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Frequently Asked Questions Have a question? Send it to the
webmaster at
brian.berlin@kemahfire.com to be included on this page? Questions Answers
1. Can I burn trash, limbs, leaves, etc., on my property?
No. Well... yes. But you MUST have a burn permit. Otherwise,
expect the Fire Department to show up and put out your fire and expect to
receive a citation from the Fire Marshal. 2. How can I get a burn permit?
You can get burn permits from the Kemah or Clear Lake Shores Police Departments.
We hope to have electronic versions of the permit applications online very soon.
3. Why does Kemah Fire Department have a boat?
Because: Two thirds of Kemah is surrounded by water.
Clear Lake Shores and Lazy Bend are entirely surrounded by water. The cities surrounding Clear Lake comprise one of
the largest marina based communities in the United States. There are, indeed, a significant number of boat
fires on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. KFD is also a rescue organization that actually does more rescues than fighting of fires. The boat is used frequently to save people from boating accidents,
people falling overboard, etc. The fire boat is a means of fast attack for the
Kemah Boardwalk buildings. Think how difficult it can be to get the
large fire trucks to the Boardwalk during a busy weekends. KFD can get the boat there faster and start attacking the fire from
the water side, hopefully before it spreads to other Boardwalk businesses
close by. Related Story: February 6,
2005 Water Rescue Related Photo: May 13, 2005 Boat Fire 4. Why does my Marina
charges me an additional $5 per month "KFD FEE" to have my boat
moored at their marina on top of my regular slip fee? Each slip at the marina pays the fee for KFD just like each household
in the area served by KFD. Just as the people with houses need fire protection, the people with boats need the fire and rescue
protection. Destruction from marina fires often adds up to
millions of dollars in damage. Boat fires while vessels are
underway and at anchor also present special challenges that KFD
appreciates and is ready to meet. Related Photo: KFD Firefighters Learning About
Marina Fires Related Story:
Small Boat & Marina
Fire Training 5. Do you get cats out of trees
or off telephone poles or roofs? No. Try opening a can of tuna and waiting for
the cat to get down on its own. We've never seen a cat skeleton
in a tree. They'll come down eventually. Related Story:
Man shocked trying to rescue cat from pole Related Video: Cat stuck in tree for hours.
Unknown fire fighter comes to save the cat. During the rescue attempt
the cat falls over 5 stories, lands on its feet, and runs up another
tree. Click here to watch the
video. 508KB wmv 6. Why do firefighters cut
holes in the roofs of burning houses? This is called "venting the roof." There are two
basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke
accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie version 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 backdraft and flashover. 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. 7. How can I help the fire
department? You can help in several ways: If you are interested in fighting fire, you need to join
and get the free training the Fire Department offers. Or you can join the Auxiliary and help with support those
who are fighting fires. This includes handing out water and cold towels,
getting supplies and setting up Rehab Stations for the Responders. If you have a special talent and want to share some
information or teach a class, contact the Training Officer and tell him what
specialty you have. He will see if its something the Fire Department can use
and help arrange times for you to assist the Department. 8. Can I make a monetary donation to
the department? Absolutely! In fact you can basically
designate what you want the money used for. We are always in need of
monies to help pay for training that the Fire Fighters attend. 9. Why are fire engines
red? Why are Dalmatian dogs associated with the fire department?
What are some traditions of the fire service?
These are great questions! We have a whole page dedicated
to Fire Department Traditions!
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