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Fire Department

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1. Are fireworks illegal?

Class C Fireworks are permitted to be used in NC. That basically means anything that does not produce a projectile or something that lifts off the ground. Bottle rockets, roman candles, etc. are not allowed.

2. Can you safely plug a 3 prong electrical plug into a 2 prong electrical outlet?

The two prong outlet does not have a ground wire in it therefore if you use an adapter and plug in a three wire cord, then whatever you are using is not grounded. You become the ground if something goes wrong with that appliance meaning that the electrical current will pass through your body rather that the ground wire present on three wire cords and outlets. The National Electrical Code prohibits this activity.

3. Do you provide and install smoke detectors?

We do have a smoke detector program. Eligibility for free detectors is based on financial need. We will gladly visit your home to suggest the best location for your detector. We also install your detector(s) and change batteries as necessary free of charge for the physically impaired, seniors, and other persons needing assistance. Contact the Fire Department at 919-552-0422.

4. May I use a chimenea, patio warmer, or any other portable wood-burning device used for outdoor recreation or heating? Outdoor masonry fireplaces?

Yes, provided they are located on a noncombustible surface, located a minimum distance of 20 feet from the residence or any raised structure, and do not burn synthetic material, refuse, yard waste, or salvageable material for fuel.

Outdoor masonry fireplaces constructed in the same manner as indoor residential fireplaces are allowed in the Town. All distance and fuel requirements listed above are applicable as well.

5. May I have a campfire?

Yes, provided the campfire is located at least 25 feet from any structure and 25 feet from any property line. The campfire shall be no larger than four square feet and shall be surrounded by bricks at least two tiers high. Synthetic material, refuse, yard waste, or salvageable material may not be used for fuel.

6. My neighbor thinks the smoke created by my outdoor fireplace stinks. Is this considered a nuisance, and can I be prohibited from using it solely because he/she objects to the odor?

No.  Smoke from an allowable outdoor fire is not considered a nuisance under State Open Burning Rules.

7. When can I be required to extinguish an outdoor recreational fire?

You may be required to extinguish the fire by fire officials if the identified parameters are not met, it creates hazardous conditions, occurs during a burning ban, or does not comply with identified regulations.

8. May I dispose of my yard debris and clippings by burning them?

No.  Disposing of yard debris through burning within the Town of Fuquay-Varina is not allowed because curbside pick-up is provided. Find information about yard debris and leaf collection.  

9. May I pile debris and burn it for land clearing?

No.  Open burning of trees, logs, brush, stumps, leaves, grass clippings, etc. is strictly prohibited within the Town Limits.

10. Can my church youth group have a bonfire?

No.  Bonfires are large fires utilized for ceremonial purposes and are usually in conjunction with a planned event such as a pep rally, holiday event, or church festival. Due to the potential size of these types of fires, bonfires are strictly prohibited within the Town Limits.

11. Can I use sky lanterns at my daughter’s outdoor wedding?

No.  Sky lanterns are small unmanned hot air balloons that rely on an open flame to heat the air inside of the balloon causing it to lift into the atmosphere. Due to the extreme safety concerns with these objects, sky lanterns are strictly prohibited within the Town Limits.

12. Why do I see firefighters at stores when they are working?

To ensure the most effective service at the time of an emergency, our crews must remain in their designated response territory with the fire trucks during their entire shift. Our crews work 24-hour shifts with no scheduled breaks and meals are not provided by the Town. Oftentimes, the crew will pool their money together, shop at the grocery store, then prepare their own meals. Many times, the crew will decide to dine out at a local restaurant or purchase food from a local restaurant and bring it back to the station. Sometimes they receive a call while shopping for food or dining out, which means they leave directly from the grocery store or restaurant and return later to finish their shopping or their meal.  Also, you may see Fire Department vehicles at local businesses on official business such as inspections, performing training or education, answering questions or complaints, or even shopping for needed fire department supplies and equipment.

13. Why do I see fire fighters running at the local park or taking the fire truck to the gym?

Firefighting is a physically challenging profession that requires a high level of physical and mental readiness. The nature of the occupation demands a great deal of physical strength and stamina. To insure the safety of our operational personnel and the well-being of Fuquay-Varina residents and visitors we serve, our crews are required to perform physical fitness activity while on duty.

14. Why do firefighters break all the windows during a fire?

Breaking out any windows during a fire is something you should NOT do! It can make the fire much worse and decrease the chances of survival for trapped occupants if not done correctly.

