Services Provided To The Community

Click the Titles below to learn more about what we do for our community

Fire Suppression Includes:

Structure Fires, Chimney Fires, Vehicle Fires, Brush/Grass Fires and Rubbish Fires

Motorvehicle Accidents Include:

Vehicle Stabilization, Vehicle Extrication and Roadside Washdown

Alarm Activation’s Include:

Fire Alarms, Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Rescue Calls Include:

Ice/Cold Water Rescue and Search and Rescue

Emergency Medical Services Include:

First Response Emergency Care and Lifting Assistance

Hazardous Materials Include:

Hazmat Response

Service Calls Include:

Gas Leaks, Downed Power Lines and Emergency Pump-Outs

Community Service Activities Include:

Fire Prevention and The Annual Santa Claus Visit

Fire Suppression

Our fire district encompasses approximately 3,900 homes, apartment complexes, small businesses, and one elementary school. The district is divided into two main areas: one with housing developments equipped with fire hydrants and the other rural areas without hydrants.

We respond to structure fires across the entire district. In areas with hydrants, we connect directly to the water source. In rural regions without hydrants, we rely on fire ponds and a portable canvas tank carried on ETA-621. The canvas tank is set up next to the attack engine for rural fires, where water is transferred from our fire trucks and potentially other mutual aid trucks into the portable tank to provide a water supply at the scene.

For vehicle fires, we utilize the water carried on the attacking engine. Our typical response includes one or more engine tankers along with our rescue truck.

For brush fires, we deploy our 4-wheel drive brush truck, which carries 150 gallons of water and is equipped with shovels, rakes, and portable backpack water tanks for firefighters. This truck can be refilled at the fire scene using water from one of our engine tankers.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Our rescue operations at motor vehicle accidents are supported by specialized tools from our rescue truck. We utilize cribbing—blocks of wood—to stabilize the vehicle and ensure a safe working environment. Our equipment includes hydraulic spreaders for prying open doors, hoods, and trunks, as well as a hydraulic cutter designed to cut through door posts. Additionally, we carry inflatable air bags to lift vehicles and other heavy objects when necessary. Our typical response team includes an engine tanker and our dedicated rescue truck.

Alarm Activation

We respond promptly to fire alarm activations, conducting thorough investigations when no visible fire is present.

In cases of carbon monoxide detector activations, our rescue truck, equipped with a carbon monoxide meter, is dispatched to the scene. Firefighters, wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, enter the premises to take meter readings. These readings are documented, and in some cases, the heating fuel service provider is contacted to further assess the situation. If individuals require medical assistance due to carbon monoxide exposure, we provide initial treatment until an ambulance arrives.

Rescue Calls

Ice/Cold Water Rescue

Our Fire District encompasses approximately 5 miles along the Mohawk River, the historic Erie Barge Canal, Stoney Creek Reservoir, and various small ponds and creeks. We respond to emergencies involving individuals who have fallen through ice or into cold water. Our team is equipped with six Neoprene Ice/Cold Water Rescue suits that provide buoyancy and insulation. To rescue a victim, we may use a ladder extended across the ice for support, throw a rope bag to pull them out, or deploy a rescuer in an Ice Rescue suit directly onto the ice or into the water.

Search and Rescue

Several of our members are trained by the Department of Environmental Conservation in advanced Search and Rescue techniques and are integral to the Southern Saratoga County Search and Rescue Team. They conduct searches in forests and other areas to locate missing individuals, employing a variety of search methods and collaborating closely with New York State Forest Rangers.

Emergency Medical Services

Several of our members are certified New York State First Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians. In collaboration with the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Ambulance Corps, we are dispatched to provide emergency medical assistance to our community. We are equipped with several defibrillation devices to administer CPR and defibrillation to patients who have collapsed and require immediate life-saving intervention.

Hazardous Materials

All of our members are trained to at least the Hazardous Materials Awareness level. The majority hold certifications at the Hazardous Materials Operations level, while several members are further trained as Hazardous Materials Technicians.

Service Calls

We respond to reports of natural gas leaks by using an explosion meter to assess the situation. Simultaneously, we contact National Grid to dispatch a representative to the scene. If a gas leak is detected, we ensure that any individuals in immediate danger are evacuated from the area.

For downed power lines, we secure the surrounding area and notify the power company to respond. Once their representative arrives, we hand over the scene to them for further management.

In cases of severe basement flooding, we deploy portable pumps to remove the water and prevent potential issues, such as gas leaks from extinguished pilot lights in furnaces or water heaters.

Fire Prevention Education

Fire Prevention Education

During National Fire Prevention Week each year, our members coordinate and participate in an educational program for students in grades K-5 within the Shenendehowa School District. This initiative spans several days and is designed to teach essential fire safety skills.

Kindergarten students are introduced to a firefighter and learn crucial safety tips, including not playing with matches, performing “Stop, Drop, and Roll” if their clothing catches fire, and how to call 911 in an emergency. In grades 1 and 2, these concepts are revisited and explored in more depth.

By grade 3, students are taught about creating home escape plans. They complete a homework assignment to design and practice a home escape plan with their families. These plans are reviewed by the fire department, and students receive their plans back along with a certificate and feedback.

In grade 4, students learn about fire safety, including recognizing potential fire hazards and handling fire-related situations. They also receive a brief demonstration on fire hazards. For homework, students create a fire safety poster for a classroom contest. The winning posters are selected, and the winners are celebrated with a special fire truck ride to school on a designated morning.

Grade 5 students participate in a “Scared Straight” session, where they are treated as adults and given an in-depth discussion on the definition of an arsonist, the dangers of fire, and the impact of fire on property and lives.

Santa Claus Community Visit

Each December, we bring festive cheer to the community by taking our fire trucks out with Santa Claus riding on the back. Local children come out to greet Santa, receive a candy cane, and have their photos taken with him.