Frequently Asked Questions
Does
the Fire Department offer tours of the fire stations?
The Fire Department is happy to host tours of the fire stations. If your scout, school, or other interested group would like to schedule a tour, please contact the Fire Department Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday - Friday, at least two weeks in advance of the event. We can accommodate most times with the proper notice.
Are
there permits and fees required for fire alarm and sprinkler plan review?
At this time there are no separate permits or fees for plan review aside from those required by the building permit. However, fire alarm plans and sprinkler plans must be submitted to the Fire Prevention Bureau for review and approval. Acceptance tests will be performed on approved systems only.
Why
does a fire truck respond on ambulance calls?
It is a goal of the St. Charles Fire Department to provide the highest level of emergency services, which is why we dispatch a fire truck with every ambulance call. This provides additional manpower if necessary, or provides first responder intervention if the fire truck reaches the incident prior to the ambulance. Are
outdoor fireplaces allowed?
The City's Fire Prevention Code, Title 15, Chapter 15.28, allows the use of outdoor fireplaces or fire pits without a permit, if these guidelines are followed:
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The unit should
be at least 25 feet from any structure (house/garage/deck) and in
an open lawn area.
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Use only clean,
well-seasoned wood-not leaves, compost, brush, waste materials of
any kind or holiday decorations/trees.
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The fire should not burn
for more than 2 hours and must be constantly attended until extinguished.
The fire must be properly extinguished prior to leaving unattended.
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Some type of fire extinguisher
must be available for immediate use (ex. garden hose).
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Open burning is prohibited
when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires
hazardous. Be alert to wind speed/direction and be courteous to
neighbors who may experience respiratory difficulties.
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The City Fire Code Official
may order the extinguishment of any open burning that creates or
adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation. |
The City recommends
good communication with neighbors and hopes everyone adheres to a "good
neighbor" policy. This minimizes complaints and allows the Fire Department
to be available for emergencies. Can
you burn leaves?
There is no open burning allowed within St. Charles city limits. Leaves
may be placed in yard waste refuse bags to be picked up by the City's
contracted waste hauler, or raked to the parkway as part of the Leaf Pickup Program. Burning for land management
is allowed by special permit on a case-by-case basis.
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