When firefighters break out windows during a fire, they are using a scientific approach, learned during extensive training, to extinguishing the fire. Windows are broken in coordination with firefighters on the inside extinguishing the fire to create an escape route for the superheated steam and gases to escape. Without the windows being removed, the steam could burn the firefighters and hinder rescue efforts of any trapped victims.

15. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents -- more lanes than are necessary?

It's for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keep our personnel safe when they go back to the apparatus to get more equipment, and it helps protect the victim we're trying to stabilize.

16. Why does a fire truck show up when I call for EMS?

All fire department personnel are certified Emergency Medical Technicians. Many times, the fire department is the first unit to arrive and able to provide critical care until an ambulance is on scene.

17. Why do firefighters get upset when you drive over fire hoses?

The fire hose is the lifeline of a firefighter when fighting a fire. If you drive over it, the hose can be damaged, and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted -- possibly causing injury or death. Also, it is against the law in North Carolina (NC G.S. 20-157(a)) to run over a fire hose. Penalties can range from a simple fine to being charged with murder depending on the incident.

18. Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?

All on-duty firefighters are certified Emergency Medical Technicians and are more than happy to help you with a blood pressure check or any other EMS issue that you might have.

19. Why do I see fire trucks from neighboring communities in Fuquay-Varina on calls?

The Fuquay-Varina Fire Department has mutual aid agreements with all the departments in Wake County and a few departments in Harnett County. These agreements provide for the closest fire engines, trucks and ambulances to respond in the event of an emergency and when additional resources are needed. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that for every structure fire that there be a minimum of 18 firefighters on scene within 8 minutes.

20. Does the fire department service fire extinguishers?

No, the fire department does not service fire extinguishers. There are private fire protection companies that offer those services. They can be found in the phone book or through an internet search.

21. What type of fire extinguishers and how many are recommended for the home?

We recommend a minimum of one 5-pound ABC extinguisher easily accessible to the kitchen area and in a garage or workshop area. If you have any questions about type or placement of fire extinguisher in your home or business, please contact the Office of the Fire Marshal at 919-552-0422.

22. Where can I purchase a fire extinguisher?

Portable fire extinguishers can be purchased at a wide variety of retail stores. Home improvement centers and hardware stores generally carry an adequate selection to choose from.

23. Will the fire department come to my home and fill my swimming pool?

No, the fire department is not permitted to fill swimming pools.

24. How can I request firefighters for a school visit or public event?

Our Fire Department has a comprehensive approach to fire safety through education provided to business groups, nursing homes, medical facilities, residents, schools, day care centers, and community groups that need prevention education. Contact Fire Station #1 to schedule a fire safety event at 919-552-0422.

25. What is an ISO rating?

On July 1, 2000, the North Carolina Department of Insurance became the agency responsible for the fire insurance rating of municipalities/fire districts with under 100,000 population. Ratings are based on the fire department infrastructure, delivery of service methods, response times, adequate staffing, water supplies, etc. A classification of 1 to 10 is assigned based upon the results of the inspection. A rating of 1 indicates the highest level of fire protection. Lower ratings mean lower premiums on fire-insurance rates for both commercial and residential properties. Insurance Companies use this number to provide a cost of Insurance on real property.

26. What is the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department ISO rating?

· Inside the City Limits of the Town of Fuquay-Varina:

o Class 2

· Outside the City Limits of the Town of Fuquay-Varina and 5 miles or less to a Fuquay-Varina Fire Station.

o Class 4

· Outside the City Limits of the Town of Fuquay-Varina and over 5 miles to a Fuquay-Varina Fire Station.

o Class 9E

27. Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through red lights at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

Many times, several units are dispatched to the same incident. When the first unit arrives on scene, they may assess the situation and inform the dispatcher that no other units are needed to handle the emergency. All other responding units are then cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

28. How many smoke detectors should I have and where should they be placed?

At least one smoke detector on every floor and one in every bedroom. Smoke detectors should not be installed in the kitchen.

29. Do you get cats out of trees or rescue other animals?

No. We strongly suggest placing an open can of tuna at the base of the tree (this usually works), leave the immediate area and wait for the cat to get down on its own. We generally do not rescue stray animals due to their unknown medical condition (i.e., rabies, distemper, etc.). The Fire Department does carry emergency life-saving equipment for house pets involved in smoke/fire situations.

30. Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Fuquay-Varina Fire Department believes in being prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned from experience that it is better to have too much help on the way than not enough. For example, a structure fire requires a minimum of 18 personnel and various specialized equipment to perform all of the needed tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams when firefighters become trapped or injured.