B

Bars on Windows

Window bars on bedroom windows that restrict exiting - window bars and security doors on bedrooms must be releasable from the interior of the unit without keys, tools, combinations or special knowledge to operate.

Bees - Who do I call if I have a swarm of bees?

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department does not remove bees unless there is imminent danger to a person. If such a situation exists, firefighters destroy the bees and hives. To have bees removed, look in the yellow pages under Beekeepers.

Blight - Who do I call if there is blight in my neighborhood?

The Town of Auburn will work with residents to resolve issues pertaining to property maintenance, zoning, animals, mobile and street vending through a combination of education, assistance and code enforcement. For more information contact the Department of Inspectional Services at 508-832-7719 to report blight violations.

Blocking/Traffic - Why do fire trucks park in traffic lanes when on a roadway?

Fire trucks often park in the travel lanes of a roadway to provide advance warning and notification to approaching motorists to transition from normal driving status to that required by the temporary emergency traffic control measures ahead of them. In addition, by positioning a fire department apparatus on an angle to the lanes of traffic creates a physical barrier between upstream traffic and the work area of emergency responders in effort to protect them from being struck by a passing motor vehicle.

Blood Pressure Checks

Any fire station between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Remember, the firefighters may or may not be in the station when you go.

C

Campfire

Please click the link for our Outdoor Fireplace Policy (PDF)

Cats - Do you get cats out of trees/telephone poles/off of roofs?

Typically no. Try opening a can of tuna and waiting for the cat to get down on its own. If you are really concerned call us at 508-832-7800 and we will come out an evaluate the situation.

CPR - Where do I call for CPR training?

Visit the following link for CPR information.

F

Fire Apparatus - Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire-Rescue Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department is prepared to deal with the worst that could happen at any given incident. They are fast, well-trained and pleasant in their response.

The Fire-Rescue Department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. This will be either an engine company, ladder truck, or an Ambulance regardless of the nature of the call from the closest station. In preparation for the worst case scenario, a fire engine often accompanies the Ambulance on certain priority level calls or for lifting assistance. The first unit on scene may not be an advanced life support unit (a unit with paramedics). Therefore, such a unit also will be responding.

There may be three Fire-Rescue Department vehicles on scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can and are prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

Fire Code - What fire code does Auburn use?

The Fire Code for the Town of Auburn is the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations Chapter 148 and 527 CMR. There are also several fire codes listed in 780 CMR which is the Massachusetts Building Code. There are also Town of Auburn bylaws that pertain to the fire department. For information on those bylaws contact the Bureau of Community Risk Reduction or click Operational Divisions and select the Fire Prevention tab.

Fire Code Violation - How do I report a possible fire code violation or unsafe situation?

You may contact our office to report the unsafe situation or code violation. An inspector will be sent out to verify the code violation and issue corrective notices if applicable.

Fire Extinguisher - Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?

Check the yellow pages under Fire Extinguishers. The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department does not service fire extinguishers.

Fire Fighters - Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building fire?

This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie version of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see.

It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on the roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

FIRE PERMIT - HOW DO I GET A FIRE PERMIT?

Call our office at 508-832-7800.

FIRE PIT

Please click here for our Outdoor Fireplace Policy (PDF).

FIRE PREVENTION FEES

Follow this link for the most up to date fee schedule.

Fire Truck - How can I schedule a fire truck or firefighter at my function?

Call our Public Fire Education office at least three weeks in advance at 508-832-7800.

Fire Truck - Why do I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call. Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go "Code Red" (lights and siren) through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were initially dispatched too.

G

Gas Leak - Where do I report a leak?

Eversource and other gas companies add an odor to gas so you will know if natural gas is leaking. If you smell gas, Eversource has some important safety procedures Eversource Gas provides 24-hour emergency service every day of the year. Make sure to call 800-592-2000. If you are in doubt on who to call and you smell gas, dial 911.

