Avoca VFD - Frequently Asked Questions

We get asked a lot of questions by members of the community... here's what we say to the most common ones.

A. Apply in person on any Monday night at 7:00PM at the fire station.

monthly schedule.
first and third monday: is drill nights.
second monday: is clean up night.
fourth monday:business meeting.

all beginning @ 7:00pm eastern time zone at the station.

Q. What Are the requirements to become a member?

Be no less than 18 years of age.

Hold a valid Drivers permit.

live within coverage area

willing to learn

Q. What are the rules about burning leaves?

A. All open air fires from October untill the end of May require a burning permit. This is obtainable free of charge from The Tennessee Division of Forestry service by calling 423-239-5811

Q. What is an SCBA?

Self-contained Breathing Apparatus provide the user with breathable air regardless of the ambient atmosphere. With a cylinder of compressed air carried on the back, a pressure regulating device and a facemask that will seal out any outside contaminants. Users are protected for as much as 45 minuets.

Q. Why do you call these engines instead of trucks?

Fire “trucks” are primarily used as ladder trucks, “Engines” are technically motor driven Pumping equipment. The correct term for this unit is “triple combination apparatus” because it has ladders, a pump and its own water supply.

Q. What is Creosote?

Creosote is a complex mixture of variable composition containing primarily condensed aromatic ring compounds or phenols; therefore, it is not possible to represent the chemical formula and structure for these materials. Wood creosote is easily set on fire and contains some components that dissolve in water and some that do not.

Q: How can I reduce my homeowner fire insurance costs?

A: Contact your Insurance carrier for specific information. Some general requirements are having working smoke detectors permanently installed in all areas of your home, having properly rated Fire Extinguishers, having CO detectors if you have any gas fired equipment in your home, incorporating sprinkler systems in new construction and installation of monitored alarm systems. If purchasing a home, check with the local responding fire department to confirm the local I.S.O. rating. Lower ratings can result in significant insurance coverage savings.

Q: What impact does Avoca Volunteer Fire Department have on my homeowners insurance?

A: Insurance rates are established by the Insurance Services Office, a rating service that establishes different ratings for Insurance Companies in Tennessee. Most states have a similar service.
These ratings are based on specific equipment requirements, response times, manpower, recordkeeping, fire hydrant locations & numbers,and various other factors., including on-site inspections. Based on these requirements, each fire department service is rated on a scale of class 1 - 10, with class 1 being the very best.
In Sullivan County, the normal rating is an I.S.O. Rating Class 9 , with the Cities in the County having ratings from Class 3 thru 5. Avoca Vol. Fire Department has attained a rating of Class 5. Based on this rating, most homeowners insurance costs in the Avoca area have been reduced by 40% - 50%, resulting in a significant savings.