Frequently Asked Questions

 

What should I do in the event of a fire?

- Get to a safe location, such as a neighbor's house, and then call 9-1-1 immediately. Try to alert others as you exit the building, but never go back inside. Firefighters have equipment and are trained for getting people out of burning buildings, but without the proper equipment you may become another victim.

 

How can I prevent fires?

- The best way to prevent fires is to learn what causes fires to initially start. You should keep all flammable materials away from heat sources and never play with fire. Replace worn or frayed electrical cords. You should also install smoke alarms on every level of your house and in each bedroom. Don't forget to change your smoke detector batteries twice a year.

 

 

 

How big is the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department?

- Our department has 39 members and 9 active fire trucks.

 

How can I join the fire department?

- To join, you must be a resident of Wayne fire district #2, be at least 19 years old, and willing to donate your time and energy to the prevention and extinguishment of fires.

 

Is there a physical fitness requirement to join the department?

- We do not have any physical fitness requirement to be on the department. Firefighters who actively extinguish the fires must be capable of carrying all of the protective gear and manipulating the fire hose, both of which can be quite heavy. But department members can also contribute in other ways, such as fire prevention, traffic control, or records management.

 

How much does the fire gear weigh?

- The fireman's protective clothing (called turnouts or bunker gear) and the air tanks (called self-contained breathing apparatus or SCBA) can weigh up to 45 pounds or more.

 

How much do fire trucks cost?

- The cost of a fire truck can vary depending on its size and intended purpose. Most of our smaller utility trucks cost around $100,000 if purchased new today. The larger pumpers can cost in excess of $200,000.

 

How many fires does the department average in a year?

- The Wayne VFD responds to approximately 40 fire calls per year. Fortunately, many of these calls are false alarms triggered by accidental alarm activation or someone "smelling smoke". We usually have to extinguish only 10-20 fires per year. The department also responds to about 20 auto accidents per year.

 

 

Is there a question that you don't see listed here? If so, email us at firedept@cityofwayne.org and we'll try to answer your question.