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1. Why are there three different fire departments in Niceville?

The three departments in Niceville are the City of Niceville Fire Department, East Niceville Fire District, and North Bay Fire District.

1. The City is the primary department for the incorporated areas of Niceville, all of SR285 up to the Walton County line and SR85 North up to Mile Marker 21, and half way down SR123
2. East Niceville Fire District has the unincorporated areas within the City of Niceville
3. North Bay Fire District is responsible for the area of Blue Water Bay

Even though we are three separate departments, we rely on each other to assist on all structure fires and when one of our trucks is busy on another call we cover for each other by operating within a Mutual Aid Agreement. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

2. Why do the 911 operators ask so many questions?

The dispatcher you speak with on the telephone is typing information into a computer. Another communications officer is relaying that information, via radio, to the responding Firefighters. The 911 operator will ask certain questions in a particular order to most efficiently fill in the fields on the computer screen. Once a few preliminary questions have been answered, the operator will be in a better position to provide more details or narrative information, such as a the extent of the fire or is anyone still in the burning structure. 

The Niceville Fire Department suggests calling 911 from a cell phone or another phone outside the residence to expedite the evacuation.  Never go back into a structure after you have left it. Many people have died in fires after they had already gotten out once but made the ultimate mistake by re-entering the burning structure. The responding Firefighters may have specific questions regarding the situation while they are en route. Unless you are in an unsafe location, it is in your best interest to remain on the line until the 911 operator has obtained all of the information and the operator may ask you to remain on the line until the Firefighters arrives. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

3. I called the EMS, why did the Fire Department show up?

The Niceville Fire Department provides Basic Life Support (BLS) First Response for Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services. By providing this valuable service, we are able to arrive on scene many times prior to the ambulance and initiate life saving treatment until the ambulance can arrive. 

All fire department vehicles whether administrative or emergency response vehicles carry first aid kits, oxygen and defibrillators which can provide electric shock to heart attack victims to hopefully get the heart back into a manageable rhythm. When you call 911 the dispatcher who is Emergency Medical Dispatcher trained will ask you several questions after dispatching the trucks and can then give you certain treatment procedures to include CPR instructions over the phone. Getting trucks to the scene is never delayed by dispatchers asking too many questions. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

4. Why do I see fire trucks at vehicle accidents when there is no fire?

Just like medical calls, the fire department first responds on all accidents with confirmed injuries or confirmed leakage. We also respond if there is unknown leakage or injuries. Both of our fire engines carry special equipment to deal with vehicle accidents to include the "Jaws of Life." There are several hazards involved with a vehicle accident besides fire or leaking gas. 

Some of those hazards include hot fluids from the engine compartment, battery acids, air bags that have not deployed, and extremely high voltage wires from the new hybrid vehicles. Our philosophy on every call we go on is that it's better to respond and not be needed than to not respond and be needed. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

5. How can I obtain a fire report?

Fire reports may be obtained by calling our station at 850-279-6436 during administrative business hours Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reports are available to the occupant, owner or a representing insurance company. Reports are also available by written request. There is no fee for city residents but there is a $5 fee for insurance agencies or those who do not reside within the city limits.

6. Can the fire department unlock my car if I have locked the keys inside?

It is the policy of the Niceville Fire Department to only open a locked car if there is someone locked inside. The Fire Department will make you sign a waiver releasing them of any liability for damages caused by our attempt to unlock your vehicle. If there is nobody inside the vehicle, you must call a locksmith. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

7. Can I burn yard debris in my yard?

No.  Burn rules are governed by the Florida Division of Forestry.  There is no residence located inside the City of Niceville that meets their requirements to burn yard debris.

Florida Burn Laws

8. What is the best fire extinguisher for my home?

We recommend a 5lb Class ABC extinguisher for the home.  Place one in the kitchen area but not over the stove and one in the garage that is easily accessible.

9. Can I bring my expired medicine or used syringes to the fire station to dispose of them?

No.  The Niceville Fire Department is not an authorized disposal site.  Click here for more info.

https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm

10. What should I know about smoke detectors?

• Have a working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area, inside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.  We recommend changing your battery when you change the clocks in the spring and fall.  Do not change the battery if you have a lithium battery. The alarm will let out a periodic "chirping" sound when it needs a new battery.
• Install smoke alarms away from air vents.
• Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall, at least 4 inches from the corners.
• When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
• Never disable or remove smoke alarm batteries.