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1. What should I do if I see a heavy flow of water coming from a fire hydrant?

This is routine maintenance of the water system performed by the City's water department.

More details on Fire Hydrant flushing

2. Why does a fire truck come when I call for an ambulance?

All fire apparatus are ALS (Advanced Life Support) equipped and carry at least one Paramedic to respond to certain medical calls. At times, all ambulances may be busy with other medical calls or may be too far to respond, therefore a fire truck is also dispatched to get there faster and begin patient care.

3. Does the fire department accept and dispose of outdated medications?

We do not take outdated medications, but click on the link below for information on how to dispose. More information

4. Can the Fire Department come unlock my car if I leave my keys inside?

The fire department will only come out and unlock your vehicle if there is a child or pet inside the vehicle or the engine is running.

5. How do I report a leaking or broken fire hydrant?

If it is a public fire hydrant, please call Water Maintenance at 972.230.5724. If it is a private fire hydrant, the property owner is responsible for all repairs. It is advised that they contact a utility contractor.

6. What are DeSoto's hiring requirements?

Must be between 21 - 35 years of age at the time of appointment as a firefighter.

Must be a United States citizen.

Must have a copy of High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Must provide proof of certification as a basic Firefighter, as established by Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and must be fully certified with the Texas Department of State Health Services or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians as an Emergency Medical Technician Basic OR provide proof of certification as a Paramedic (must provide a Paramedic Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) prior to entrance examination.

Must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Must meet all physical requirements.

Must not have used illegal drugs in the past three years.

7. How can I be notified of the next testing date?

DeSoto Fire Rescue generally tests every six months or until the current list has expired. You may sign up to be notified of the next civil service exam by filling out a job interest card. Job Interest Card

8. How do you study for the test?

DeSoto Fire Rescue administers a test covering your basic math and reading skills. We suggest that you study as if you were taking a College Entrance Exam. No study guide is available. Check with your local library for practice tests or other study material. Applicants who pass the written test will need to be prepared to take the Physical Agility Test immediately following the written exam.

9. What is the procedure after I take the Civil Service test?

Candidates who pass the written and physical exams will be subject to successful completion of the following:
Driver analysis
Background investigation
Physical agility test
Psychological evaluation
Polygraph test
Oral review board
Medical exam including drug testing
Any other relevant investigations deemed necessary.

The City of DeSoto does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

10. Can I do Community Service at a fire station or through the fire department?

We currently do not offer opportunities to complete community service hours through our department.

11. Does the Fire Department fill private pools with water?

No we do not.

12. Can the Fire Department come out and change the batteries on my smoke detector?

Unfortunately, we only change batteries on smoke detectors for senior citizens if the detector is too high to reach. However, we cannot change batteries for seniors if the ceilings are taller than 8 to 10 feet.