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Fire

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a fire incident report?

Please submit the information you are requesting and include
the incident date and location.  Click HERE 

 

2. Can I have a backyard fire pit?

Yes. All charcoal grills, chimineas, fire pits, and patio heaters are allowed within the city limits. Chimineas and fire pits should be placed at least 15 feet from any combustibles. Do not place on wood decks, in enclosed patio decks or under overhangs. You should have a fire extinguisher or water hose available at all times. Do not burn garbage, leaves, rubbish, or rotten wood that will smoke. Fire pits and chimineas should have a spark arrestor screen while being used to control sparks and embers. While operating chimineas or fire pits, if the smoke or odor emission becomes offensive or objectionable, you will be required to extinguish the fire. IFC 307.1.1 (City Ordinance 8-01-06)

3. Can I burn in city limits or outside city limits?

Burning is allowed within the city limits with the approval of the Fire Chief. You will need to apply for a burning permit and receive approval prior to conducting any burning. Information that you need to provide at the time of the application includes the date, time, location that you plan on conducting the burn, and contact information for the person responsible. We will evaluate the request and site before the permit or burning is allowed. In addition you will need to contact the State Health Department at (701)328-5188 and Central Communications at (701)223-9111 prior to burning.

Burning outside the city limits must be directed to the Rural Fire Department at (701)258-5792 and the State Health Department at (701)328-5188.

4. My carbon monoxide detector is beeping and we do not feel sick, what should we do?

If the CO detector is sounding intermittently, check the detector for low batteries even if it is plugged into the wall. If it continues to sound even after you have changed the batteries, call the fire department for assistance. If the CO detector is alarming with a constant beep, everyone in the house should immediately move to a fresh air location outside and call the fire department. Leave your windows and doors closed so that the fire department can survey the home using air monitoring equipment to determine the problem. If no problem is found and your CO detector is older than 6 years, you may have a malfunctioning detector and it will need to be replaced. Many new CO detectors have an end of life notification alarm that will let you know when they need to be replaced.

5. Day Care Inspections: How long does it take for the inspections, how much does it cost and what do they look for?

The cost of a day care inspection is $35. It usually takes seven to ten day notice for an inspection to take place. To request a daycare inspection click on the link provided. Before you begin, click on the “How To” link for instructions on how to access and complete the application. Payment is due at the time of application and can be completed online. If you are unable to access the application, please contact the Bismarck Fire Department for assistance. For a list of items we look for during an inspection please view the following page. Read on

6. Where should I place smoke detectors in my home and how should they be maintained?

At a minimum you need to place a smoke detector in each bedroom and hallway outside the sleeping area. In addition, a detector is required on each level of your home. It is recommended that you change your batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year. While changing batteries, also vacuum your detector to prevent dust build-up and remove any insects that may be nesting. You should check your detectors with the test button each month to make sure they alarm properly. Smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years or sooner if they quit working. The materials used in making the detector lose their effectiveness over time causing the detector to eventually fail. If your smoke detector is chirping every 30 seconds first change your batteries. If that does not resolve the problem, change out your smoke detector for a new one.

7. Do I need a carbon monoxide detector and what are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

We recommend that if you use natural gas, propane or solid fuel (wood or coal) appliances in your home, you install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, colorless, tasteless gas that kills and injures thousands each year. The symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on how much you were exposed to. Mild exposures can cause slight headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms. More severe exposures can cause severe throbbing headaches, drowsiness, confusion, and fast heart rate. Extreme exposures can cause unconsciousness, convulsions and death. The symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on how much you were exposed to. Mild exposures can cause slight headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms. More severe exposures can cause severe throbbing headaches, drowsiness, confusion, and fast heart rate. Extreme exposures can cause unconsciousness, convulsions and death.

8. Is a permit and testing required for a fire alarm system?

Fire alarm systems in one and two family dwellings do not require a fire alarm permit. Fire alarm permits are required for any commercial or multifamily residential occupancy that require a fire alarm system. To apply for a fire alarm permit click on the link provided: Click on the “How To” link for information and instructions on completing the on-line application. Testing requirements follow the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signal Code. Contact the Fire Marshal at (701)355-1400 to set up a time to have the system tested. Permit

9. Is a permit required before a fire sprinkler system can be installed and what type of testing is required?

A permit is required for all new fire sprinkler systems and systems that have an addition or modification of twenty or more heads. To apply for a fire sprinkler permit click on the link provided. Click on the “How To” link for information and instructions on completing the on-line application. Testing requirements follow the NFPA 13 Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Contact the Fire Marshal at (701)355-1400 to set up a time to have the system tested. Read on

10. Is a permit required for other suppression systems for areas such as special storage, computer server rooms, paint booths, kitchen hoods, etc.?

