This page is dedicated to answering some of the most common questions asked of the fire department. There is a contact form at the bottom of the page so you can use to ask questions not covered in this list.
Open Burn Regulation
Open burning is permitted under within the Brownsburg Fire Territory, as permitted by Indiana State Law and town ordinance. Brownsburg-General Regulation Certain Burning Prohibited. No person shall kindle or maintain any bonfire or burn leaves, trash, rubbish, debris, garbage, trimming or dangerous materials or dispose of same by burning, or shall knowingly furnish the materials for a fire, or authorize any fire to be kindled or maintained on or in any street, alley, road, public grounds, or private land. This section shall not prohibit the use of outdoor fire for home cooking or for recreational pruposes in a public park so long as the fire is confined in a permanent facility specifically provided for that purpose and is supervised by one or more adults at all times. The following types of fires are permitted with prior approval of the Fire Chief or the Fire Marshal:
All exempted fires, including fires for cooking or recreational purposes shall be subject to the following:
Burning with prior approval of the Fire Chief or the Fire Marshall maybe authorized for the following:
Smoke Detector Batteries
Smoke alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer's instructions. In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries should be replaced twice per year (Change Your Clocks/Change Your Batteries) and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years. In hard-wired, battery backup smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced twice per year (Change Your Clocks/Change Your Batteries). The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years. Heating Safety
Most residential fires involve space heaters, gas heaters, and kerosene heaters accounting for the highest fatality risk. All heating systems-including fireplaces-can be dangerous if they are not used and maintained properly. When purchasing any type of heater look for automatic shut-off safety features and the mark of an independent testing laboratory, indicating that the heater has met basic safety standards. Bicycle Safety
Children and adults are encouraged to wear bike/sport helmets while participating in all wheeled-sporting activities. Helmets have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by 90 percent. Nationally, only 15 percent of children bicyclists use bike helmets. Fitting a Bike Helmet Position: Put the helmet on your head so it sits evenly between the ears and rests low on your forehead. It should only be about 1-2 finger widths above your eyebrow. Put foam pads inside the helmet so it feels comfortable but really snug. Before buckling the chin strap, have children shake their head from side to side. If the helmet moves excessively it is too big and won’t protect the child’s head no matter how tight the straps are. Straps: Tighten the chinstraps as snugly as possible. Adjust the junction of the front and back straps so that the junction is just under the earlobes. You should be able to fit one finger in-between the chin and the chin strap. Candle Safe Practices
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Question: Why do fire engines respond to medical emergencies?
Answer: All Brownsburg Fire Territory firefighters are trained to handle medical emergencies. In some areas, paramedics are assigned to the engines. In some instances, a fire engine can get to the scene of an emergency faster than an ambulance. Question: When there is only a small fire, why do so many fire engines respond? Answer: A “Standard Response Plan” is utilized on all responses. The system is a predesignated formula that determines the amount and type of equipment sent to the incident. If these units are not needed, they are released by the Incident Commander. Question: How do I create an escape plan for my home or business? Answer: The four basic steps in creating an escape plan for your home includes: drawing a map of your home; agreeing on a meeting place; practicing your escape plan; and making sure your drill is realistic. Question: How should I plan for a disabled family member during a fire? Answer: Assure that you have a well defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs. Question: What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home? Answer: Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A-B-C fires. This type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes. Question: Do I need to put a smoke detector in every room? How many do I need? Answer: Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas. Remember to test smoke detectors regularly. Question: Why am I not supposed to drive over a firehose? Answer: Firefighters are very concerned about running over firehoses because the hose can be damaged and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water supply interrupted and possibly cause injuries or even death. Any hose that is driven over without protection has to be taken out of service immediately until it can be tested. Question: What if I smell gas in my home? Answer: You will need to get out of the house and then call 9-1-1 for the Fire Department from outside of the house or from a neighbor’s house. The use of a phone could cause the gas to ignite if you called from inside the house. Question: What other responsibilities do firefighters have other than fighting fires? Answer: In addition to fighting fires, firefighters also respond to a wide variety of other emergencies. Emergency medical calls actually make up around 80% of the incidents that fire departments respond to. Other types of emergencies include hazardous materials releases, technical rescues, fire alarms, and other calls for public assistance. Besides emergency responses, firefighters spend a large amount of time, cleaning and maintaining their equipment, doing routine inspections, and training for all the different types of incidents they respond to. Question: What should I do when I see or hear an emergency vehicle coming towards me while I am driving? Answer: When it is safe to do so, you should pull to the right and stop until all emergency vehicles have safely passed. Question: How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detectors? Answer: We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months. An easy way to remember is to change batteries when you reset your clocks for daylight savings time. Question: How much does it cost to have a fire truck respond to my home for an emergency? Answer: Fire engines and ladder trucks are supported by taxpayer revenues and there is no charge for these pieces of equipment. Question: Will I be billed for emergency medical services? Answer: The Brownsburg Fire Territory charges for emergency medical services and can bill your insurance directly. See EMS Billing page for more information. Question: Where can I report suspicious arson activity? Answer: If you have reason to believe that a person is setting or has just set a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to describe the suspect, including physical features and clothing. |
