Frequently Ask Questions

Why are the fire hydrants painted yellow instead of red?

Our fire hydrants are painted with high visibility yellow paint to aid in locating the hydrant during night time operations or adverse weather conditions.

Why do the fire hydrants have different color tops?

All the fire hydrants are tested for flow readings on a yearly basis, and then the hydrant is color coded to aid fire fighters in the amount of water which is available at any given hydrant in the city.

Colors:

Red--0-499 Gallon Per Minute

Orange--500-999 Gallons Per Minute

Green--1000-1499 Gallons Per Minute

Blue--1500 Gallons Per Minute or Greater

How many fire fighters are on duty at a time?

Nine firefighters are assigned to each shift, which is 24 hours long. Station 1 will have a captain, one engineer and two firefighters; Station 2 has one lieutenant, one engineer, and one firefighter; and Station 3 has one lieutenant and one engineer.

What is the Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating for Alcoa?

The City of Alcoa is Rated 3.

Why do firefighters respond when citizens request an ambulance?

The City of Alcoa Fire-Rescue Department runs a program called Emergency Medical First Responder. Upon calling for an ambulance or any motor vehicle accident with injuries, the Alcoa Fire-Rescue Department dispatches the nearest Engine Company to provide basic life support until an ambulance arrives to transport the patient to a local emergency facility.