Show All Answers

1. Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in a roof during a fire?

Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This allows firefighters to get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chances of a possible back-draft explosion.

2. Why do firefighters block traffic lanes at motor vehicle accidents and more lanes than are necessary?

We block traffic lanes for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keep our personnel safe when they go back to the apparatus to get more equipment and help protect the victims we are trying to stabilize.

3. Sometimes I see fire apparatus with lights and siren in operation proceeding through intersections and then after they go through they turn off their lights and slow down?

When several fire units are dispatched to the same incident, the first units that arrive may have assessed or "sized-up" the situation and determined it is under control and/or the Fire Department is no longer needed. All other responding units are subsequently cancelled and returned to service. Therefore, when you see an emergency vehicle proceeding lights and siren through an intersection and then slow down and turn off their lights, they have probably been cancelled from the call they were going on.

4. Why does my water turn brown when firefighters turn on fire hydrants?

The Department inspects fire hydrants for proper operation at least once every year. We turn the fire hydrants on to make sure they operate properly. The hydrants are turned on slowly so as not to stir up the sediment that is in the pipes, but at times the sediment does get stirred up and the water coming out of your faucet can be brown in color. Simply let the water run for several minutes and it will eventually clear.

5. Why do firefighters shop at the local grocery stores?

Firefighters are like everyone else. We need to eat. We work 24-hour shifts and must supply our own food. We combine our own money to purchase food for our meals.

6. Why are smoke detectors so important?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 3,000 people died from fires in 2008 with 84% of fatal fires happening in homes and other dwellings. Unless you see a fire start, you can only find out there is a fire if you're awake to smell the smoke. If you happen to be asleep, a smoke detector is probably the only way to save your life and the lives of everyone sleeping in your home. Smoke detectors are intended to sound an alarm when they sense smoke. Smoke rises so place the detectors near the ceiling or directly onto the ceiling. Make sure there is a smoke detector on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation of smoke detectors.

7. How can I get a copy of my EMS report or a fire report?

EMS Ambulance Transport Medical Report

To obtain an EMS ambulance transport medical report, please contact Laura Baumgardner at 440-442-2626 ext. 295 or email Laura at laurabaumgadner@mayfieldheightsohio.gov.  The report must be picked up in person at City Hall when ready, and a photo ID is required when picking up the report. 

Fire Report

To obtain a fire report, please contact Laura Baumgartner at 440-442-2626 ext. 295 or email Laura at laurabaumgadner@mayfieldheightsohio.gov for more information.

8. Who do I contact for questions about an ambulance ride bill I received?

 Please contact Laura Baumgartner at 440-442-2626 ext. 295 or email Laura at laurabaumgadner@mayfieldheightsohio.gov for your billing questions. 

9. How do I get a hydrant permit?

Please fill out the Hydrant Permit Form here.

10. What is the Smoke Detector Program?

The Mayfield Heights Fire Department is committed to helping people keep their homes safe. This program is offered free of charge to Mayfield Heights residents. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our program, please call Laura Baumgardner at 440-442-2626, x 295, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Be prepared to leave a message on voice mail. This program is made possible by federal grants and donations from our business and professional organizations.

11. What is the Residential Lock Box Program?

The Mayfield Heights Fire Department Lock Box Program assists firefighters and paramedics in gaining rapid entry into your home in the event of an emergency, saving time and property by eliminating the need for forced entry.

What is a Lock Box?

A residential lock box is a heavy, metal, safe-like box that is mounted on the door jamb of your home. A key to your house is secured inside the box, and access to the box can only be obtained by a master key created specifically for the Mayfield Heights Fire Department. This master key remains secured on Fire Department apparatus and is only accessible to Mayfield Heights Fire Safety Personnel.

In the event of an emergency in which you are unable to open the door for First Responders, the Fire Department can use their master key to open the lock box and access your house key to gain entry into your home. Having a lockbox can add lifesaving minutes during an emergency and can save property damage that forcibly gaining entry may cause.

Purchasing a Lock Box

If you are the owner of a single-family home in Mayfield Heights, you may purchase a Residential Lock Box for $35 through the Mayfield Heights Fire Department. A Fire Official will schedule an appointment to come to your home and install the box for you.

Please call Laura at the Mayfield Heights Fire Dept. at 440 442-2626 ext. 295 for details.

Click here for Lock Box Application