FAQs • Gainesville, TX • CivicEngage

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Fire Department

1. Does Gainesville Fire-Rescue provide Home Fire Inspections?: Yes. Home Fire Inspections are available upon request through the Fire Marshal’s office. To schedule a Home Fire Inspection, call (940) 668-7777 Ext. 5737. Home Fire Inspections are designed to assist homeowners with identifying hazards and ways to make their home safer.

2. How is the City notified of changing weather conditions?: The City of Gainesville receives weather warnings from the National Weather Service. Once the City is notified, the information is forwarded to the local law enforcement agencies and Storm Spotters when activated. Weather information will be posted to the City's website and Facebook to keep citizens aware of changing conditions.

3. How do I get to Gainesville Fire-Rescue?: The headquarters for Gainesville Fire-Rescue is located at 201 Santa Fe in the Gainesville Public Safety Facility. The Gainesville Police Department and Municipal Court are also located here. Two fire substations are located at 115 E. Pecan St. and 200 N. Clements in Gainesville. Google map to Gainesville Fire Rescue

4. Which current fire code is used by the City of Gainesvile?: The 2015 edition of the International Fire Code is currently used. The city also has adopted a select number of amendments. The Municode link is available on the City's website.

5. What is the Fire Department's permit process?: All permits are managed by the City of Gainesville’s Community Development Department located at 104 W. Hird St. The telephone number is (940) 668-4799.

6. Can I take a tour of Gainesville Fire-Rescue?: Gainesville Fire-Rescue is proud to offer tours for schools, churches, home study groups, boys and girls clubs, civic clubs, or any other interested groups or individuals. Station tours consist of a detailed look into a Firefighter’s work day, a tour of the living quarters of the fire station, description of the job that Firefighters perform, an up-close look at the fire engines and equipment that Firefighters use every day. The primary purpose of the station tour is to educate the community about fire prevention using a variety of age appropriate techniques.

7. How can I schedule a tour or event with the Fire Department?: Tours or events are coordinated through the Fire Prevention Division of Gainesville Fire Rescue. Call (940) 668-7777 to schedule a tour or email tsieger@gvps.org

8. Why does a fire truck go to medical calls with the ambulance?: The Fire Department First Responder program provides manpower and trained medical professionals to assist in patient care for life threatening medical emergencies within the city limits of Gainesville.

9. Can I burn trash or tree limbs on my property?: Limited outdoor burning may be conducted under strict guidelines with a permit. Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (940) 668-7777 for further information.

10. What do Firefighters do with their time when they are not fighting a fire?: Firefighters have daily assignments and projects that keep them active during the day. They perform safety inspections of businesses, pre-fire planning, fire prevention activities, apparatus, equipment, and station maintenance. In addition, they have assigned training materials they must complete individually each month to meet required federal and state mandates for fire and medical certifications. Each shift also performs hands-on training each month.

11. Do Firefighters get to sleep at the station?: They do, but in reality, their nights are interrupted many times for response to incidents. Statistics show that the more serious fires tend to occur after 11:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m. The City’s Firefighters are on duty for twenty-four hours. Their shift begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 7:00 a.m. the next day.

12. Are business owners required to have a fire inspection?: Yes. Gainesville Fire-Rescue inspection program encompasses all commercial property in the City limits of Gainesville. Your occupancy will be contacted in advance of an upcoming fire inspection.

13. What are typical hazards and violations looked for during a fire inspection?: Some of the more common hazards and violations include:
*Accumulation of waste materials, rubbish, paper, high weeds, etc.
*Defective wiring, switches, plugs, or junction box covers missing.
*Obstruction of electrical control panels.
*Extension cords used as permanent wiring, or misused.
*Fire suppression or sprinkler system inspections out of date.
*Fire extinguisher inspections out of date or fire extinguishers missing.
*Address not plainly visible and legible from roadway.
*Exits obstructed.
*Exit signs missing or not illuminated.
*Improper usage or storage of flammable materials.
*High pressure cylinders not adequately secured.

14. What type of early warning system does the City of Gainesville have for severe weather?: The City of Gainesville Emergency Management Division utilizes a comprehensive severe weather early warning system. This system consists of storm spotters, the CodeRED alert system, which is a high speed telephone notification system and IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert Warning System. You may sign up to receive CodeRED emergency alerts on the City's website.

15. How can I make a request for a copy of a fire report?: A specific form is not required for submitting requests, but a form is available for your convenience, should you wish to submit your request via mail, fax, in person, or email.
Request for Fire Report

16. How do I obtain or verify a 9-1-1 Address in the City of Gainesville?: How do I obtain a 9-1-1 Address? Please complete the 9-1-1 Address Form and send to the Gainesville Community Development Department, 104 West Hird Street, Gainesville, Texas, or email to cs@cogtx.us.

17. How do I apply for the Citizen's Fire Academy?: Sign up online at, http://www.gainesville.tx.us/379/Fire-Department, pick up an application at the Fire Station located at 201 Santa Fe, or call 668-5734.