Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I join your department?
Visit our About page and see all of the ways you can meet us in person.
2. How can I obtain a burn permit?
Contact the Alabama Forestry Commission:
http://www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/Burn_Permits.aspx
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) restricts burning from May 1st - October 31st. For additional information, see this website:
http://adem.alabama.gov/MoreInfo/pubs/WebsiteVegetationBurning.pdf
3. Someone asked me for a donation. Was that legitimate?
While we are supported by your property tax dollars designated for fire protection, our main source of discretionary funds comes from various events we hold at our station. These event include a chili cook-off, the vet clinic for pet vaccinations, and our annual chicken dinner. Donations are collected at these times and throughout the year via check/cash to our station.
4. Why does Keel Mountain Fire Department respond to medical calls?
Keel Mountain Fire/Rescue is licensed as a Basic Life Support (BLS) Emergency Medical Provider. Our Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) respond to medical calls to evaluate and treat patients prior to the arrival of the ambulance. Madison County's ambulance service is provided by Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (HEMSI), which is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider.
5. How can I schedule a fire station visit, school visit, or other public education event?
Contact us at k[email protected] or call (256) 776-4096.
6. What do I do if a KMVFD vehicle is approaching with red lights flashing and siren sounding?
AL Law Section 32-5A-115: "Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp and audible signal as is required by law, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer."
7. Why did I see a Keel Mountain Fire/Rescue vehicle with lights and sirens pass me and then, afterwards, turn off its lights and slow down?
Most incidents require the response of multiple KMVFD units. The first arriving unit assesses the emergency. If the situation does not necessitate that the other units respond with lights and siren, the on-scene unit calls other units on the radio, telling them to respond without lights and siren. In some cases the other units are not needed and are cancelled, making them available for other calls.
Visit our About page and see all of the ways you can meet us in person.
2. How can I obtain a burn permit?
Contact the Alabama Forestry Commission:
http://www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/Burn_Permits.aspx
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) restricts burning from May 1st - October 31st. For additional information, see this website:
http://adem.alabama.gov/MoreInfo/pubs/WebsiteVegetationBurning.pdf
3. Someone asked me for a donation. Was that legitimate?
While we are supported by your property tax dollars designated for fire protection, our main source of discretionary funds comes from various events we hold at our station. These event include a chili cook-off, the vet clinic for pet vaccinations, and our annual chicken dinner. Donations are collected at these times and throughout the year via check/cash to our station.
4. Why does Keel Mountain Fire Department respond to medical calls?
Keel Mountain Fire/Rescue is licensed as a Basic Life Support (BLS) Emergency Medical Provider. Our Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) respond to medical calls to evaluate and treat patients prior to the arrival of the ambulance. Madison County's ambulance service is provided by Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (HEMSI), which is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider.
5. How can I schedule a fire station visit, school visit, or other public education event?
Contact us at k[email protected] or call (256) 776-4096.
6. What do I do if a KMVFD vehicle is approaching with red lights flashing and siren sounding?
AL Law Section 32-5A-115: "Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp and audible signal as is required by law, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer."
7. Why did I see a Keel Mountain Fire/Rescue vehicle with lights and sirens pass me and then, afterwards, turn off its lights and slow down?
Most incidents require the response of multiple KMVFD units. The first arriving unit assesses the emergency. If the situation does not necessitate that the other units respond with lights and siren, the on-scene unit calls other units on the radio, telling them to respond without lights and siren. In some cases the other units are not needed and are cancelled, making them available for other calls.