ANSWERS:

1) Can I burn trash, limbs, leaves, etc., on my property?

A) Yes. But you should call the Blanco County Sheriff's Office at 830-868-7104 to see if the Burn Ban is off and leave the address where you will be burning. They will also want your contact name and number, and the time by which you will fully extinguish the fire.

2) How can I get a burn permit?

A) We don't have a burn permit form. See instructions in answer #1 above.

3) Do you get cats out of trees or off telephone poles or roofs?

A) No. Try opening a can of tuna and waiting for the cat to get down on its own. We've never seen a cat skeleton in a tree. They'll come down eventually.

Related Story: Man shocked trying to rescue cat from pole

Related Video: Cat stuck in tree for hours. Unknown fire fighter comes to save the cat. During the rescue attempt the cat falls over 5 stories, lands on its feet, and runs up another tree. Click here to watch the video.

4) Why do firefighters cut holes in the roofs of burning houses?

A) This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie version of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft 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, cut holes to access the attic, and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

5) How should I dispose of old flammable liquids, paints or antifreeze??

A) Please contact our Fire Administration.

6) How can I help the fire department?

A) You can help in several ways:

If you are interested in fighting fire, you can to join and get the free training that our Fire Department offers.

Or you can join the Auxiliary Fire Corps and help with support those who are fighting fires. This includes handing out water and cold towels, getting supplies and setting up Rehab Stations for our responders.

If you have a special talent and want to share some information or teach a class, contact the Training Officer and tell him what specialty you have. He will see if its something the Fire Department can use and help arrange times for you to assist the Department.

7) Can I make a monetary donation to the department?

A) Absolutely! In fact you can basically designate how you want the money to be used. We are always in need of funds to help pay for equipment and for training that the Fire Fighters attend.

8) Does the fire department refill/recharge fire extinguishers?

A) No, we don't even refill our own. Look on-line for "Fire and Safety Equipment" service providers. Sometimes it may be beneficial to just buy a new extinguisher though, and some cannot be recharged after use.

9) There is a fire hydrant flowing water on my street. Will the fire department come shut it off?

A) No, the fire department is not responsible for fire hydrants. Your City Water Department or Municipal Utility District is in charge of hydrants and there may be a reason why they're flowing, such as testing or maintenance. Please contact your local water department.

10) Does the fire department come out for birthday parties?

A) No, but we prefer that your group come by the station after the party to see the trucks and meet the firefighters. Call us in advance because we are volunteers who respond from home and work.

11) How is the fire department funded?

A) The JCVFD is funded by the Blanco County Emergency Services District who assesses a tax on property in our district.

12) Does the fire department install or inspect child safety seats?

A) No, currently the JCVFD does not perform this service. Most people don't realize that there is extensive training required to properly install and inspect car seats.

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>> Please send us your questions.