How to Call 911 During a Fire Emergency

Calling 911 during a fire emergency requires staying calm and providing clear, accurate information quickly. State your address first—the exact street address including apartment or unit number, floor, and nearest cross street. Firefighters cannot respond to an address they cannot find or confirm. If you are calling from a landline, the address is automatically displayed to dispatchers, but you should still verbally confirm it.

Describe the fire briefly: what is burning, how large the fire appears, whether anyone is trapped, and whether smoke is affecting your ability to escape. Stay on the line with the dispatcher until help arrives. The dispatcher may provide instructions for evacuation or first aid that are critical to survival.