Investigations
Brownsburg Fire Territory is responsible for investigating all fires that occur within the territory boundaries. The Fire Marshal or his designee on any incident will perform an investigation as low requires. The general mission of the Investigation Unit will be to assist in the enhancement of life safety and record property damage by providing skilled, professional assistance in identifying the origin, cause and circumstances of fires occurring within the area served.Investigators may respond at anytime during an incident when there may be questions regarding the origin and cause of a fire. This does not automatically mean that fire is of suspicious origin or may have been caused maliciously by a human being. It is the responsibility of the investigators to accurately determine the true cause of the fire, which in many cases may be purely accidental. This is accomplished by searching for:The human element Faulty equipment (heating, electrical) Natural causes (lightening, spontaneous combustion) Animals (Knocking over items)Incendiary. In the event that a fire is determined to be suspicious in nature, the fire investigators work very close with Brownsburg Police Department and/or Hendricks County Sheriff's Department, the County Prosecuting Attorney, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. If the party is found guilty he or she may serve time in prison on the charge of arson in accordance with the State law. If you may have any information about a fire that occurs within Brownsburg Fire Territory that you believe was intentionally set; you may anonymously call 317-852-1190 or 1-800-382-4628. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1000.00, ask to speak with the Fire Marshal.
Brownsburg Fire Territory is responsible for investigating all fires that occur within the territory boundaries. The Fire Marshal or his designee on any incident will perform an investigation as low requires. The general mission of the Investigation Unit will be to assist in the enhancement of life safety and record property damage by providing skilled, professional assistance in identifying the origin, cause and circumstances of fires occurring within the area served.Investigators may respond at anytime during an incident when there may be questions regarding the origin and cause of a fire. This does not automatically mean that fire is of suspicious origin or may have been caused maliciously by a human being. It is the responsibility of the investigators to accurately determine the true cause of the fire, which in many cases may be purely accidental. This is accomplished by searching for:The human element Faulty equipment (heating, electrical) Natural causes (lightening, spontaneous combustion) Animals (Knocking over items)Incendiary. In the event that a fire is determined to be suspicious in nature, the fire investigators work very close with Brownsburg Police Department and/or Hendricks County Sheriff's Department, the County Prosecuting Attorney, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. If the party is found guilty he or she may serve time in prison on the charge of arson in accordance with the State law. If you may have any information about a fire that occurs within Brownsburg Fire Territory that you believe was intentionally set; you may anonymously call 317-852-1190 or 1-800-382-4628. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1000.00, ask to speak with the Fire Marshal.
Inspections
The Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for coordinating and conducting fire and life safety inspection, fire permits, plan reviews, open burn regulations, and investigation of fires within the Brownsburg Fire Territory. The inspections conducted can be grouped into categories; New Construction, General Business, and Residential upon request by homeowner.
New Construction: The process involves reviewing the building; site plans, onsite inspections of all fire safety system within the Brownsburg Fire Territory. Any business that opens must pass a final inspection. Permits are required from the department in accordance with local town ordnance for any and all inspections.
Business: General safety inspections on all business within the Brownsburg Fire Territory is done to protect the general public as well as building owners. Some of the thing that the department look for when doing a inspection is, structural changes, electrical hazards, exit paths, and door operations to name a few.
Residential: Home inspections maybe be done upon request from the homeowner, by coming by the Fire Marshal's office and fill out a form.
The Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for coordinating and conducting fire and life safety inspection, fire permits, plan reviews, open burn regulations, and investigation of fires within the Brownsburg Fire Territory. The inspections conducted can be grouped into categories; New Construction, General Business, and Residential upon request by homeowner.
New Construction: The process involves reviewing the building; site plans, onsite inspections of all fire safety system within the Brownsburg Fire Territory. Any business that opens must pass a final inspection. Permits are required from the department in accordance with local town ordnance for any and all inspections.
Business: General safety inspections on all business within the Brownsburg Fire Territory is done to protect the general public as well as building owners. Some of the thing that the department look for when doing a inspection is, structural changes, electrical hazards, exit paths, and door operations to name a few.
Residential: Home inspections maybe be done upon request from the homeowner, by coming by the Fire Marshal's office and fill out a form.
If you have any further questions that were not covered above, please feel free to submit your question to the right. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Remember, if you have an emergency, please call 911.
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