Williston Fire Department Updates Response Plans Starting October 1

Beginning Oct. 1, the Williston Fire Department will alter its response procedures in an effort to keep emergency crews available for high-priority incidents as call volumes continue to climb.

According to a release sent by the department on Monday, WFD will no longer automatically respond to minor motor vehicle collisions, commonly referred to as “property accidents,” on city streets and highways. Historically, the department dispatched firefighters to such crashes when limited information was available.

Improvements in call screening by the Williams County Dispatch Center have sharply reduced the need for fire crews at these types of incidents. Firefighters will still respond if injuries are reported, if hazardous materials are present on the roadway, or if law enforcement specifically requests their assistance.

Also being adjusted is how firefighters respond to automatic fire alarms, which make up the largest share of their calls. Many of those activations are false alarms or the result of system malfunctions. While the department will continue to investigate alarm activations, the response will be scaled back to limit the risks associated with multiple fire trucks arriving simultaneously and to free units for critical emergencies.

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Automatic alarm systems remain an important tool in detecting fires early, especially when buildings are unoccupied. Residents and business owners are encouraged to call 911 if an alarm sounds to provide dispatchers with as much information as possible.

The Williston Fire Department also urged residents that when calling 911, the best way to help is to stay calm, answer the dispatcher’s questions, remain on the line until told otherwise, and follow their instructions until responders arrive.