Fire FAQs
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Q. How do I contact the Fire Department?
A. Call 9-1-1 for fire emergencies and medical emergencies. The non-emergency number is (952) 955-1135.
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The Watertown Fire Station is located at 401 Carter Street NE.
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Q. What is the address and phone number of the Fire Department?
A. The mailing address for department administration is:
Watertown Fire Department
401 Carter Street NE
P.O. Box 755
Watertown, MN 55388
Our Main Phone Number is: (952) 955-1135
Q. How do I report an electrical outage?
A. You can contact the Xcel Energy trouble line at 1-800-895-1999.
Q. How do I report a gas smell?
A. Leave your house immediately and call 9-1-1 from your neighbor's house or from a cell phone. The Fire Department will respond and will
contact Xcel Energy.
Q. Who do I call when the outdoor warning sirens are sounding?
A. Do not call anyone. Immediately seek shelter. The sirens indicate severe weather in our area. Tune to a local radio station for weather
updates. The outdoor warning sirens are tested on the 1st Wednesday of each month.
Q. Why can't I hear the outdoor warning sirens?
A. Outdoor warning sirens are not intended to be heard inside of buildings. Several factors contribute to the effectiveness of outdoor
warning sirens including:
- Wind direction and speed.
- Obstructions such as trees, hills and general topography.
- Elevation, size and location of the siren.
- 100% of the City is covered by the outdoor warning system.
Q. Do I need a permit for a recreational fire?
A. A permit is not required, however the following rules must be followed:
- The fire must be surrounded by a non-combustible material.
- The fire can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter.
- No leaves, grass, painted or treated lumber or trash may be burned.
- A means of immediately putting out the fire must be readily available.
- An adult must be present at all times.
- Recreational fires are to be use for the purpose of cooking food only.
Q. Is a permit required for other types of fires?
A. A permit is required for all outdoor burning other than recreational fires. This includes clearing land, burning of branches after a
storm and prairie grass restoration projects. Burning permits are generally granted only in the rural areas of the city. Permitted fires are
subject to the following rules:
- The fire department must be notified when the fire is started.
- The permit must be signed and at the burn site.
- The burns can not take place in high wind or during DNR imposed bans.
- A burn pile must be of a manageable size.
- Tree stumps, treated or painted lumber, paper or trash may not be burned.
- The fire shall not take place within 50 feet of a structure.
- Approved extinguishing equipment shall be readily available.
- An attendant knowledgeable in the provisions of the permit and the extinguishing equipment shall supervise the burning until extinguished.
- The department may require that the burning be immediately extinguished if necessary.
Q. Is the department hiring firefighters?
A. The department is always looking for citizens who are interested in becoming paid on-call firefighters. Our greatest need is for those
available during daytime hours. All training uniforms and necessary gear is provided by the Department.
Q. Does the fire department offer CPR and 1st aid?
A. Yes we provide CPR and 1st Aid training for the public about 6 times a year depending on the demand. Most training is conducted at the fire
station, however the department has provided training in other locations for large groups.
Q. Does the department have an auxiliary program?
A. Yes the department has a very active auxiliary program comprised of firefighter family member and citizens who volunteer for department activities.
The auxiliary participates in numerous fundraisers, social activities and department drills.
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