Why is a fire engine sent when I call for an ambulance?
The department adopted the concept of Paramedic Engine Companies in 1996. All personnel are dual-trained in fire suppression and EMS, and all fire apparatus carry advanced life-support equipment. This means it is no longer necessary to operate an ambulance from every fire station. When we receive a call, the closest engine is dispatched to initiate care and the closest ambulance is dispatched to provide transportation. This method provides both fire and EMS services at the lowest possible cost.

Why was my ambulance ride to the hospital so bumpy and uncomfortable?
The patient cot has a thin, firm mattress that lies directly on an aluminum frame and provides very little comfort. Unfortunately, the cot must be firm in order for us to perform CPR on critically ill patients. In addition, we try to respond to medical emergencies as quickly as possible in order to provide timely, life saving treatment. Consequently, this requires vehicles with good road-handling characteristics. If these large, heavy vehicles had a softer, more "spongy" suspension that would provide a smoother ride, they would not be safe to drive to the scene as quickly as possible.

Does the Fire Department charge an ambulance transport fee to tax paying citizens of Grapevine?
No. Billing will be direct to the patient’s insurance carrier or government health insurance program, residents of Grapevine will receive a statement that all charges have been assigned to their insurance carrier and that their portion of the bill for service is zero dollars. Non-residents of Grapevine will receive a statement that all charges have been assigned to their insurance carrier and that any unpaid portion will be the responsibility of the patient (again except in the instance of a government health care program).

I'm building a new home in Grapevine and I would like to put a wood-shingle roof on my home. Do I have a choice of roofing materials?
By ordinance, the City of Grapevine allows the installation of fire-retardant, wood-shingled roofs that meet the requirements of class C roofing materials. This includes the treatment of the wood shingles with flame-retardant chemicals.

What type of fire extinguisher is best for my home?
A multi purpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A: 10B:C on the label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C.

Do you offer CPR classes?
We offer CPR classes in conjunction with the City's recreational center. Please contact the CAC at 817-410-3450.

Can I get my blood pressure checked at the fire station?
Yes. We offer this service free at all fire stations in the city.

Can I get a break on my insurance by putting a fire sprinkler system in my home?
The State of Texas has passed a law requiring insurance companies to give rate reductions for those homeowners who have installed sprinklers in their homes. Check with your agent for the amount of discount. There are many other GREAT reasons to put sprinklers in your home. Call the Fire Prevention Division at 817-410-8104 for more information.

I have several old containers of unknown or hazardous household waste such and paint thinners, old gasoline, etc. where can I get rid of these?
The City of Grapevine conducts Household Hazardous Waste Collection periodically during the year. Please contact the city's solid waste coordinator Dewey Stoffels at 817-410-3330 or via email at dstoffels@ci.grapevine.tx.us for the next date and times.