The dispatcher you speak with on the telephone is typing information into a computer. Another communications officer is relaying that information, via radio, to the responding Firefighters. The 9-1-1 operator will ask certain questions in a particular order to most efficiently fill in the fields on the computer screen. Once a few preliminary questions have been answered, the operator will be in a better position to provide more details or narrative information, such as a the extent of the fire or is anyone still in the burning structure. The responding Firefighters may have specific questions regarding the situation while they are en route. Unless you are in an unsafe location, it is in your best interest to remain on the line until the 9-1-1 operator has obtained all of the information and  the operator may ask you to remain on the line until the Firefighters arrives.

Sorry. If a Firefighter needs to enter a car, he or she will call a locksmith if a key cannot be located. If there is no time to wait (such as an infant or a pet in distress), then the firefighters will break a window. Sorry with the new age vehicles on the roads today damage to your vehicle can occur. so we will not take the chance unless its an emergency.

To be certified (or employed) as a Firefighter in the State of Florida, an individual must submit an Application for Certification as a Firefighter, and successfully complete the Firefighter Minimum Standards Course, or have received an equivalent amount of training in another state (or country), and pass the state written and practical examinations, as required by State Statute.

The Firefighter Minimum Standards Course is offered at twenty-eight (28)  Certified Training Centers.  Click here  located throughout the state. The course consists of a minimum of 360-hours of training. The first 160-hours is equivalent to NFPA Firefighter I. The following 200-hours is equivalent to NFPA Firefighter II. Each training center has their own course and fee schedule. For further information and an Application for Certification as a Firefighter, please contact the training center of your choice. 

 To become a Volunteer, come by the station and we will glad to show you around and let you know the requirements on how to be a part of out organization.

The East Niceville Fire District does not refill fire extinguishers; however, there are several commercial businesses in the area that refill extinguishers and also do other extinguisher maintenance.  These businesses may be found in the local telephone directory’s yellow pages under "Fire Extinguishers".

Fire reports may be obtained from the East Fire District’s administrative office at 1709 27th Street, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Reports are available to the occupant, owner or a representing insurance company. Reports are also available by written request.  There is no fee, but a self addressed stamped envelope is required.

The East Niceville Fire District is a non-transport, Basic Life Support (BLS) First Response agency. What this means to the public is simply this:  If you have a potentially life threatening medical emergency, whether it is an injury or otherwise, the ENFD co-responds with the Okaloosa  County Emergency Medical Services.  This is important to know, because we sometimes arrive before the OKEMS, and the individual with the emergency may think that the wrong response was made.  BLS medical equipment is carried on our vehicles, and the personnel are certified for BLS. 

The Hazardous Materials Team responds to calls for assistance, to handle the release of any hazardous materials into the environment.  They are called when the situation requires the responders to be specialists in the field of hazardous materials.

First, we respond due to possible injuries to the passengers or pedestrians, which is a co-response with the Okaloosa  County Emergency Medical Services.  Second, there are hazards that need to be addressed with a vehicle accident in addition to fire danger.  These include acid from batteries, coolant leakage, exposed wiring, and to provide fire protection or assistance to the ENFD  & OKEMS Life Saving Crew if there is a victim entrapped.

Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident.  When the first unit arrives on scene, they may assess the situation and inform the dispatcher they can handle the emergency. All other responding units are then cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

This is called "ventilation." There are two basic reasons for ventilating the roof. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building making it impossible for firefighters to see. When a hole is made in the roof, smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. This makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft (an explosion of heated gases) and flashover.

Another reason is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading.

Dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire.   By venting the window of a room that’s on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire to the room of origin.  Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of a structure.  Breaking a window really prevents more damage than it appears to cause.

Personnel at The ENFD can check your blood pressure free of charge if they are not on another emergency call. Feel free to stop by your neighborhood fire station and let us check it for you.

The East Niceville Fire Department welcomes the opportunity to have the public visit our station.  If your school or civic group would like to schedule a tour, please call (850) 678-2311, Monday thru Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.  You will be asked to provide a name, contact number, the number of participants and any date preferences.  A member of our department will contact you to schedule the tour.  In addition to touring the station and viewing apparatus & equipment, fire personnel can also provide your group with age appropriate fire safety/fire prevention materials. 

Unfortunately our stations are not set up to accommodate birthday parties.  We can, however, schedule a tour for your group which has been scheduled separately from the party

When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late,
or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
to guard my neighbor and protect his property.

And if according to your will I have to lose my life,
bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife.