The Mascoutah Fire Department responds to a wide variety of emergencies. When we post alerts on Facebook via our automated system, the call types might seem technical. This guide explains what each type means, what resources are dispatched, and what's typically happening on scene.
Fire Calls
Fire Still FIRE STILL
Standard ResponseA "still" alarm is our most basic fire response. The term dates back to when fire bells would remain "still" (silent) for minor calls. These are typically small, contained incidents that don't require a full department response.
Common examples: Small outdoor fires, smoke investigations, fire alarm activations (often false alarms), minor vehicle fires, dumpster fires, small brush fires.
Fire - 1st Alarm FIRE 1ST ALARM
Major ResponseA 1st Alarm fire is a confirmed working structure fire requiring significant resources. This is a serious incident with active fire conditions that pose immediate danger to life and property.
What this means: Firefighters are actively battling flames, conducting searches, and working to prevent fire spread. Expect road closures and extended operations.
Fire - 2nd Alarm FIRE 2ND ALARM
Critical ResponseA 2nd Alarm indicates the fire has grown beyond initial resources or is spreading rapidly. Additional units from neighboring departments are called in. This is a major incident requiring extensive firefighting operations.
What this means: Significant fire conditions, possible building collapse risk, extended operations likely lasting several hours. Multiple departments working together.
Fire - 3rd Alarm & Above FIRE 3RD+ ALARM
Maximum ResponseThird alarm and above indicates a massive fire event requiring regional resources. These are rare but serious incidents involving large commercial buildings, multiple structures, or fires with extreme spread potential.
What this means: All available resources deployed, command structure established, extensive personnel from many departments. Operations may last many hours.
🚰 Rural Fires & Water Supply
For fires in rural areas without access to fire hydrants or a municipal water system, multiple tankers (water tenders) may be dispatched to shuttle water to the scene. This "tanker shuttle" operation brings in water from fill sites and requires additional apparatus and personnel to maintain a continuous water supply for firefighting operations.
Medical & Rescue Calls
Accident with Entrapment ACC W/ ENTRAPMENT
Critical - Time SensitiveOne of our most urgent calls. This means a vehicle accident has occurred and one or more people are physically trapped inside a vehicle and cannot exit on their own. Every second counts.
What we do: The Squad is dispatched with hydraulic rescue tools ("Jaws of Life"), specialized cutting equipment, and advanced medical personnel. Our goal is rapid, safe extrication.
Accident with Injuries ACC W/ INJURIES
Priority ResponseA vehicle accident where injuries have been reported but occupants are not trapped. We respond to provide medical care, secure the scene, and manage any fire/hazmat risks from the vehicles.
Medical Emergency MEDICAL
Standard MedicalGeneral medical emergencies where fire department first responders assist EMS. We often arrive first and begin patient care until the ambulance arrives, especially for cardiac events, difficulty breathing, or unresponsive patients.
Technical Rescue TECH RESCUE
Specialized ResponseRescue situations requiring specialized training and equipment beyond standard firefighting. This includes confined space rescue, trench collapse, structural collapse, high-angle/rope rescue, and water rescue operations.
Hazardous Materials & Other
Hazmat Incident HAZMAT
Specialized ResponseIncidents involving hazardous materials - chemical spills, gas leaks, unknown substances, or industrial accidents. These require specialized protective equipment and trained hazmat technicians to identify and mitigate the threat.
Common examples: Natural gas leaks, fuel spills, chemical releases, carbon monoxide incidents, suspicious packages/substances.
Service Call SERVICE
Non-EmergencyNon-emergency assistance requests where we help the community. These don't involve immediate danger but require fire department resources or expertise.
Common examples: Lockouts (child locked in car), water problems, animal rescue, public assistance, lift assists for fallen individuals.
Mutual Aid MUTUAL AID
Assisting OthersWhen a neighboring fire department needs assistance, we respond to help. This cooperative system ensures every community has access to adequate fire protection, even during major incidents. We assist others, and they assist us when needed.
Common situations: Large fires in neighboring districts, cover assignments when other departments are busy, specialized equipment requests.
Automatic Aid AUTO AID
Routine CooperationPre-arranged agreements where departments automatically respond together for certain call types or locations near jurisdictional boundaries. This ensures the closest unit responds regardless of which district the emergency is in.
📱 About Our Facebook Alerts
Our Facebook alerts are automatically posted when we're dispatched to calls. The information comes directly from dispatch and may be limited initially. We update posts when possible, but our priority is always the emergency response. For your safety, please avoid the scene of active emergencies and keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles.
📋 Quick Reference Guide
| Call Type | What It Means | Typical Response |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Still | Minor fire or investigation | Limited response |
| Fire 1st Alarm | Working structure fire | Full response, possible mutual aid |
| Fire 2nd Alarm | Major fire, additional resources needed | Regional response |
| Acc w/ Entrapment | People trapped in vehicle | Squad + EMS |
| Acc w/ Injuries | Vehicle accident with injuries | Engine + EMS |
| Hazmat | Hazardous materials incident | Specialized response |
| Mutual Aid | Assisting neighboring department | Varies by request |
| Service Call | Non-emergency assistance | Limited response |
🚨 In An Emergency
Always call 911 for emergencies. Our Facebook page is for informational purposes only and is not monitored for emergency requests. If you see smoke, fire, or someone in danger, call 911 immediately.