Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a burn permit?

If you own the property and wish to burn brush, burns permits can be obtained online at NHFIREPERMIT.COM, or you can stop by the fire station and we will be happy to assist you with a permit. If you do not own the property, you must bring written permission from the property owner in order for a permit to be issued. Burning is allowed from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. or while raining or if there is complete snow cover on the ground. All fires must be attended at all times by the permit holder. During windy or dry weather, times of drought or high fire danger, burning permits will not be issued and all burning is prohibited.

When is the Fire Station open for tours?

Stop by the station Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and we will be happy to show you around. If you’d like to bring a group, or come after 4 p.m., please call (603) 862-1426 at least one week in advance.

How many smoke detectors do I need for my house?

You need at least one smoke detector on each floor, including the basement. For maximum protection, we recommend one in each bedroom too. If you are renting property, your are required to have at least one hardwired smoke detector on each floor.

I live in an apartment and one of my smoke detectors looks broken. What should I do?

First, contact your landlord or property manager and request that it be looked at immediately. If there is a delay in the repairs or if you need further assistance, please call the Fire Prevention Office at (603) 862-1426 and we will assist you.

How often should I test my smoke detector?

You should test your smoke detector monthly. Most detectors have a button you can push to test them. Change the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year. A handy way to remember to change your batteries is to do it when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. Smoke detectors should be replaced at least every ten years. Never disable your smoke detector by removing the batteries. Remember, a smoke detector that isn’t working cannot save you.

Where can I take my fire extinguisher to be tested or recharged?

Seacoast Fire Equipment in Newington (1-800-683-5771) and Tri-State Fire Protection in Rochester (1-800-244-7531) will test and recharge your fire extinguisher for a fee. Be sure to check for extinguisher to see if it is rechargeable. Most non-rechargeable extinguishers will be labeled as such. The Durham Fire Department does not recharge or test fire extinguishers.

How do I dispose of an Old or Unwanted Fire Extinguisher?

FIRST: Determine what type of fire extinguisher you have. Ratings are shown on the extinguisher faceplate.

• Class A and B extinguishers carry a numerical rating that indicates how large a fire an experienced person can safely put out with that extinguisher. Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating to indicate that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electrical current. Class C extinguishers must also carry a Class A or B rating.  Class D extinguishers carry only a letter rating indicating their effectiveness on certain amounts of specific metals.
• Some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB, BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than one class of fire.
• Multipurpose (ABC-rated) chemical extinguishers leave a residue that can harm sensitive equipment, such as computers and other electronic equipment. Because of this, carbon dioxide or halon extinguishers are preferred in these instances because they leave very little residue.

SECOND: Has it ever been used?

• YOU CANNOT "TEST" A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. DRY CHEMICAL extinguishers will usually NOT hold a charge after partial use. This is also true for all your personal home and vehicle dry chemical extinguishers.  While the gauge may hold steady in the green immediately after a slight use, check it the next day and you'll find the gauge on empty! This is because upon use the dry powder gets inside the seals and allows the nitrogen carrier to escape over a period of time. After ANY use a BC or ABC extinguisher MUST be serviced and recharged. This is very important for home extinguishers also; YOU SHOULD HAVE THE EXTINGUISHER REFILLED AFTER ANY USE.  CO2 and halon extinguishers will generally hold their pressure after a slight discharge, however, it is best to always have a full canister in case of an emergency.

THIRD: Some fire extinguishers are rechargeable as long as it is up to the current standards.  Contact a Fire Safety Equipment dealer listed in the Yellow Pages to determine if your fire extinguisher is rechargeable.

FOURTH: To dispose of an old fire extinguisher that cannot be recharged or that you do not wish to keep.

• Release any pressure contained in the canister by shooting a small amount into an open area.
• Let the canister sit for a few days, making sure the pressure has been released.
• Once there is no longer any pressure, dispose in a trash bag in your regular garbage.

Where can I learn CPR?

CPR classes are offered periodically by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital ((603) 742-5252) and Portsmouth Regional Hospital (436-5110). The University of New Hampshire Continuing Education Program also offers CPR and EMT classes (www.learn.unh.edu or call (603) 862-2015 for a catalogue).

How do I get a copy of a fire incident report?

Call the Fire Department at (603) 862-1426. We will need the date of the incident and the address. There is a twenty five dollar fee for fire incident reports.

How can I schedule a fire truck or firefighter at my function?

Call the Fire Department at (603) 862-1426 at least one week in advance.

We had a medical emergency and needed an ambulance. Why did a fire truck come too?

A fire truck is sent out with every medical call to ensure that qualified medical personnel arrive quickly. As the ambulance service is a volunteer agency, sometimes there may be a delay in staffing an ambulance to respond. We also send a fire truck on medical calls because of the extra manpower needed for some lifesaving procedures. The extra medical personnel need to have the firefighting apparatus with them in case another emergency occurs before they return to the station.

How do I contact the McGregor Ambulance Corp?

The McGregor Ambulance Corps can be reached at (603) 862-3674. They can answer questions regarding ambulance billing, volunteer opportunities and medical treatment reports.

Why does more than one fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department apparatus is dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator or the person reporting the emergency. The Fire Department responds prepared to deal with the worst that could happen based upon that information. In emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. We respond as fast as we safely can, with personnel trained to provide the best service possible and apparatus sufficient to deal with the "worst" possible outcome. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?

This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gasses and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. It is impossible for firefighters to see in this environment. When a hole is made in the roof, the smoke and gasses escape. Venting the roof makes it easier for firefighters to see and find the source of the fire, and it also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fire is spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise to the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire and cut holes in the roof to release the heat and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.