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Fire

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1. 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 a week to ten days notice for an inspection to take place. For a list of items we look for during an inspection please view the following page. Read on

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 must be placed at least 15 feet from any combustibles, have a fire extinguisher or water hose available at all times, do not place on wood decks, do not use on enclosed patio decks, do not burn garbage, leaves, rubbish, or rotten wood that will smoke, and do not use under overhangs. Fire pits and chimineas must 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)
Read on

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

We recommend that if you use natural gas or propane in your home that 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. Read on

4. 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 when you change your clocks - twice a year. While changing batteries, also vacuum your detector to prevent dust build-up. 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.

5. 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 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the child's age group. We check with the shift to make sure they are available and then get back to you. 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.

6. Do you trade patches?

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

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

Yes. Read on

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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 to. 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 to come to our office and fill out the order form. You will need to visit with Ron Kunda, Fire Marshal, on the best location for the box on a building.

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

There is no burning in city limits. Debris and large trees and branches must be hauled out to the landfill or other dumping area. 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.

13. 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, 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 all fires, medical emergencies, and accidents. We train to keep our skills current in firefighting, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, confined space, and technical rescue. We 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.

16. 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 3.

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 approx. 43,000 communities rated by ISO (as of October 2005), less than 4.5% have a rating of 3 or less. See the website at ISO for more information on the Public Protection Classification (PPC) program. ISO Website

17. 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. The permit application can be downloaded from this website and completed. Once the application is completed it can be sent by email simply by clicking on the button on the form. Additional information that is required with the application can also be attached and sent as a PDF. Once the application is received with all the required information, it is reviewed before the permit is issued. Permit payment can be by check or we can direct bill your company. Once the permit is approved you will be notified by email. 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.

18. 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. An online permit application will be available shortly. During the interim, please contact (701) 355-1400 for more information on fees and the permit.

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.

19. 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.