not be included among those.

4. My child thinks playing with fire is fascinating. What can I do to teach him/her the dangers of playing with fire?

Children’s playing with matches is a very serious concern of fire officials across the nation. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that "Most (65%) child-playing home fires were started with lighters or matches. July was the peak month for outdoor fire-play. Most of these fires involved fireworks." If you suspect that a child has such a fascination, contact Dennis Marshall at 407-539-6228 or by email. Intervention requires involving professionals with specialized training. Such training is usually provided at no cost.

5. Does the Fire Department offer Flu Vaccine?

Yes, and it is free with most insurances and Part B Medicare. An appointment is not necessary, but is recommended during regular non-business hours. This service is only offered at Fire Station 45, 1776 Independence Lane.

6. Do you host birthday parties for boys and girls?

The Maitland Fire Rescue Department is unable to host birthday parties due to the number of emergency responses. We do welcome children and adults that wish to take a tour of the fire station and look at the emergency vehicles. If you would like to come by please call Fire Administration at 407-539-6226 to schedule a convenient time. Tours and truck demos are subject to emergency calls.

7. How can I get a copy of my medical records?

Access to medical records are regulated by Florida Statutes. The Maitland Fire Rescue Department will assist all persons requesting such records by calling Norma Jean Torres at 407-539-6229.

8. The fire engine or rescue truck just went through a signal light with its lights and siren on, then shut them off after they were through the intersection. Why do they do this?

Many times after being dispatched to a call for help, circumstances change as additional information is discovered by 911 call takers. From time to time, that means changing the response to the initial call for help, which sometimes results in reducing responding units from an emergency response to a non-emergency mode; sometimes it even means cancelling a unit. Occasionally, when that reduction or cancellation occurs, units are at or near traffic intersections when such action takes place. In the interest of public safety, responding units make those adjustments as soon as notified.

9. What do I do if I am driving and I see a fire engine or rescue coming up behind me blowing its horn and flashing its lights?

Florida law (316.126) requires that motorists immediately proceed to a position parallel to, and as close as reasonable to the closest edge of the curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by any law enforcement officer."

10. I smell something, but I'm not sure what it is. I want you to come check it out, but I don't think it's an emergency. What number do I call?

Whenever an emergency situation, whether real or perceived exists fire officials agree that the best thing to do is to use the emergency response system in your area. In the greater Central Florida region that means dialing ’911’. Historically, delay of notification for such incidents have resulted in very serious outcomes.

11. How do I make a donation to the Department?

Voluntary donations to the Maitland Fire Rescue Department have resulted in many benefits over past years and are much appreciated by officials. If you would like to make such a donation, please contact Fire Administration at 407-539-6229.

12. I'm interested in a career as a firefighter/paramedic. Can I ride along with you for the day?

The Maitland Fire Department is has a program where interested persons can come and see how we work through facility tours and talks. We also encourage such persons interested in a firefighter/paramedic career to ride along with us. Interested persons should email Fire Administration for a Ride Along Application Packet. There is a fee of $24 for a background check.

13. Why did another agency respond to my 911 call?

The Maitland Fire Rescue Department participates in a regional program known as the ’Joint Response’ program. Agencies participating in that program in addition to Maitland Fire Department are Orange County Fire Rescue, Winter Park Fire Department, and all agencies of Seminole County. The purpose of this program is to provide persons in need of help, the most expedient service available by the closest available unit, regardless of which agency is represented.

14. Will being transported by the paramedics speed up my emergency room wait?

No, there is no valid basis for that assumption. When you arrive a the hospital emergency room, you are evaluated by emergency room staff and then assigned to a waiting room or bed depending upon the seriousness of your condition. Dialing 911 does not mean you will be seen before other patients.

15. Why did the fire engine respond with the rescue for my medical call?

The answer to this question is resource deployment. Most medical (EMS) calls for service demand that more than two responders be present. The most effective use of resources is to provide the best level of response possible through the two units being deployed and that means the resources not needed can be made available sooner for subsequent calls for service.

16. Can the engine crew help me with a medical need?

Yes, and in some cases, those not requiring complete advanced life support level of service, an engine company (fire truck and crew) will do just that.

17. What do the firefighters do when they are not on a call?

This varies from agency to agency depending upon many factors, but in Maitland, firefighters not involved with emergency responses do many things valuable to the residents and visitors of Maitland. As an example, being prepared for emergency calls demands that the department do a great deal of training. That training involves not only responses to medical emergencies (70 to 80% of most agencies) and fires, but also vehicle crashes, hazardous materials, bomb threats, construction accidents, to note just a few. Firefighters, in addition to spending a great deal of time maintaining their emergency equipment, also provide general wellness checks at fire stations through blood pressure screening, flu shots, public speaking and demonstration programs.

18. How do I properly dispose of unwanted medications?

Please see our Properly Dispose of Unwanted Medications page for detailed information and instructions for properly disposing of medications.