Frequently Asked Questions

When I call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency, why does the fire department show up?
The Grand Junction Fire Department is the first responder for all medical emergencies. The five fire stations are located strategically throughout Grand Junction ,so our response times can have a positive effect on medical emergencies. All of the firefighters in Grand Junction are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT- B or I) and EMT-P (Paramedics).

Do you rescue cats from trees?
We are called to assist the public with many different situations. These include but are not restricted to assisting with flooding, helping the elderly or infirm back into bed, and investigating unusual situations (electrical/smoke/possible hazardous conditions). We typically do not rescue cats from trees. People should call Mesa County Animal Control at (970) 242-4646 for help with such matters.

What is the work schedule for Firefighters?
There are Firefighters on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Grand Junction. We work 24 hour shifts from 8:00 a.m to 8:00 a.m. the next morning. We have three different shifts each working 56 hours per week.

How do I schedule a station tour or a presentation to my group?
Call the fire department's PIO office at (970)244-1413 to schedule tours of the fire stations or to schedule a presentation at your facility. Please see our Station Visits page.

Ride-Along-Program
The Grand Junction Fire Department's Ride-Along-Program allows citizens to observe the day-to-day operations of the department and accompany Firefighters on calls. Phone the Shift Comanders office (970) 244-1418 for more information and to schedule a ride-along.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching while I'm driving, should I always pull over to the right and stop?
State law, and common sense, dictate that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if you car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided freeway or highway. Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

Why do emergency apparatus use their red lights then turn them off? Are they just in a hurry to go somewhere?"
Apparatus responding to calls are frequently canceled, or the first arriving unit determines that the call is not an emergency and tells the units to respond in a non-emergency mode. Emergency lights and siren are used when responding to a call or if an apparatus creates a potential traffic hazard.