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Fire & EMS

Show All Answers

1. Do you bill for hospital transports, and if I don't have insurance, will you still transport me?

The city does bill for Emergency Medical Services only if you are transported to a hospital. If you do not have insurance, you will still be transported to the hospital of your choice, taking in consideration the seriousness of your condition. All billing inquires should be directed to the Fire Administration Office at (804) 520-9387.

2. Who do I call to apply and pay for ambulance transportation (Fare Care)?

Contact Fire Administration at (804) 520-9387 or visit the Fare Care website for more information.

3. What fireworks are allowed in Colonial Heights?

Colonial Heights allows all State permissible fireworks: sparklers, fountains, caps. Anything that explodes, rises into the air, or shoots a projectile is not allowed. Possession, use, or igniting non-permissible fireworks is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

4. Can I burn leaves or brush in the City?

Open burning is regulated by the Fire Code, Department of Forestry, and Department of Environmental Quality. Any open burning larger than 3’ foot in diameter and 2’ foot in height would require an open burning permit and approval from the Fire Marshal’s Office. Only normal combustible materials can be burned, i.e. wood or paper. No trash, household waste, plastics, petroleum products, etc. are allowed to be burned. Recreation fires, less than 3’ foot x 2’ foot, shall be 25’ foot from the structure or property line. Burning in an approved barrel shall be 15’ foot from a structure or property line. A structure includes residence, garages, shed, or outbuildings.

All open burning is prohibited during area burn bans or when weather conditions makes it hazardous.

All fires shall be completely extinguished prior to leaving it unattended.

5. Are campfires allowed in the City?

Recreational fires or camp fires are permitted in Colonial Heights as long as they are 3’ foot or less in diameter and less than 2’ foot in height.  Only normal combustible materials can be burned, i.e. wood or paper.  The recreational fires shall be 25’ foot from any structure or property line.  Open burning in an approved barrel, as long as the fire is 15’ foot from any structure or property line.

Portable outdoor fireplaces are only allowed at one or two family residence and shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

All fires shall be completely extinguished prior to leaving it unattended.

6. Why did a fire engine come to my house when I called for an ambulance?

During the day your fire department may experience high call volumes at which time there are no more ambulances available in the City to respond to your home or business. The fire truck responds with the same highly trained EMS personnel and equipment that our ambulances carry. They just cannot transport you to the hospital. A mutual aid ambulance will be called in from one of our surrounding communities so that you can be transported to the hospital. You may also see a fire truck respond with a Colonial Heights Ambulance to your home, this may occur when the nature of the call requires additional EMS personnel to assist with patient care (i.e. heart attack, cardiac arrest, or lifting assistance).

7. If I have a fire at my home, is there a charge for Fire Department response?

No, all fire protection is funded through tax dollars. However, discharging of hazardous waste and malicious fires are chargeable.

8. Will the Fire Department remove an animal from my house?

Yes, the Fire Department will remove rodents and exotic animals if it can be done safely. If the animal cannot be removed without risk to personnel, guidance will be given to locate a professional company.

9. Does the fire department give out free smoke detectors?

The fire department offers free smoke detectors and batteries for those residents that cannot afford them. The fire department will also install smoke detectors or batteries for residents that need assistance. Please call (804) 520-9387 for assistance. The fire department will not provide smoke detectors or batteries for rental houses, apartments, or businesses. In these cases, the landlord is required to provide a smoke detector. If you rent, please contact your landlord for assistance. If you cannot get assistance from the landlord then contact the Building Official's Office.

10. Can I use a gas or charcoal grill at my apartment?

No. Charcoal burners and other open flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. LP-gas (Propane) burners having a LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

11. I have information about a fire or possible arson, who do I need to call?

If you have any information that may be helpful in solving a fire or possible arson, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (804) 520-9376 or Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660. If the information leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, you could receive a cash reward.

12. Why do fire trucks and ambulances from different localities come to my house?

During high call volumes we may have to call other agencies to respond to your home or business because all of our ambulances are busy assisting other patients. The Fire Department has mutual aid agreements with other agencies that automatically give us additional equipment and manpower on certain call types in the City such as structure fires, large vehicle accidents, and hazardous materials calls.

13. Will the Fire Department conduct a Fire Inspection on my residence?

Yes, the Fire Department will conduct residential fire inspections. To set up an appointment call the Fire Marshal's office at (804) 520-9376.

14. What are the requirements for smoke detectors in a residence?

A smoke detector is required in every bedroom, outside every bedroom, and on every floor of the house, to include basements and attics that may be occupied.

15. Do I need a carbon monoxide detector in my residence?

If you have any fuel burning appliance, i.e. natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene in your house then you need to have a carbon monoxide detector. The fire department will offer free detectors to those that cannot afford them. If you rent, then you should request one from the landlord. However, current building code and fire code does not require one to be installed.

16. Does the Fire Department install child safety seats in vehicles?

Yes, the Fire Department has qualified staff to install child safety seats. It is recommended that you call Fire Administration and make an appointment for the installation at (804) 520-9387.

17. Are there Fire Department requirements for the construction of a building?

The fire department requires that you meet the current edition of the Building Code, Fire Code, and NFPA where applicable. In addition, the building design must meet the fire flow requirements, fire hydrant location, and fire access road design of the current edition of the IFC. All plans are submitted to the Building Official's Office. All permits are issued by the Building Official.