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Frequently Asked Questions
Fire Department For more information, visit the Fire Department online Home Fire Questions | What can I burn? Why do I need a burning permit? Are there any fees charged for a burning permit? Why can’t I burn all these pallets or waste lumber?
Residents of Cape Girardeau may burn waste only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on their own property. IT IS ILLEGAL to burn garbage, paper, plastic or lumber. You may not burn in ditches, streets, gutters or easements belonging to the City. Burning Permits are issued on the day you want to burn after 8:00 a.m. There is no charge for a Burning Permit. An inspector will come to your home and issue the permit to you. He will check to be sure the area you have chosen is safe and that you have a garden hose available. Leaves and small brush piles may be burned without a permit between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Care should be taken not to burn leaves on windy or overcast days. You must remain with the fire while it is burning, and extinguish it before you leave. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | My neighbor is burning leaves and the smoke is coming in my window. Can you make him stop?
No. As presently written, any City Codes allows the burning of leaves between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on your own property. If your neighbor is not violating this rule, or other safety considerations as outlined in the burning guidelines, he may continue to burn leaves on his own property. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | I know I need a smoke detector, but I can’t afford one. Is there any way I can obtain one without having to buy it?
Yes, the Fire Department has three programs available to distribute smoke detectors. The Infant smoke detector program is administered through Southeast Missouri Hospital , where all newborns are provided with a detector. See Infant Smoke Detector Give-Away Program. We have a program for the elderly which includes installation of detectors and batteries for those who may be physically unable to do installations. We also have a program based on the need of families with children whereby detectors with batteries are distributed on a case-by case basis. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | My smoke detector doesn’t work. Is my landlord required to maintain it?
The Minimum Property Standards Code requires that landlords maintain smoke detectors installed within the structures that they own. The Fire Code says that the detector is required to work. If your landlord does not comply, you may file a grievance at the Inspections Division at City Hall, 401 Independence Street , to require the owner of the property to maintain minimum property standards. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | What size fire extinguisher do I need for my home?
Commercial properties are required to have a minimum of a 5 pound ABC-type fire extinguisher. This also is the size we recommend for residential property owners. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | Will the fire department inspect my home?
Yes, we give courtesy inspections of residential structures. The inspection includes mechanical, ventilation and any chimneys or flues. Contact the Fire Department at 573-33-3211. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | We recently had a fire at our house. How do I get a copy of a fire report? How much do you charge for a report?
Fire Incident Reports are available free of charge by contacting us at 573-334-3211. We can also fax or mail a report to you. You must give us the date and/or time of the incident and the property owner or occupant’s name. Fire Reports are generally available within 12 hours after an incident has occurred. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top Back to Top | Will the Fire Department come out and fill my swimming pool?
The owner is responsible for obtaining the hose, which may be rented. A metered, back-flow preventive valve can be obtained from Alliance Water Services, who will mount the valve. It is the owner’s responsibility to fill the pool. | | Call Alliance Water Services at 335-1584 for more information. | Back to Top | I would like to install a storage building on my property. Does the City have any restrictions on this?
Some subdivisions have restrictions regarding outbuildings. check for restrictions within your subdivision. The city allows construction of any structure on your property under 10’x10’ (100 feet square) without a permit. Anything over that size is required to have a permit before it can be erected. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top Commercial Fire Questions | Why do I , as a commercial/residential property owner, need fire separation between my main level business and the upstairs apartments?
Fire separation is required by the 2003 International Codes. The level of separation is to be determined by occupancy use group types. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | Are there any charges for doing a fire inspection for a structure?
There are no charges for doing a fire inspection. To arrange an inspection, call the Fire Inspector at 573-334-3211. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | What’s the need for emergency egress lighting?
Emergency egress lighting is required by the 2003 International Codes. This allows the occupants of a structure to safely exit the building should power be lost. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | Why do my exit signs have to have battery backup power?
All new exit signs are required by the 2003 International Codes to have battery backup power. This allows the exit sign to remain lighted should power be lost to the structure. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | Why can’t I use extension cords in my business?
Extension cords are not allowed by the 2003 International Codes. Cords cannot be used in place of permanent wiring to power appliances or to other electrical equipment. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | Why does the City need building codes anyway?
To protect the consumer and the public from those individuals who would build substandard structures and endanger the occupants thereof. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | How often do my extinguishers need to be recertified?
Fire extinguishers must be recertified once each year. They must be hydrostatically tested every six years. The dry power chemical must be replaced every 12 years. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | Why do I have to have my kitchen hood and duct system cleaned on a regular interval?
To reduce the chances of a fire from greasy residue buildup. This is also required by the 2003 International Codes. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | Why do I have to have an occupant load limit for my bar/nightclub/restaurant?
To prevent the overcrowding of the building which would create a dangerous situation should an emergency occur. Overcrowding has contributed to loss of life and injuries in such assemblies. The 2003 International Codes dictate the allowable number of people for specific occupancies. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top | I am going to open up a business. I have looked at a building to use. Before I sign the lease and apply for a license, will the Fire Department inspect it to be sure that the building is OK for what I want to use it for?
Yes, the Fire Department recommends that you call before you take any action so that we can check the structure, the zoning and anything else that might restrict the use of the building. We prefer to do this before you sign the contract for the building. There is no charge for this service. | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top Other Fire Questions | How do I book a tour of the fire station for our group?
Tours are usually given at Fire Station No. 1 at Sprigg and Independence Streets between the hours of 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. You may book a tour for your group by calling 573-334-3211. There is no charge for a station house tour. | | | Back to Top | Does the fire department give any type of fire extinguisher or fire safety training for the public? If so, are there any costs or charges involved?
The Fire Department provides public education classes free of charge to groups in the City. The only exception is the fire extinguisher class - you must pay for the fire extinguishers used by class attendees. Classes are scheduled by the Department’s Public Education Officer at 573-334-3211. For a complete list of classes and other information, see Public Education Programs . | | For more information please call 573-334-3211. | Back to Top Back to Top Back to Top
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