Q: What types of incidents does the Wyomissing Fire Department respond to?
A: The Wyomissing Fire Department responds to a wide range of emergencies, including structure fires, vehicle fires, fire alarms, rescue incidents, hazardous conditions, and medical emergencies. In addition to emergency response, the department also handles public service calls and assists other agencies as needed to protect life and property within the Borough.

 

Q: Why do other fire departments respond to incidents in Wyomissing Borough?
A: The Wyomissing Fire Department operates within a regional mutual aid system, meaning neighboring departments automatically assist one another on emergency incidents. Wyomissing staffs a four-person ladder truck 24/7/365 and regularly receives additional resources—such as an engine or rescue company from Township of Spring Fire and Rescue—on many calls to ensure adequate staffing and rapid response. Likewise, Wyomissing units respond to assist surrounding communities when needed. This coordinated approach enhances safety, efficiency, and service across the region.

 

Q: Why does a fire truck sometimes respond to medical emergencies?
A: Fire department personnel are often dispatched to medical emergencies to provide rapid assistance. All Wyomissing Fire Department firefighters are certified Pennsylvania and Nationally Registered EMTs, trained to deliver emergency medical care similar to ambulance personnel. Fire apparatus may respond alongside or, in some cases, in place of an ambulance to ensure timely patient care.

​

Q: What types of medical calls does the fire department respond to?
A: The fire department is automatically dispatched to high-acuity medical incidents within the Borough, including unconscious persons, cardiac arrests, and childbirth-related emergencies. Additionally, fire units may be dispatched to lower-acuity calls when ambulance response times are extended due to high EMS call volume, helping ensure prompt care for residents.

​

Q: Does the fire department transport patients to the hospital?
A: No. Wyomissing Fire Department personnel provide emergency medical care on scene, but patient transport is handled by licensed ambulance services.

​

Q: Why does the fire department respond to fire alarms when there is no fire?
A: Automatic fire alarms are designed to detect potential hazards early, and the Fire Department responds to every activation to ensure the safety of occupants and property. In many cases, these alarms are caused by non-emergency conditions such as cooking smoke, steam, dust, or system malfunctions. Even when no hazard is found, each response is treated seriously to confirm that no emergency exists.

​

Q: Why do multiple fire trucks respond to the same incident?
A: Emergency incidents require a coordinated team response. Different apparatus carry specialized equipment and personnel trained for specific roles such as fire suppression, rescue, ventilation, and incident command. Sending multiple units ensures that crews can operate safely and effectively, handle unexpected conditions, and provide adequate staffing to manage the incident quickly.