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NEWS• Two New Ambulances• Burning leaves, grass, etc • VIM Recycling Plant Fire • See more |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are your trucks yellow?
In the 70's it was very popular to have yellow (actually lime-yellow) fire trucks since it is much easier to see than red. Although many departments have gone back to traditional red, Concord has kept the color. Today, we are one of the few departments in Elkhart county that still has yellow trucks.
A complete set of "bunkers" with boots, helmet, gloves and SCBA (air tank) weighs over 50 pounds. They can be very hot in the summer but do a good job of protecting a firefighter.
The SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) helps the firefighter to breath clean air, not pure oxygen, in a smoky environment. They are rated for 45 minutes but usually only last about 30-35 minutes.
How much water does a fire truck carry?
Different trucks carry different amounts. The smaller trucks carry 250 gallons while the large pumpers carry 1000-2500 gallons. The tanker carries 3300 gallons. Two small 1-¾" hoses spraying water on a fire can drain 1000 gallons in less than 3 minutes!
Depending on the size and type, a new fire truck (apparatus) will cost from $300,000 to close to over $1,000,000. National standards and the heavy construction help to drive the cost up. A custom apparatus can be in service for 25 years!
Do you give firehouse tours?
Absolutely! Give the station a call to arrange a time. Although rides cannot be given, kids are welcomed to see the trucks, learn about fire safety, and maybe get a little wet.
To become a volunteer member, an applicant must pass the application process, medical exam, fitness test, and have a minimum of 24 hours of training followed by a 6 month probationary process. Additional training and meetings take place on the first three Monday nights of each month. It takes a big commitment of time and energy but the experience is very rewarding. Applications are available at the Fire Station or download one here.
Is everyone a volunteer?
Since 1975, the Concord Twp. Fire Dept. has been a combined department. We now have nine paid staff and over 30 volunteers. The range of experience is from a few months to over 30 years.
What do I do if I see a car with a flashing blue light?
Volunteers often respond to calls in their personal vehicles using a blue light. They may be on their way to the station or traveling directly to the scene of an accident, fire, or medical call.
What do you do if it is a big fire?
We will respond with all our equipment and in addition, call for help from nearby departments for "mutual aid". Depending on the situation, we can have eight or more additional departments respond.
A paramedic and an EMT are on duty 24 hours a day at the station. In addition to this, off duty people and volunteers will respond as well. Almost 2/3 of the department has at least an EMT certification.
How fast does a fire truck go?
Probably not as fast as you think! Since they are so heavy and carry so much water, they are built to get up to speed quickly. Top speed is only 60-65 mph. which is not bad when your pulling 30 tons!
Do the train tracks cause problems for you?
YES! Often ambulance calls are delayed while waiting for a train to clear. While we still have people who respond, we do become frustrated waiting for the tracks to clear.
What was the biggest event to which CFD ever responded?
The biggest single event had to be the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado. The largest fire was possibly the fire at Crown manufacturing or the 2004 apartment fire at Arbor Lakes.
We are a non-profit organization so gifts are tax-deductible. Gifts can be designated towards training, equipment, or vehicles.
To how many calls a year do you respond?
We currently have about 1200 per year with about a 7% increase each year. About 80% of the calls are medical emergencies.
What is the Explorers program for teens?
The Explorers program is organized through the Boys Scouts of America and is designed to give teens interested in a career in fire / EMT services the opportunity to see what it is all about. They are given training and limited on-scene experience under the guidance of the Concord Township Fire Department. The program is funded by contributions from local businesses and the community.
NEW QUESTIONS
What will be at your station at C.R. 9 & 26?
This station will house an engine, an ambulance, a tanker, and a rescue truck. Plans are to staff the station to cover the growing population of the area.
Why did the township assume responsibility for the fire department?
The township has owned the trucks and paid the full time salaries of the e Department for many years. With the building of the two new stations, it was decided to hire a full time chief and run the department as a government entity using the existing paid staff and volunteers.
What happened to the previous fire department organization?
The non-profit organization was dissolved and a similar one was created to allow the department to continue in charity and educational work for the Concord community. You can read the letter published in the Elkhart Truth by the department in January 2006 here.
We remember the 343 firemen who died on September 11, 2001