Frequently asked questions

Q: If I see a fire or smell smoke, or have an emergency where do I call?

DIAL 911. The Emergency Dispatch Center will dispatch fire personnel to the scene.

Q: If my house catches on fire, what should I do?

Leave the house after calling 911: and if possible turn off the power. Account for all occupants in a safe location away from the structure. DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE STRUCTURE.

Q: Why do 911 dispatchers ask so many questions instead of sending help immediately?

When a call is received at the emergency dispatch center, a dispatcher will gather the information while another dispatcher dispatches the call to the firefighters and/or paramedics.

Q: Why does a fire engine respond to my house when I request an ambulance?

Palm Bay Fire Rescue Advanced Life Support Engine(s) or Squad(s) are dispatched simultaneously with a Brevard County Transport Unit. Firefighter EMTs/Paramedics, assigned to a fire engine, can begin assessing the victim and expedite care prior to the arrival of the ambulance. Our goal is to have emergency personnel on scene within six minutes.

Q: Can I burn trash in my yard?

The City of Palm Bay has contractual trash pick up with a Company. Trash set out at the curb will be picked up on regularly scheduled days. NO BURNING of trash is allowed under City Code in Palm Bay.

Q: How do I protect my home from brush fires?

• Leave a buffer zone of cleared land between your home and the wild land area of vegetation and wild growth. The recommended space if 30' of cleared land. Keeping cleared land with little or no vegetation around your home gives the fire less fuel to feed on, which can lead it to the house.
• Keep trees trimmed away from the house. This too, can fuel fires, and transfer them to the roof of the house.
• Doors and windows should be closed and A/C left on.
• Additional information can be obtained at any Palm Bay Fire Department station.

 Q: If a patient is transported to the hospital, may a family member accompany the patient in the ambulance?

Yes, you are usually seated in the front of the ambulance so the EMT’s and Paramedics can have ample room to assist the patient.

Q: If I am driving my vehicle and see a fire truck or ambulance approaching me, what should I do?

If you are in a moving vehicle, pull over to the right side of the road. If you are stopped at a red light - DO NOT RUN THE LIGHT. Attempt to pull over to the right, so a clear lane of traffic can be opened up for emergency vehicles.

Q: What hours do firefighters work?

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts. They work 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty.

Q: If I would like to set up a safety class, or a tour of the Fire Safety House, whom should I contact?

Our Emergency Services Secretary 409-6361.  To arrange a tour of one of our fire stations, call 409-6361.

Q: If I wanted to get a copy of a fire or EMS (medical) report that happened at my residence, for personal or insurance reasons, what do I do?

Please call and ask for the Records Division. Copies of reports may be obtained at the Palm Bay Fire Department Headquarters/Records located at 899 Carlyle Ave., SE (8:30 am – 5:00 pm.) It is best to call ahead so they can be ready for you, when you arrive. (321) 409-6381

Q: Can I stop by the fire stations to get my blood pressure checked?

Absolutely. Fire stations are manned 24 hours a day. You may stop in at any time during normal business hours 8:30 am to 5:00 p.m.

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