Call 911 To Report Fires Rather Than Fire Stations

RISON - Residents of Cleveland County should dial 911 rather than their local fire department phone number when reporting a fire or other emergency.

The Herald was informed by two local fire departments over the past week of issues where people called the local fire station directly rather than dialing 911. Rural fire stations are rarely manned with someone to answer any incoming phone calls.

All 911 calls go directly to a dispatcher at the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department in Rison. That dispatcher then contacts the appropriate fire department or first responder to respond the emergency.

Erica Best, a dispatcher for the sheriff's office, said 911 calls made on land telephone lines go directly to the sheriff's office while call made on cellular telephones go directly to the 911 center.

Best said one advantage of using a cell phone to make a 911 call is that it allows their office to pinpoint exactly where the call is coming from, therefore making it easier to dispatch the closest emergency personnel.