Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. We base that response on the worst case scenario based on the information in hand. The fire department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. 


There may be three or more 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. Why do I see fire engines or ambulance units go through intersections with their red lights flashing, and then turn them off? Are they just in a hurry to go somewhere?
2. Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside a building? It seems that they are causing more damage than the fire.
3. If I were trapped in a burning building, would firefighters be able to rescue me?
4. When I see an emergency vehicle approaching while I am driving, should I always pull over to the right and stop?
5. Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
6. Can we schedule a fire engine presentation or station tour?
7. How are members of the Fire Department hired?
8. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?