FAQs • Andover, MA • CivicEngage

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Fire Rescue

1. Why does a fire engine come when I call for an ambulance?: All fire apparatus personnel are certified in Emergency Medical Services Basic Life Support skill sets. On many occasions the fire apparatus is closer to the medical emergency than the ambulance, so it is best to send trained and equipped personnel, who can respond as quickly as possible. On occasion, the more serious medical situations require more than just the two EMT’s that are assigned to the ambulance. So the engine or ladder personnel assist the ambulance personnel while on scene.

2. When is open air burning season?: Open air burning season is from January 15th through April 30th annually. You must purchase a burning permit to be able to burn and you must adhere to several restrictions. A burning permit costs $25.00 and can be obtained online through the Town Website or by visiting the Fire Prevention Office located at 36 Bartlett Street between the hours of 8:00 am – 3:00 pm daily.

3. How do I report a leaking or broken fire hydrant?: All problems with fire hydrants can be reported by contacting the Andover Water Department at 978-623-8700 during normal business hours. If it is an emergency during nights and weekends call the Public Safety Center 978-623-3700 and speak to dispatch.

4. Why are fire engines used to block lanes on the highway when there is an emergency?: The apparatus blocks one or several lanes to protect the fire and emergency personnel who are working on the scene. The apparatus serves as a barricade to prevent those who are working on scene from being struck by oncoming traffic. By blocking lanes all personnel can work more diligently which leads to more efficient operations thereby allowing the opening of lanes quicker.

5. How do I request a copy of a car fire, fire or ambulance report?: You may request a car fire or fire report by contacting the Fire Prevention Office at 978-623-8660. To request an ambulance report please call the administration office at the Central Fire Station at 978-623-3700.

6. Will I be charged for false alarms?: Yes, starting July 1, 2008, false alarms of fire will be invoiced according to the Town of Andover By-law. View the By-Law for False Alarms of Fire (PDF).

7. What is the difference between Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS)?: Personnel that are trained to the Advanced Life Support level are Paramedics. They have a much higher level of knowledge, skills and abilities that allow them to perform more invasive life saving measures on patients such as utilizing intravenous fluids and medications, intubations, 12 lead electrocardiogram administration and reading, as well as, various other techniques. To achieve Paramedic certification, personnel must participate in over 2000 hours of classroom and clinical time in an emergency department of a hospital.
Personnel trained at the Basic Life Support level are Emergency Medical Technicians and can perform basic triage and treatment techniques. However; if trained, many EMT’s can administer Narcan, Albuterol, Epinephrine, and aspirin to treat their patients who may require these medications.
Emergency Medical Technicians must participate in approximately 500 hours of classroom, clinical and mentoring time. Andover Fire Rescue operates two (2) Basic Life Support units 24/7/365.

8. Can I schedule a visit to the fire station or schedule fire personnel to visit us?: Yes, you may call Andover Fire Rescue at 978-623-3700 to schedule.

9. Does Andover Fire Rescue inspect child car safety seats?: Yes, Andover Fire Rescue does inspect child car safety seats. You can schedule an inspection by calling 978-623-3701.

10. Can I perform Community Service at the fire station or through the fire department?: Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to perform Community Service at the fire station. There are certain restrictions and all requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. You can obtain further information by contacting the Fire Chief's office at 978-623-3700.

11. Can the fire department fill private swimming pools/dunk tanks with water?: Andover Fire Rescue is prohibited from filling swimming pools.

12. Can the fire department come out and change the batteries in my smoke/carbon monoxide detector(s)?: Yes, if the smoke or carbon monoxide detector is too high for the resident to reach, they are disabled or elderly and are unable to climb on a ladder to replace the batteries

13. What does it mean when my smoke or carbon monoxide alarm chirps once every few minutes?: Typically this signals a low battery, which will need to be replaced for the device to keep working. Most hardwired smoke alarms also have a battery back up that will chirp also. They need changing too.

14. Can the fire department unlock my car if I leave my keys inside?: Andover Fire Rescue will only respond to keys locked inside vehicles if an emergency situation exists, such as a child or pet inside the vehicle or the engine is running.

15. What can I do with an old fire extinguisher?: They should be discharged of all pressure & contents and can be recycled.

16. Is it safe to throw an Ionization Smoke Alarm in household trash?: Yes, Ionization Smoke Alarms have a tiny piece of radioactive material which is used to sense smoke. This amount is harmless and can be discarded in household trash when no longer in use.

17. What can I do with an old propane cylinder?: Old propane cylinders can be recycled at a propane supplier that accepts them or the Household Hazardous waste drop day the town sponsors. A small fee may accompany the disposal of the cylinder. Do not place them for curbside recycling or trash pick up as they will not be taken.