How big is your service area and population?
We serve 235 square miles with the number of housing units reaching 3,095. The population of full time residents: 3,100
 
How many calls for emergency service do you get each year?
Total call run:      2008--450 calls total, 16 structure fires, 21 wildland fires, 5 vehicle fires, 58 vehicle accidents, 4 mutual aids, 275 medical aids, 71 Public Service Assist / other
 
How many stations does your Department have?
We have three stations. Two, with a minimum on-duty staff of 2 personnel, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
 
Where smoke detectors should be placed in my home?
Residential smoke detectors are early warning devices to wake a sleeping person or persons. Smoke detectors should be placed in each bedroom (sleeping area) and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms.
 
When you're not out fighting fires, what do you do?
Firefighters work a 24-hour shift. We eat, sleep and work out of our fire station. We shop for, purchase and cook all of our own meals. All daily maintenance on fire department vehicles is performed at the fire stations. We are involved in educational programs in the schools and to the public. We perform fire inspections at businesses around town and track every hydrant in Copperopolis, making sure that they will work when we need it to. We also attend daily training to help maintain and continuously improve our skills.
 
Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?
If personnel are at their fire station, they should be able to give you an accurate blood pressure reading. We recommend that you stop in during the normal hours, unless you are experiencing some type of medical symptoms and we recommend that you call 911.
 
What is the phone number to the Poison Control Center?
To reach your local poison center in the United State and its territories, 1-800-222-1222
 
Does the fire department service fire extinguishers?
The fire department does not service fire extinguishers. There are many fire extinguisher companies in the telephone book that have the proper equipment to service them.
 
Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?
Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Copperopolis Fire Protection District responds with adequate resources when they reacting for a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help than not enough.
A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks almost simultaneously.  Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams.
 
Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire?
This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous superheated gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment or for victims to survive. When a hole is made in the roof, and the building is “vented,” the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It increases the victim’s chance for survival and makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft (explosion) and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof 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 the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof and cut holes to access the attic to stop the fire from spreading through the attic.
 
Why do firefighters break windows in a building that is on fire?
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 (horizontal ventilation) of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin.  Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house.  Breaking the window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause. Replacing broken glass is much less expensive than repairing structural damage from the fire.
 
Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls?
As mentioned in the statement prior, firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics.  Our primary mission is to save lives and alleviate suffering. Due to the strategic location of Copperopolis’ three Fire Stations throughout the district, we can arrive quickly and begin emergency medical treatment or life saving techniques such as CPR and/or use cardiac defibrillators.  Copperopolis Fire Districts’ EMTs and Paramedics arrive on the scene quickly and stabilize the patient’s medical condition. Presently, the Copperopolis Fire Protection District does not provide ambulance services; therefore, a private ambulance company arrives later to provide transport to the hospital.
 
When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
Please pull to the right and stop.  This will allow fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response. If there is no shoulder continue to the next wide spot and then yield.
 
Why does the emergency equipment run with lights and siren, and then just turn them off?
On occasion, the fire engines will be driving with lights and sirens and then suddenly turn them off--perhaps only to turn into a shopping center parking lot or side street.  Be assured that when this happens it means we have received information through our 911 dispatchers that the caller or incident is no longer a dire emergency.  It is what we call "being cancelled".  Any or all of the apparatus may continue to drive to the call or perhaps some will return to the Fire Station, but we do not do it just to get to the store faster.  "We promise"!
 
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 and may be located at many Calaveras County retail establishments.
 
What is the difference between an EMT and Paramedic?
The difference between an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Paramedic is a significant amount of education.  A Paramedic goes through more education and training and can provide a higher level of emergency care including invasive procedures.  A Paramedic is an EMT.  There are different levels of EMT training: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic.  Each level requires more training and education than the prior. Copperopolis Fire District provides EMT Basic and Paramedic care.