Yes. The installer is required to take out a fire suppression hood permit and submit a detailed diagram with supporting documentation. Fees are based on the cost of the system. To apply for a fire sprinkler permit click on the link provided. Click on the “How To” link for information and instructions on completing the on-line application. Once the installation is complete, the installer is required to contact fire department at 355-1400 for an appointment to complete an acceptance test for the system before it can be used by the facility.

Once the installation is complete, the installer is required to contact Ron Kunda, Fire Marshal, for an appointment to complete an acceptance test for the system before it can be used by the facility.
Read On

11. Does the Fire Department give tours, how long do they last, and what do they talk about?

Yes, the Fire Department gives tours. The best times are 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the age group. Tours are scheduled based on the availability of the fire company. Night tours are also available if time permits.
We will talk to children and adults regarding any type of fire safety, teach "Stop, Drop and Roll", show what a firefighter looks like in full bunker gear, and show the trucks and sirens. In addition we will answer any questions you may have regarding fire safety or what we do as firefighters.
To request a tour you can call 355-1400 or go on-line using the following link: Read On...

12. Do you trade patches?

No, shoulder patches are no longer available from our department.

13. Mail boxes – how close can they be to fire hydrants?

Mail boxes and other obstructions must be placed at least six feet from a fire hydrant. (City Ord. 10-05-05-02) Read on

14. How close to a hydrant can you put your driveway?

A driveway cannot be built any closer than six feet to a fire hydrant. (City Ord. 10-03-07-07) Read on

15. How close to a fire hydrant or fire station entrance can you park?

A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic in compliance with law or the direction of a police officer or traffic-control device, within ten feet of a fire hydrant or a point on the curb from a line drawn perpendicular to the fire hydrant. Parking is also restricted within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five feet of said entrance when properly signposted.

16. What are the different types of Knox Boxes, what do they cost and how long does it take to get one? Where is the best place to put the box on your building?

A Knox box is a high-security lock box that only the fire department has a key. It allows us quick access to keys for the building in the event of an emergency. There are various sizes and types of Knox boxes and it takes about two weeks to receive the box. It is best that you call our office at 355-1400 for ordering information. Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. at 1020 E Central Ave.

17. What kind of fire extinguisher should I have for my home?

We recommend that you have at least a 2A10BC extinguisher in your home. It should be mounted close to an exit out of your home between four inches and five feet off the floor. Be sure to read the directions on how to use the extinguisher and ask if you have any questions on its operation. Never try to fight the fire by yourself. Call 911 first and get out of the house if you think the fire is too large for you to extinguish.

18. What do firefighters do all day?

Firefighters do a variety of things throughout the day. Our primary responsibility is to save lives and protect property. We respond to fires, medical emergencies, and accidents. To keep our skills current in firefighting, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, confined space, and technical rescue we train regularly. In addition, we also do prevention activities such as life safety inspections for businesses and public education activities such as visiting schools and doing fire extinguisher training for the public. Of course we also work to keep our equipment clean and in good working order at all times.

19. What is the City of Bismarck's Fire Protection Rating (a.k.a. ISO Public Protection Classification)?

Within the incorporated limits of the City of Bismarck, the ISO Public Protection Classification is 1. The rating scale is 1-10, with a rating of 1 being the best achievable rating. The rating is based on the capability of the community’s fire department equipment, training, and staffing, as well as its water supply infrastructure and 911 operations. The rating is one factor many insurance companies use to determine property insurance premium rates. Of the communities in the US rated by ISO, less than 1% have a rating of 1. See the website at ISO for more information on the Public Protection Classification (PPC) program. ISO Website

ISO Website

20. How does the fire department know where I live?

All the firefighters have a great working knowledge of the streets and homes in Bismarck but we still need help. The fire code requires that all buildings have the address posted on the front of the business or home. The numbers need to be readily visible from the street in a contrasting color from the building. In addition, the numbers must be at least four inches high.

21. How do I implement an exit drill?

Exit drills from the home are one of the most important things you can teach your children to do in the event your smoke or carbon monoxide detector alarms. Plan at least two ways out of your home, including windows, and then practice it. If you have a window high above the ground purchase a window ladder for that room. Plan for everyone to meet in one spot to make sure everyone is out. Never go back into the house if there is a fire. If you can’t get out, close the door and seal the bottom with a towel or sheet. Open the window and hang something out to let the firefighters know you are inside the room. Never hide and stay low to the floor.

22. Where can I find more information regarding fire safety?

Visit our website using the following link.

Read On