Frequently Asked Questions

Please email the Bismarck Fire Department for this incident report.  Submit the information you are requesting, including the incident date and location. 

Yes, with exceptions. 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)

The use of solid fuel cooking devices,  outdoor portable fireplaces, and recreational outdoor fires using solid fuel is banned when the fire index is at the very high or extreme level, and anytime during a red flag warning.   Solid fuel includes wood, charcoal, and pellets. These devices may NOT be used on balconies at any time.

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 before conducting any burning. Information that you need to provide at the time of the application includes the date, time, and location that you plan on conducting the burn and contact information for the person responsible. We will evaluate the request and the 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 before 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.

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.

The cost of a daycare inspection is $35. It usually takes seven to ten days' 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.

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 the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year. While changing batteries, also vacuum your detector to prevent dust buildup 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.

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 a 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 a fast heart rate. Extreme exposures can cause unconsciousness, convulsions, and death.

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 online using the following link:

In response to heightened security measures implemented throughout the fire service, we are no longer trading or giving out patches.   

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.

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.

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

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 them. 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.

Visit our website using the following link.  Bismarck Fire Department.