Calling the Fire Brigade

When your call is answered you will speak to an operator who will ask you which service you require, that is, Garda, Ambulance, Fire Brigade or Coast Guard. Once you say you require the Fire Brigade the operator will transfer you to the Fire Brigade Communications Centre. You will be asked a series of questions by the Operator in order for the following information to be collected:

• what is on fire?
• what is the address of the premises?
• what is your phone number?
• are there any persons in the building?
• is evacuation in progress?
• what type of building is on fire?
• are there any hazards in or around the building?
• other information as relevant

It is not necessary for you to remember any of the above questions. It is, however, important that you:

• stay calm
• listen carefully to the operator
• speak slowly and clearly
• only finish the call when the operator tells you

You may feel that the call is taking too long because of the questions that are being asked but be assured that as soon as the address is received by the operator the nearest available Fire Crews are dispatched immediately and the operator is just gathering further important information from you to pass on to the nearest available responding fire crews.

112 is the emergency number which will work anywhere in the European Union, from a fixed line or mobile phone, free of charge. For more information please access the EU 112 website.