Great Falls Fire Department: Services, Station Locations, and How to Reach Them

What the Great Falls Fire Department does and where to find them

The Great Falls Fire Department serves the city of Great Falls, South Carolina, providing emergency response for fires, medical calls, vehicle accidents, and rescue situations. The department operates multiple stations across the city and responds to calls 24 hours a day. You can reach them by calling 911 for any emergency, or contact the non-emergency line during business hours for questions about services, fire safety inspections, or other matters that do not require immediate response.

The department also handles fire prevention education, conducts building inspections for code compliance, and works with the community on fire safety awareness. If you need information about fire safety for your home or business, or want to request a station tour or educational program, the non-emergency number is your best starting point.

Key Takeaways

• Call 911 for any fire, medical emergency, accident, or rescue situation; the Great Falls Fire Department responds 24 hours a day.
• The department operates from multiple stations throughout Great Falls and can provide the non-emergency number for questions about services and inspections.
• Fire prevention education and safety inspections are available to residents and businesses through the department's community programs.
• Station tours and educational visits for schools and community groups can be arranged by calling the non-emergency line during business hours.

Emergency response and what to expect when you call 911

When you call 911 in Great Falls, you reach a dispatcher who will ask about the nature of your emergency and your location. Stay on the line and answer their questions — they need this information to send the right equipment and personnel. If you are reporting a fire, tell them whether anyone is inside the building and whether you have evacuated. If it is a medical emergency, describe what happened and whether the person is conscious and breathing.

The Great Falls Fire Department will dispatch firefighters and paramedics to your location. Response time depends on which station is closest and whether multiple calls are already in progress. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to, and do not re-enter a burning building under any circumstances — wait for firefighters to arrive.

Non-emergency services and how to contact the department

For questions that are not emergencies — such as scheduling a fire safety inspection, requesting educational materials, or asking about department services — call the Great Falls Fire Department's non-emergency line during business hours. This line is also the right choice if you need to report a fire hazard in your neighborhood, ask about burn permits, or inquire about community programs.

You can also visit the department in person at any of their stations during business hours. Firefighters are often available to answer questions about home fire safety, smoke alarm placement, and evacuation planning. Many stations welcome walk-in visitors, though calling ahead is a good idea to make sure someone is available to speak with you.

Fire prevention inspections for homes and businesses

The Great Falls Fire Department conducts fire code inspections for businesses and can perform voluntary safety inspections for residential properties. Business inspections are typically required annually or when a business changes ownership or use. These inspections check for proper fire extinguisher placement, clear exit routes, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and compliance with local fire codes.

Homeowners can request a voluntary inspection to identify fire hazards and learn how to reduce risk. The department will check smoke alarm placement and battery condition, look for blocked exits, and review your evacuation plan. Contact the non-emergency line to schedule an inspection — there is no cost for this service.

Fire safety education and community programs

The Great Falls Fire Department offers fire safety education for schools, youth groups, and community organizations. Programs typically cover topics like fire escape planning, smoke alarm awareness, stop-drop-and-roll techniques for children, and what to do if your clothes catch fire. Many programs include a station tour where participants can see the trucks and equipment up close.

The department also participates in community events throughout the year, including fire safety demonstrations and public education days. These are good opportunities to meet firefighters, learn about fire prevention, and ask questions about keeping your family safe. Check with the city of Great Falls or call the fire department's non-emergency line to find out about upcoming events in your area.

Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and home safety

The Great Falls Fire Department recommends smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and in the kitchen. Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button, and replace batteries twice a year — many people do this when clocks change for daylight saving time. Replace the entire alarm every 10 years, as the sensors wear out over time.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed near bedrooms and on each level of your home, especially if you use gas heat, a gas stove, or have an attached garage. Like smoke alarms, test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year. If either alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911 from outside the building — do not stop to gather belongings or investigate the cause.

Evacuation planning and what to do in a fire

Every household should have a fire evacuation plan that everyone knows and practices. Identify two ways out of each room, especially bedrooms. Choose a meeting spot outside the house — a mailbox, tree, or neighbor's driveway — where everyone will gather so you can account for each person. Practice your plan at least twice a year, including at night when people are sleeping.

If you are inside when a fire starts, get out immediately — do not stop to call 911 until you are outside and safe. Feel doors before opening them: if a door is hot, do not open it and use your second exit instead. Crawl low under smoke, as breathable air stays near the floor. Once outside, go to your meeting spot and stay there. Call 911 from outside or from a neighbor's phone. Never go back inside for pets, valuables, or anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I smell gas in my home?

Leave your home immediately and go to a neighbor's house or outside. Do not use your phone, light switches, or anything that could create a spark. Call 911 or the gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not re-enter your home until the gas company or fire department has checked it and told you it is safe.

Can I burn leaves or brush in my yard?

Burn permits are required in most areas of South Carolina. Call the Great Falls Fire Department's non-emergency line to find out whether a permit is needed for your type of burn and how to get one. Even with a permit, you must follow safety rules about distance from structures and supervision.

How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

The Great Falls Fire Department recommends annual chimney inspection and cleaning before the heating season starts. Creosote buildup inside chimneys is a major fire hazard. Hire a certified chimney sweep to do the work — this is not a DIY job. Ask the fire department for recommendations if you need a referral.

What do I do if someone is choking?

Call 911 immediately. If the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver: stand behind them, place your fist above their navel, and thrust upward sharply and repeatedly. The fire department can teach you this technique — ask about CPR and first aid classes when you call the non-emergency line.

Are there fire safety programs for seniors or people with disabilities?

The Great Falls Fire Department works with community organizations to reach people with different needs. Call the non-emergency line to ask about programs in your area or to request a safety visit tailored to your situation. The department can also discuss evacuation planning for people with mobility challenges or other considerations.