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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did a fire engine show up at my house when I called for an ambulance?

Our firefighters are cross-trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Medical First Responders. If the Gibson County ambulance is out of town or on another call, the fire department is dispatched to provide aid until the ambulance arrives on scene.

While driving, what am I supposed to do when a fire engine (or any other emergency vehicle) is approaching with its lights/sirens on?

If an emergency vehicle is behind you with its lights/sirens on, you should:

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  1. Pull your vehicle to the right side of the road

  2. STOP

  3. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes your location

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If you come upon a parked emergency vehicle with its lights on, you should SLOW down, move to the left lane to pass, or STOP and wait until told by responders to proceed.

What hours do firefighters work?

The Milan Fire Department is staffed 24 hours a day. There are three (3) shifts that work two consecutive 24-hour shifts (48 hours) and then take 96 hours off.

Why do I see fire engines/firefighters at the grocery store or restaurants?

MFD firefighters work 24-hour shifts, and during that time they are allowed to go shopping for their meals or go to a restaurant and eat. Although they’re shopping, they are still ready to respond to calls. That’s also why you have probably seen firefighters sprinting from the store to the firetruck.

Why do I sometimes see a fire engine drive through a red traffic light with their lights/sirens on, only to turn them off moments later after passing through the intersection?

Each day, firefighters respond to many different emergency calls. Sometimes, the firefighters are disregarded before they reach their destination. Once they are disregarded, they immediately turn off all lights/sirens and return to normal driving practices.

What type of emergency calls does the Milan Fire Department respond to?

Some, but not necessarily all, of the types of calls that MFD firefighters respond to:

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  • Medical calls

  • All varieties of fires (structure, grass/brush, car, dumpster, etc.)

  • Motor vehicle accidents

  • HazMat incidents

  • Severe weather incidents

  • Lifting assistance calls

  • Gas/odor/smoke investigations

Does the Milan Fire Department unlock cars?

NO. MFD firefighters will only unlock your vehicle if there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, such as a child locked in the car.

Does the Milan Fire Department provide or install smoke alarms?

Yes! The Milan Fire Department received a grant to provide and install smoke alarms - they are free and will be installed upon request. Please call (731) 686-3996 for information.

Why do firefighters show up for school/work fire drills?

During a fire drill, firefighters monitor the progress of the building evacuation and also get an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the layout of each building during non-emergency conditions.

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