FAQs • Carbondale, IL • CivicEngage

Can I have a fire on my property?

Pursuant to Carbondale City Code, it is unlawful to burn refuse, landscape waste or any other combustible material within the City of Carbondale with the exception of recreational fires, established in the following guidelines:

•The fire is intended for pleasure, religious ceremony, cooking or warmth.
•The fire should be in the rear yard, unless none exist, then in a side yard behind the front plane of the house. In no instance should the fire ever be located between the structure and the street.
•The fire must be no more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
•The fire must be at least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material; 15 if in an approved container.
•A method of extinguishment must be readily available; i.e. extinguisher, hose, buckets, etc.
•The fire must not be objectionable because of excessive smoke or odor.
•The fire must be constantly attended at all times.
•The fire department may order extinguishment of open fires that create or add to a hazardous or objectionable situation.

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Fire FAQs

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for a job with the Fire Department?: Go to our Applicant Tracking System, create an account, and apply!

2. Where can I get information about emergency preparedness?: Visit our Disaster Preparedness page to learn about how you can prepare yourself for the event of an emergency.

3. What if I can’t afford a smoke detector?: The Carbondale Fire Department will provide and install free smoke detector and replace smoke alarm batteries in anyone’s home that they own and occupy in Carbondale who cannot afford to buy one. We strongly encourage our citizens to take advantage of this program.

4. Where should I install smoke detectors in my home?: Install at least one smoke detector in each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test your smoke and CO detectors monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

5. Is a Carbon monoxide (CO) detector required in my home: You must have a CO detector installed in your home if you have gas appliances and/or an attached garage. If you only have one carbon monoxide alarm, install it in the hallway near the sleeping area. Make sure you can hear it from every bedroom, so it can wake everyone up if the alarm goes off while you are asleep. Additional alarms on each level of your home provide extra protection. Carbon monoxide weighs about the same as air and distributes evenly throughout a room. A CO alarm will be effective if it’s on the ceiling, near the baseboard or anywhere in between. Do not install a CO alarm right next to a combustion appliance, like a gas or oil furnace. Instead, install the CO alarm at least 15 - 20 feet away from these appliances whenever possible.

6. Can I have a fire on my property?

7. Why do fire trucks respond to traffic crashes?: Firefighters are trained and have specialized equipment to provide first responder medical aid as well as extrication services.

8. Does the fire department refill fire extinguishers?: We cannot refill fire extinguishers at the fire stations. Cintas Fire Protection refills and sells fire extinguishers. They are located at 621 W. Industrial Park Road in Carbondale.

9. Does the Fire Department fill swimming pools?: No, we are not able to fill up swimming pools.

10. Does the Fire Department provide car seat installation?

The Carbondale Fire Department does not provide car seat installation; however, the City of Carbondale Police Department is a child passenger safety inspection station. Employees, trained as certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs), are available to inspect child safety seats for correct installation and use. This service is free of charge.

Safety checks are offered by appointment only at the Police Department.

11. Who can I contact if a hydrant is leaking and there is no signage?: Contact the Water Treatment Plant at (618) 457-3240.

12. How do I dispose of old smoke and CO detectors?: Detectors may be disposed of in your household garbage.

13. How do I dispose of old fire extinguishers?: If the extinguisher is de-energized it may be disposed of in your household garbage. If you do not have a place to de-energize the extinguisher, you can drop it off at Fire Station 2.