Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. A computer selects the closest units to respond. This will be either an engine company or a ladder truck company. In preparation for the worst case scenario, an ambulance often is dispatched as well.

There may be three 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. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

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1. Does the Fire Department have Paramedic service?
2. Where are the Fire stations?
3. I see the Carpentersville Fire apparatus in other towns, why is that?
4. Why do the fire trucks sometimes turn lights off and turn around?
5. What are the flashing white lights on top of traffic lights when fire equipment passes?
6. How long should I keep smoke detectors?
7. Where should I place smoke detectors?
8. Should I have an escape ladder for my upper floors?
9. Does the Fire Department offer CPR classes?
10. Does the Village allow open burning?
11. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?
12. 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?
13. Why does a fire engine respond when I call for an ambulance?
14. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?