Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

How do I get a copy of a fire report?

Call the Fire Department at (864) 576-7682. The report will usually be available for pickup, fax or sent via mail.

How can I become a Una Volunteer Firefighter?

An application can be picked up from the business office at 1025 Hayne St. in Spartanburg, S.C.

How can I find out what safety programs the Fire Department offers?

Visit our Fire Safety Programs page on our website or call (864) 576-7682.

Do you get cats out of trees or off of roofs?

It depends on the situation. Provided that there is no unsafe conditions and that the owner of the cat is present to accept liability should one of our personnel become bitten or scratched and require medical treatment. We strongly suggest to try opening a can of tuna (this usually works), leaving the immediate area and waiting for the cat to get down on his own.

Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?

You can stop by the fire station between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

How can I schedule a fire truck or a firefighter at my function?

Call the Business Office at (864) 576-7682.

Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work or needs to be serviced?

Look in the Yellow Pages under fire extinguisher or fire extinguishing systems.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what do I do?

You should pull to the right and stop. This allows the fire apparatus adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response.

Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Una Fire Department thinks cautiously when they respond to a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often to late. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help than not enough.

A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibility such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams when firefighters become trapped or injured.

How come I see fire trucks with full red lights and sirens go through a red light at an intersection and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, assessed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control or that a single unit could handle the emergency. All other responding units were cancelled and put back in service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle with red lights and siren go through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were responding to.

Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?

This is called "roof ventilation". There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gas and dark smoke accumulate in a burning. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented", the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of back-draft (explosion) and flash-over. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on the roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

Why do I see firefighters breaking windows in a building on fire?

As mentioned in the statement above, dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to quickly and safely rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. By venting the window of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house. Breaking a window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause.

Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?

Automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials.