Frequently asked questions:

Q: What is my fire insurance rating?

A: The western edge of Liberty County currently has an ISO rating of 8. We are currently working to get it down to a 6 which could have drastic reductions in the amount homeowners will pay for fire insurance premiums.

Q: Why does the fire department go out on medical calls?

A: To ensure quick response and adequate assistance on all emergency scenes.

Q: How many miles does the Fire Department cover?

A: 69 square miles

Q: How can I listen to the Fire Department on my scanner?

A: Our primary frequency is 154.205. This is the frequency for all the departments in Liberty County.

Q: I collect Fire Department patches. Could you send me a patch?

A: For information on department patches, please click here.

Q: Do you charge for Fire Department services?

A: No, at least not to the homeowner or property owner. Depending on the call, we may file with the insurance company to reimburse for the cost of fuel and expenses used while on the scene.

Q: I need a copy of a fire report. How do I get this and is there a charge?

A: Reports are available at the Fire Department, which is located at 5334 Highway 196 West, next to Shuman's Convenience Store or by calling (912) 368-8181. You will need to know the date and time of the incident and the correct address where it occurred. There currently is no charge for these reports.

Q: I am interested in taking a C.P.R. course. Who do I call to sign up for one?

A: The Savannah Chapter of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association both offer C.P.R. certification. On occasion, the department will also hold a course for community members. Please feel free to contact us at 368-8181 for more details (The station is not staffed full time, so the best time to call is around 7 PM Monday nights during our weekly meetings).

Q: Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

A: Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Gum Branch Fire Department thinks pessimistically when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen.
There may be multiple Fire Department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as quickly and as safely as we can, prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

Q: How can I become a Firefighter? What are the requirements?

A: To become a firefighter with our department, please see the membership page. To see the requirements, please check out the requirements page.

Q. Is it always necessary to yield the right-of-way to a fire truck or ambulance?

A. Yes! For more information, please visit our "Yielding the Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicles" page.

Q. What do I do when I approach an emergency scene?

A. The new Georgia "Move Over Law" tells you exactly what you are required by law to do. You can always do more if you can to ensure the safety of those working on the roadway.

Q. I have a compliment/complaint. How do I contact one of the officers on the department?

A. You can send a compliment, complain or even general observation here.