FAQs

Why does the Fire Department break windows or cut holes in the roof during a fire, it seems they are causing more damage?: As a fire burns, it moves upward until it meets an obstruction such as a ceiling and then moves horizontally through the entire building. Cutting a hole in the roof allows the heat and smoke to go out into the atmosphere, cuts down on the smoke damage, and makes conditions more favorable for firefighters to enter the building.

Breaking the windows provides the maximum area for smoke to exit the building as well as providing an exit for firefighters operating in the building that may otherwise become trapped.

All this combined is called ventilation. This is necessary at all fires so the fire can be extinguished quickly and safely.

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Fire/EMS Services

1. I am interested in a fire safety presentation for my group, how do I arrange one?: If you would like a presentation of safety tips, fire extinguisher demonstration, evacuation plans, fire drills, etc. You can call the Office of Fire Prevention at 781-786-6101.

2. When should I call 911?: Dial 911 in the event of an emergency only! Call when your house is on fire, when someone is badly hurt or suddenly sick and in danger, Call immediately. Call when someone’s life is threatened, when someone faints or collapses, has persistent chest pain or difficulty breathing or is badly injured. Call if the victim needs the skills or equipment of emergency personnel. If unsure, call 911.

3. When I call 911 for an ambulance, why does a fire engine show up?

All Weston Fire Department personnel are trained in first aid and CPR and are considered first responders. A first responder is a person trained to arrive on the scene and provide immediate care to keep the victim alive until advance medical personnel arrive on the scene. All Weston fire units are capable of this function.

Weston Fire Department maintains two basic life support fire engines and all of our personnel are defibrillator-trained, state-certified emergency medical technicians (EMT). Moreover, the additional personnel on the engine are needed in order to safely move the patient from the scene to the ambulance.

4. What should I do if my smoke detector goes off in the middle of the night?: You should roll out of bed and crawl to the nearest exit and leave the building. Call 911 and notify the Fire Department you have a possible fire in your home.

Today, a home can become untenable within 4 minutes because of smoke; you may be unable to escape a burning home in less than one minute. Don’t take chances. Firefighters will quickly respond and investigate the cause of the alarm.

If your home is on fire get out as quickly as you can and call 911 from a neighbor’s home. You should also have a family meeting place to ensure everyone got out safely.

5. Why does the Fire Department break windows or cut holes in the roof during a fire, it seems they are causing more damage?: As a fire burns, it moves upward until it meets an obstruction such as a ceiling and then moves horizontally through the entire building. Cutting a hole in the roof allows the heat and smoke to go out into the atmosphere, cuts down on the smoke damage, and makes conditions more favorable for firefighters to enter the building.

Breaking the windows provides the maximum area for smoke to exit the building as well as providing an exit for firefighters operating in the building that may otherwise become trapped.

All this combined is called ventilation. This is necessary at all fires so the fire can be extinguished quickly and safely.

6. How do I get a copy of a fire report?: You can get a copy of a fire report at the Weston Fire Department Headquarters, located at 394 Boston Post Road, by either calling and requesting it or mailing in your request along with your check payable to the Town of Weston. You will need the date of loss, time of loss and the street address. There is a charge of $30 per copy. For more information you can call 781-786-6101.

7. What to do after a house fire?: Read this fire recovery pamphlet to find information on what to do within the first 24-hours, if you are or are not insured, how to replace valuable documents, and more.

8. How can I get a tour of the fire station?: You can stop in at headquarters and if someone is available for a tour we would be more than happy to give you one. For groups larger than eight, please call ahead at 781-786-6101.

9. Is open burning allowed in Weston?: Yes, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts allows burning under 527 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 10.22 (2) from January 15th to May 1st of each year. You must have a burning permit issued by the Weston Fire Department for the burning season, which can be applied for by using our online application form. After a permit is issued, you must call each day to see if burning is allowed. The chief will determine if conditions are favorable for burning each day. For more information, call the Fire Department 781-786-6101.

10. How big is your service area?: The Town of Weston is 17.3 square miles with a population of 11,478 as of 2011. The Weston Fire Department also provides fire and EMS response to Regis College with a population of 1,703.

11. How many stations do you have?: The Weston Fire Department operates out of two stations. Headquarters is located at 394 Boston Post Road housing Ladder 1, Engine 1, Engine 4, Ambulance 1, Ambulance 2, Rescue Boat, S-1, Car 3 and Car 4. Station 2 is located at 390 South Avenue housing Engine 3 and Engine 2. The administration offices are located at headquarters along with fire prevention and the dispatch office.

12. What should I know about blasting?: Please read the "Facts for Massachusetts Property Owners About Blasting" flyer published by the Office of the State Fire Marshal for blasting facts and regulations.

13. How do I get plans reviewed?: For plan review on new or existing construction as it relates to fire ordinances, call the Office of Fire Prevention at 781-786-6101 or see the applications, permits and instructions page.

14. I am selling my house and need a smoke detector certificate. How do I arrange for an inspection?: Call the Office of Fire Prevention and make an appointment at 781-786-6101. The fire inspector does inspections Monday through Thursday.

15. I would like to have my blood pressure taken. How do I go about getting it taken?: If you would like your blood pressure taken, just come to the Weston Fire Department Headquarters anytime during the day. There is always an EMT available to take your blood pressure for you. If the station is unoccupied due to an emergency call, please use the phone located in the lobby to call Dispatch (directions are next to the phone).

16. Who should I contact with questions about my ambulance bill?

You should contact Pro EMS at:

P.O. Box 410326

Cambridge, MA 02141

Phone: 617-682-1840