Fire Prevention
BARBECUE SAFETY
Use of all barbecue grills should be away from the house in the backyard.
Supervise children whenever any grill is in use.
Never use gasoline on any grill.
Gas Grills
Keep all LP-gas outside, three feet away from building openings such as doors, windows, dryer vents and air intake vents.
All LP gas cylinders with a capacity between 4-40 lbs. must be equipped with an overfill protection device.
We recommend LP-gas canisters be ten feet away from the house, if possible, especially when in use.
LP-gas grills are not permitted inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building where people live.
LP-gas is heavier than air and sinks. A leaky grill could pose a hazard to people below. Possible ignition sources include smoking materials, air conditioners, compressors, pilot lights and cars.
Make sure all connections are tight and secure.
Charcoal Grills
Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start charcoal grills. Once the coals have been lighted, never add more lighter fluid to the fire - flames may travel up the stream of lighter fluid resulting in serious burns.
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING
(Notice to all occupants and owners)
Propane gas or charcoal grills used on balconies create a specific fire hazard for all occupants of the building.
Storage of items under the stairwells and blocking other means of egress in the hallways create an additional hazard during evacuation of the building.
As Fire Chief, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148 and 527 Code of Massachusetts Regulations directs me to address both of these issues. Therefore under this authority, you are prohibited from the practices cited above and the storage of these grills on the balconies.
Violation of this order may result in criminal action against responsible parties.
Gasoline and Lawn Mowers
Gasoline vapors are highly flammable. They stay on your clothing and can ignite if you light a match or cigarette.
Store gasoline only in approved containers, outside, or in a building not attached to the house. Never keep gasoline inside the home.
Keep gasoline away from all heat sources such as smoking materials, pilot lights, campfires, and grills.
Never fuel a lawn mower while it is hot. Give it a few minutes to cool off first.
Keep hands and feet away from the mower while it is running.
WHEN YOUR CAR OVERHEATS......
Always:
Turn off your car and wait at least one-half hour before attempting to open the radiator.
Use a heavy rag or cloth to open the radiator.
Stand back as far as possible. Keep your face out of the way in case the radiator should rupture!
Opening hot car radiators is one of the leading causes of burns to young adults. These burns can be prevented with patience and appropriate precautions.
When your car overheats, or even when it's just been running for a while, pressure builds up inside the radiator.
If you open a hot car radiator, hot steam and liquid can splash on your face and hands causing painful, disfiguring burns.
Burn First Aid
Stop, Drop and Roll to extinguish a clothing fire.
Cool a burn. For minor burns, run cool water immediately over the burn.
Seek emergency medical help immediately for more serious burns.
Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Fireworks
Enjoy the many professional, supervised fireworks displays.
The possession and use of all fireworks by private citizens is illegal in Massachusetts.
This includes sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers and cherry bombs, to name a few.
It is illegal to purchase fireworks in another state and transport them to Massachusetts.
Do not purchase fireworks through mail-order catalogs. We cannot prevent prohibit distribution of these catalogs, but we do confiscate illegal shipments of fireworks. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law will lose both money and fireworks.
Piling Snow on Fire Hydrants Prohibited; Penalty
No person other than an employee in the service of the commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof or in the service of an independent contractor acting for the commonwealth or any such subdivision shall pile, push or plow snow or ice on or against any fire hydrant or other similar device used for fire protection which is located in any public or private way so as to conceal such hydrant or device or coverr any outlet thereof. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine or not more than one hundred dollars.
Links & Documents
Residential Form - PDF
Residential Form to be filled out and returned to Fire Department if you would like to be added to our response data base.
Business Form - PDF
Business Form to be filled out and returned to Fire Department if you would like to be added to our response data base.
Open Air Burning Information
Facts about burning brush in the open air to satisfy legal, environmental, and safety concerns.
Requirements For Fire Alarm Systems And Smoke Detectors
Fire Alarms
What needs to be done through the Fire Department for a resale or refinance of your home
State Regulation
527 CMR 24.00 - Fire Warning systems for buildings within the Commonwealth
State Law
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148, Section 26F
Requirements For Oil Burner Installations
Oil Burners
How to get your new oil burner or oil tank inspected and approved by the Fire Department
State Regulation
527 CMR 4.00 - State regulations on oil burning equipment
Homeowners Guide To Oil Spill Cleanup
Guide To Oil Spill Cleanup
Guide From Department Of Environmental Protection About Oil Spill Cleanup For Home Owners.
Requirements for Oil Tank Installations And Removals
Oil Tanks
Getting your oil tank installed or removed safely and what you need from the Fire Department
State Regulation
527 CMR 9:00 (K)- State regulations on underground oil tank removal
Other Requirements
Propane
Process for a propane storage permit
State Regulation
527 CMR 6:00 - State regulations on storage and use of LP gasl
Blasting
Requirements and process for a blasting permit
State Regulation
527 CMR 13:00 - State regulations on blasting
Good Information
Helpful Hints
Fifteen Ways To Help You And Your Family Be Safer
Important Fire Prevention Links
527 CMR 1-50
Code of Massachusetts Regulations on Fire Prevention
MGL Chapter 148
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148 - Fire Prevention Laws
MGL Chapter 143
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 143 -Inspection, Regulation, and Licensing of buildings