Frequently Asked Questions

  • My son has been playing with matches and I am worried he will start a fire.  Can someone help us?

Definitely.  Over 30% of fires that kill children are set by children playing with fire.  We have extensively trained personnel who share your concerns and can evaluate and assist with this issue.

  • When is the Fire Station open for tours?

Stop by any station, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and we will be happy to show you around.  If you would like to bring a group, please call 516-6148 ahead of time and we will prepare a more age appropriate presentation.  During Fire Prevention Week and through the month of October, we host several hundred pre-school children at our Liberty North End Station.  Our Safety Trailer tours all of Dover's Elementary Schools to simulate a smoke-filled house for students in Kindergarten through Second Grade.

  • Where can I learn CPR?

Call our office at 516-6148 and we will be happy to direct you to a CPR course.

  • We had a medical emergency and needed an ambulance.  Why did a fire engine also respond?

We send a fire engine on certain medical aid calls because of the extra manpower needed for some lifesaving procedures.  The extra medical personnel need to have the firefighting apparatus available at all times in case another emergency occurs before they return to the station.

  • If I need an ambulance for an emergency, who should I call?

Call 911 for all emergencies.  To assist us in finding your home, please be sure that your house number is prominently displayed.  The City of Dover Fire & Rescue service also offers a Life Alert Program.  We provide a bright yellow card to be filled out, by you, with important information  about your medical conditions and medications.  This form should be displayed on your refrigerator for easy access by emergency personnel.  These forms are free and can be picked up at any Dover fire station.

  • How many smoke detectors do I need for my house?

Today's new homes require, by code, a hardwired detector on each floor in addition to a detector in each bedroom.  Older homes still need at least one smoke detector on each floor, including the basement.  For maximum protection in these occupancies, we highly recommend one in each bedroom, too.  If you are renting a property, the landlord is required to have hardwired smoke detectors throughout the unit.

  • I live in an apartment and one of my smoke detectors looks broken.  What should I do?

First, contact your landlord or property manager and request it be looked at immediately.  If there is a delay in the repairs or if you need further assistance, please call Inspection Services at 516-6038 and we will assist you.

  • I am not sure my child's safety seat is properly installed.  Can someone help?

Yes.  Call the Dover Police Department at 742-4646 and they can schedule an appointment with you to ensure your child's car seat is installed properly.

  • How can I get a burn permit?

If you own the property  and wish to burn brush, stop by at any Dover fire station and we will be happy to assist you with a permit.  If you do not own the property, you must bring written permission from the property owner in order for a permit to be issued.  Burning is allowed from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. or while actively raining or if there is snow covering the ground.  All fires must be attended at all times by the permit holder.  During extreme dry weather, burning is prohibited.

  • What are the office hours of the Fire Department?

Office hours are maintained by Administration and Inspection Services.  These hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • We haven't used our fireplace in years.  Do you think it is safe?

If you are concerned about the condition of your fireplace, chimney, or wood stove, please contact Inspection Services at 516-6038 and we will inspect it for you.

  • Do we need a permit to install a gas-fired fireplace?

No permit is required, although any new gas work requires a permit from Inspection Services located at the Liberty North End Station.