CATHEDRAL CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
William M. Soqui / Fire Chief

Frequently Asked Questions

(under construction)

Why do fire engines respond to medical calls?

All Cathedral City firefighters are trained to handle medical emergencies. When we arrive on-scene, there is a lot of work that needs to get done and having sufficient personnel to complete the required tasks ensures we get the job done efficiently. At times, there are even patients who are incapable of walking and need to be picked up and carried to our gurney. It is our goal to get you transported to the hospital quickly, and having extra hands on-scene helps us reach this goal.

Will I be charged if I call 9-1-1?

Cathedral City Fire Department does not charge you for calling 9-1-1. However, if you need medical assistance, you will be charged if you are transported to the hospital in an ambulance. This cost varies depending on the medications given, procedures performed, and distance you live to the hospital.

Can I choose the hospital I want to be transported to?

For the most part yes. Cathedral City Fire Paramedics are bound to strict Riverside County Protocols regarding patient destination. Patients do have the right to choose their hospital, as long as it does not place an unreasonable strain on the Fire Department. For Cathedral City residents, this means your choices are Desert Regional Medical Center or Eisenhower Medical Center. Every effort will be made to accommodate your choice, however please understand that there are circumstances when your choice may be overridden.

How do I arrange for a tour of a fire station?

Please call: 760-770-8200 during business hours.

What can I do to protect my home from wildland fires?

To best protect your home from wildland fires, you must create a "safety zone" or "firebreak" by reducing the amount of dead or dying fuel (vegetation) around your home. This does not mean that ALL vegetation should be removed. In fact, having fire-resistant plants and trees that are properly trimmed and well watered can serve as a firebreak. For more information, please click here.

My smoke detector is "chirping," what does that mean?

Anytime your smoke detector goes off, it's important to pay attention. If you hear a loud alarm, it could be sensing smoke. Please check your house thoroughly. If you smell smoke and are unable to locate the source, call 911 and we will send a fire engine to assist you. If you don't smell smoke, it's possible the detector is reacting to dust, steam, or even a small insect. Dust and bugs can be removed by a vacuum cleaner. If steam is the problem, you may need to relocate the detector.

If the detector is chirping, thumping, or buzzing, it probably means that the battery is low. Replace the battery as soon as possible. Cathedral City Fire Department recommends that smoke detector batteries be changed twice a year (a good reminder is when you change your clocks for daylight savings time). Without a working smoke detector, the risk of dying in a fire is greatly increased. For more information, please click here.

How do I create an escape plan for my home or business?

What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home?

Where can I get my fire extinguisher serviced?

How do I install a child seat?

What is the CERT program and how can I get involved?

How can I get a job as a firefighter?

What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

I saw a leaking fire hydrant, who do I tell?

How do I file a complaint about an abandoned car?

I caught my child playing with fire, what should I do?

For Comments/Suggestions Regarding This Site.
Published Copyright 2004 Cathedral City Fire Department