- If my street numbers are not posted how do I find out what my house number is?
You can contact Elaine Griffith with Watauga County Planning and Inspections Department and she can determine the street numbers that you should have posted at your home or business.
Watauga County Planning Department 828 265-8043
- Why is it necessary to post my house numbers?
Firefighters, emergency medical technicans and law enforcement may need to find your home quickly should an emergency occur. It is difficult to find homes and businesses with address numbers that are not properly posted.
- What does the Fire Department do?
For fire or medical emergencies, call 911
The Blowing Rock Fire Department is located on the corner of Park Avenue and Wallingford Road in the building complex along with the Police Department and Parks and Recreation. Services offered include:
- Fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous material services to a 51 square mile area that includes the municipal limits and areas surrounding the Town;
- Fire education programs on various aspects of public fire safety that are presented to any group free of charge;
- Fire hydrant maintenance for all hydrants located in the fire district.
Emergency Services 828 295-5220
- May I open a Fire Hydrant by myself?
No. Town policies require that only town employees operate hydrants and valves on the water system. There are fines for unauthorized operation.
For information on water valves and the Town’s water system, please contact Town Hall 828 295-5200.
- How can I report a damaged fire hydrant?
To report a damaged fire hydrant in need of repair, call Town Hall.
Town Hall 828 295-5200
- What educational programs does the Fire Department provide?
The Blowing Rock Fire Department provides a number of different educational programs for different age groups. Some of the special programs include Fire Prevention Week and Emergency Fest. Other programs within the department do not have a specific time when they are presented, however a program can be scheduled upon request. The following are the most popular programs which the Fire Department provides.
Fire Inspector 828 295-5220
- Buckle Bear - for children in an effort to remind them to buckle up while in an automobile
- CPR classes - for all ages
- Learn Not to Burn - for Kindergarten through 8th graders pertaining to Fire Prevention
- Remembering When - for older adults pertaining to Fire and Fall Prevention
- Why does the fire department run more than one truck to a fire alarm?
When the fire department is dispatched to a fire call we have a standard procedure to roll trucks in a certain order. The trucks will continue to roll until we determine what type fire we have. If the first arriving truck determines that no further units are needed, they can cancel further response.
- What are the red and white markers on fire hydrants?
The markers attached to our hydrants are reflective and help firefighters locate hydrants quicker in the dark and locate hydrants if we have a deep snow and cannot see the hydrant.
- I burnt a pie in the oven and my alarm system dispatched the fire department. I called the fire department and told them not to come and they still came. Why?
If the fire department is dispatched, we must continue to the scene until cancelled by a fire officer. Even if you call and tell us "it is just a burnt pie", we will continue to the scene routine (no lights and siren) to check everything out and obtain paperwork. There have been incidences where the home owner thought there was no fire and in reality there was smoldering ash or fire in the wall or attic.
- How do the fire trucks get around when the roads get bad?
The fire department keeps an eye on the weather and are prepared with cables and snow chains for the trucks.
- Why are windows broken or holes cut in the roof during a fire?
As a fire burns, it moves upward, then outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation), slows the damaging outward movement, helps remove blinding smoke and high heat that causes flashover and enables firefighters to fight the fire more efficiently. The result of this action is less damage to the structure in the long run. This procedure also reduces the risk of serious injury to firefighters.
- How can I get a copy of a fire report?
NC GS Chapter 58 Article 7-45 states that the fire department must forward a copy of the call report to the county fire marshal. At the request of any person, the county fire marshal shall provide such person a certified copy of the report.
Emergency Services 828 295-5220