H

HOARDING

Hoarding is causing home fires to become more dangerous than they should be. Residents become trapped and entering becomes more dangerous for firefighters who are looking for occupants. For more information contact the Department of Inspectional Services at 508-832-7703 to report hoarding.

House Numbers - Do I need to have a number on my home or place of business?

Yes, Mass General Law chapter 148 section 59, in addition to Auburn Town Bylaws requires that you affix the street number to your house or place of business. The figures used in numbering the residential house or commercial building shall be Arabic numerals made of durable material.  Such number shall be colored to contrast sharply with the background and shall be Arabic numerals at least 4" (four inches) in height for residential buildings and Arabic numerals no less than 10" (ten inches) no more than 18" (eighteen inch) Arabic numerals for commercial buildings.  In addition, there is a fine for persons displaying the wrong number on any residential or commercial building other than the number assigned to the property by the Town of Auburn Assessors Office.  Any owner displaying any other number assigned shall be punished by a fine for every 72 (seventy-two) hours that the violation still exists.

Household Hazardous Waste

The Town of Auburn conducts collection events periodically. For more information contact the Department of Inspectional Services at 508-832-7703.

Hydrant Leak - Where do I report a leaking hydrant?

Auburn Water District, 508-832-5336, after hours you will receive a machine message with the phone number for the on call employee.

Elm Hills Water District. 508-755-5448.

I

Investigation Report - How do I get a copy of a fire investigation report?

Contact Fire-Rescue Headquarters at 508-832-7800 and speak with our Administrative Assistant.

J

Juvenile Fire Setter Program

Southbridge Fire Department coordinates the regional program, 508-764-5430.

K

Knox Boxes

Knox Box Company

The Town of Auburn bylaws and the Auburn Fire-Rescue Department requires a key box on every occupancy (except private residences) where off site monitoring notifies the fire department. Private residences may install a key box and provide the key to their local fire station for citizens who may not be able to get to the door in case of an emergency. For more information contact Fire Prevention at 508-832-7800.

The KNOX-BOX Rapid Entry System was specifically developed for the fire department. With one master key, they can gain access to commercial and residential property. More than 11,500 departments nationwide use Knox key boxes, vaults, Haz-Mat cabinets, key switches, locking FDC caps and padlocks. For more information call 800-552-5669.

N

No Burn Days

Massachusetts Air Quality Department in conjunction with the Auburn Fire-Rescue Department determines if burning is allowed every day. Contact 508-832-7800 daily to see if burning is allowed. For more information on burning follow this link.

O

Outdoor Fireplace

Please click this link for our Outdoor Fireplace Policy (PDF).

P

Paramedics

Ever wondered what the difference was between an EMT and a Paramedic, follow this link for more information and select the Emergency Medical Services tab.

Planning and Development Service Department

Planning Division, 508-832-7704.

Permits - Fire

Auburn Fire-Rescue Department, 508-832-7800.

S

Sand Bags - Who do I call to get Sand Bags?

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department does not supply sand bags or shovels. Check the yellow pages under Rock, or Sand and Gravel. Sand is supplied only when there is an imminent threat of a flood. Only when such a situation develops, call the Department of Public Works at 508-832-7814 to find out the location of the sand pile.

Santa Tour

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department conducts a tour every year with Santa Clause riding around town in the Fire Truck visiting all areas of the town. The tour is always the Saturday before Christmas. Please follow this link for updated information.

Swimming Pool Regulations - Who do I call to find out about swimming pool regulations?

Department of Inspectional Services, 508-832-7703.

T

Traffic Blocking - Why do fire trucks park in traffic lanes when on a roadway?

Fire trucks often park in the travel lanes of a roadway to provide advance warning and notification to approaching motorists to transition from normal driving status to that required by the temporary emergency traffic control measures ahead of them. In addition, by positioning a fire department apparatus on an angle to the lanes of traffic creates a physical barrier between upstream traffic and the work area of emergency responders in effort to protect them from being struck by a passing motor vehicle.

Y

Youth Fire Setter Program - How do I get information about the Program?

Southbridge Fire Department coordinates the regional program, 508-764-5430.