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Fire Department Services

Are Recreational Fires & Portable Outdoor Fireplaces Allowed?

The City’s Fire Prevention Code, Title 15, Chapter 15.28, allows recreational fires and the use of portable outdoor fireplaces without a permit, if these guidelines are followed:

  • Portable Outdoor Fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.
  • Recreational Fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

 

  • Use only clean well seasoned wood, NOT leaves, compost, brush, construction debris, waste materials of any kind or holiday decorations/trees.
  • The fire must be constantly attended until extinguished.
  • Some method of fire extinguishment must be available for immediate use, (ex. garden hose).
  • Burning is prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. Be alert to wind speed/direction and be courteous to neighbors.

The Fire Department may order the extinguishment of any burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation or does not meet the distance requirements stated in the code.

The City's zoning ordinance does not permit the use of outdoor fireplaces in front yards or side yards.

The City has adopted the 2009 edition of the International Fire Code with local amendments. The complete code requirements can be found in Section 307.

The City recommends good communication with neighbors and hopes a "good neighbor" policy will be adhered to. This minimizes complaints and allows the Fire Department to be available for emergencies.

Please call the St. Charles Fire Prevention Bureau with any questions at 630-377-4457.

 

 

 

Does the Fire Department offer tours of the fire stations?

The Fire Department is happy to host tours of the fire stations. If your interested group would like to schedule a tour, please contact the Fire Department Administration Office at (630) 377-4458 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, at least two weeks in advance of the event. We can accommodate most times with the proper notice.

How do I obtain a fire or ambulance report?

If you are requesting a fire report for yourself, you may call 630-377-4458 to be sure your report is ready to be released. The completed report can be picked up from the Fire Department Administrative Office with valid identification. If you are requesting a fire report for anything other than your property, a Freedom of Information request form is required for release.

If you are requesting an ambulance report for yourself, you may call 630-377-4458 to be sure your report is ready to be released. An ambulance report is considered a medical record and can be released to the patient, with proper identification. If you are requesting an ambulance report on behalf of someone other than yourself, a proper release form signed by the patient is required before the report is released.

Please contact the Fire Department Administrative Office for assistance, 630-377-4458.

What is Vial of Life?

The Vial of Life is a program for seniors and people with special needs to assist rescue teams with medical treatment. A magnet is placed on the outside of the refrigerator stating a Vial of Life can be found inside.  A medical data sheet containing vital information is inserted into a Vial (large prescription bottle) and placed on the top right hand shelf of the refrigerator door. The Vial of Life kit is free. Please call 630-377-4458 to obtain your kit.