FAQs • Romeoville, IL • CivicEngage

Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?: This is called "venting the roof." There are 2 basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of back draft and flash over.

Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

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Fire Department

1. Does the Fire Department offer CPR classes?: View a schedule and obtain a sign up form on our Fire Academy page.

2. How do I get information about the Juvenile Firesetter Program?: Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 815-372-4045 and ask to speak to someone about the program.

3. Does the Village allow open burning?: Open burning is prohibited except for the burning of aged logs in free standing outdoor fireplaces. Refer to Chapter 91 Village of Romeoville Code of Ordinances– Fire Prevention 91.35/91.36 Fire Prevention Ordinance

4. Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?: Visit any fire station, during normal business hours 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you believe you have a medical problem, please call 911.

5. How can I schedule a fire truck or a firefighter at my function?: Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 815-372-4045 and ask for the Public Education Officer. If you request a fire truck with your block party, please fill out the block party application and return it to the Village Clerk’s office. Fill out the Block Party Application.

6. What should I do after a fire?: For additional information please view our After Fire fact sheet (PDF).

7. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?: Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Romeoville Fire Department thinks proactively when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. They are fast, well-trained and pleasant in their response.

A computer selects the closest unit to respond to an incident. The fire department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. This will be either an engine company or a ladder truck company. In preparation for the worse case scenario, an ambulance often is dispatched as well. There may be 3 fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can; prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

8. Why do I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?: As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The 1st unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle responding with lights and siren through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were going on.

9. Why does a fire engine respond when I call for an ambulance?: The Romeoville Fire Department believes in providing the best care in the most rapid method possible. At times, an ambulance may be out of position at the hospital or on another call. Our fire engines are fully equipped with Paramedics and advanced life support supplies to treat a patient until a transport unit arrives. We also send a fire engine to assist an ambulance on calls where the information provided to the dispatcher indicates that advanced care may needed.

Emergency medicine has evolved to the point where almost everything that can be done in an emergency room setting can also be done in the field by Paramedics. Many of the treatments and procedures involved require more than the 2 personnel assigned to the ambulance, thus warranting assistance from the fire engine personnel.

10. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?: This is called "venting the roof." There are 2 basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of back draft and flash over.

Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

11. Can we schedule a tour of the fire station or have you come to a block party?: Contact Station 1 at 815-886-7231.

12. I recently received a telephone call asking for a donation that benefits our local fire department. Who receives the donations?: The Romeoville Fire Department or any affiliates never solicit via phone. We receive a budget from the Village for all purchases.