Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

General

You can contact the __________ if you would like to arrange a payment plan.

You can contact the ________

You can contact the the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456.

You can contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule or use the Contact Form and someone will be in touch.

Test each smoke alarm monthly by pushing the button.

  • Replace 9 volt and AA batteries in smoke alarms twice a year. (Remember: change your clocks, change your batteries.)
  • If the alarm “chirps,” warning that the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
  • All smoke alarms have a recommended service life of 10 years. Replace your smoke alarms at this time or sooner if they are not functioning properly.
  • Vacuum or dust out cobwebs and dust that have accumulated in smoke alarms at least once per year.
BUSTR regulates petroleum and hazardous substances stored in underground storage tanks (USTs) similar to what you find at gas stations. However, there are some tank systems that are excluded from BUSTR’s jurisdiction. These tanks are regulated by the local fire department and by Ohio EPA:
  • Above ground storage tanks.
  • Underground heating oil tanks used for heating on the premises.
  • Underground farm and residential tanks smaller than 1,100 gallons.

A. BUSTR regulations require the current "property owner" to remove USTs from the ground. The environmental sampling, investigation, and clean-up is only required to be conducted by the "owner" as defined in rule 1301:7-9-02 of the Administrative Code. A copy of this rule may be found on the BUSTR website at http://www.com.ohio.gov/fire/BUSTRResources.aspx . Please note, the determination of the "owner” may be very complex and detailed.

Evacuate your home and call 911 from a cellphone or neighbor’s house. Do not attempt to shut off the gas or pilot light as this can cause a spark and igniting a gas leak.

Evacuate your home and call 911 from a cellphone or neighbor’s house. We ask that you do not try to ventilate your home before the fire department arrives. If the Carbon Monoxide has been ventilated before our arrival, it can make it hard for us to find where it is coming from and fix the problem.

Yes. Residential inspections are performed at the request of the property owner. Businesses will normally be inspected annually by the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456.

In addition to installing smoke alarms and testing them twice a year, create a home escape plan so that every member of your family knows at least two ways out from every room or space in your home. Your family should know how to:
  • Crawl low in smoke. Smoke rises so the air near the floor will be clearer. It will be easier to see and breathe near the floor.
  • Feel doors before opening them. If the door is hot, do not open it. If the door is cool, stay low as you open it. There still may be heat, smoke or fire on the other side.
  • Leave immediately. Don’t stop for anything. No possessions are worth your life.
  • If you cannot leave a room, make sure the door is closed and go to the window. Open it or break it out and exit if you can. If you can’t exit the window because it’s too high, use a bedsheet, towel, etc. to wave and yell to attract attention. If necessary, use towels, clothing, pillows, etc. to block smoke coming through door cracks or vents.
  • Have a family meeting place outside. Count to ensure everyone is out safely.
  • Once you are out, stay out. Never go back inside for anyone or anything.
  • Call the fire department once you are out safely. The emergency number is 911. Call from a neighbor’s home or a cell phone.
  • Additional Tips:
    • Practice your escape plan at least once a year. Try different ways out. Try it with your eyes closed or in the dark.
    • Consider an escape ladder for windows too high to jump from. They are available at local hardware stores.
    • Consider and plan for family members with special needs. The fire department can assist you in your escape planning.

Please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456.

Please contact City of Canal Fulton Zoning 330-854-0590.

Please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule a presentation or use the Contact Form.

Yes, please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule this class or use the Contact Form.

Yes, please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule this class or use the Contact Form.

No, we currently do not. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency can direct you.

Yes, please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule this class or use the Contact Form.

Yes, please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule this class or use the Contact Form.

A Knox Box or similar rapid entry system provides first responders with non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property. For assistance, please contact the Canal Fulton Fire department at 330-854-2456 or use the Contact Form.

You can also purchase these directly online from Knoxbox.com.

Yes, please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule this class or use the Contact Form.

No, we do not accept any unused medications or medical supplies.

The Canal Fulton Police Department does participate in drug take backs, you can contact them at 330-854-2926.

FAQ

Smoke Detectors

We do not always have smoke detectors available; however, you are always welcome to call and check if we do. You can also call the Red Cross at 330-453-0146, they will also assist you with installation.

If you smell smoke or are unsure please phone 911. If you need assistance changing the batteries please phone the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456.

Smoke alarms are critical for fire safety. The Northeastern Ohio Fire Prevention Association has information regarding the three types of sensor technology used in smoke alarms: photoelectric, ionization and a combination that incorporates both sensors in one smoke alarm.

Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall (smoke rises). Always follow the manufacturer’s instruction. Additional smoke alarms can be added to increase your protection.

Photoelectric smoke alarms should be placed, at a minimum, on every level of the home including the basement, outside every sleeping area and in every bedroom. On all floors, a smoke alarm should be placed at the base of the stairs to the floor above.

Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall (smoke rises). Always follow the manufacturer’s instruction. Additional smoke alarms can be added to increase your protection.

Test each smoke alarm monthly by pushing the button.

  • Replace 9 volt and AA batteries in smoke alarms twice a year. (Remember: change your clocks, change your batteries.)
  • If the alarm “chirps,” warning that the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
  • All smoke alarms have a recommended service life of 10 years. Replace your smoke alarms at this time or sooner if they are not functioning properly.
  • Vacuum or dust out cobwebs and dust that have accumulated in smoke alarms at least once per year.

Not Necessarily! The airborne particles from burned toast, ordinary cooking and shower steam are different from the smoke from burning furniture and household items. These nuisance false alarms lead people into a false sense of security that their ionization smoke alarm is ultra-sensitive and will give them an early warning in the event of a fire in their home. In fact, your ionization smoke alarm may not go off early enough to save your family in an actual fire.

Ionization smoke alarms are, on average, over five times more likely to have a nuisance false alarm.

Photoelectric smoke alarms are 72% less prone to these nuisance false alarms and may alert tens of minutes earlier than ionization or dual-sensor alarms in an actual fire.

The Canal Fulton Fire Department is happy to help any resident with a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, or other fire system issue. Before you call for assistance, make sure the smoke/carbon monoxide alarm has a new battery installed; most of the time a new battery will fix your issue. If the issue continues, call 911 and explain to the operator that this is not an emergency and that you simply need assistance with your smoke/carbon monoxide alarm. Many people are hesitant to use 911 in non-emergency situations, the fire engine will not respond with lights and sirens in non-emergency situations, and it is the best way to get ensure that the correct station and truck are dispatched to your address.

If you don’t have a ladder tall enough to reach your smoke alarms, or you are unable or uncomfortable climbing a ladder, we can help. The Canal Fulton Fire Prevention Bureau is happy to change your batteries for you. You can contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule a time for someone to assist you.

FAQ

Fireworks

Yes, you may buy consumer or 1.4g fireworks from a licensed wholesaler or manufacturer; however, you cannot discharge any consumer or 1.4g fireworks in the State of Ohio. You must transport all fireworks purchased in Ohio out of the state within 48 hours of the purchase. The only items that can be used in Ohio are designated "trick and novelty" which smoke, pop, and/or sparkle. In Ohio, use of 1.4g fireworks (fire crackers, bottle rockets, etc.) is illegal. (R.C. 3743.65 (B))

The laws are set out in the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3743 and in the Ohio Fire Code under Chapter 33

Yes, all fireworks exhibitions shall follow the rules and regulations contained in both federal and state law. An Ohio licensed exhibitor must conduct such an exhibit. The exhibition permit and checklist must be completed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and returned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. An Inspector must be assigned to the exhibition.

The primary laws regulating fireworks in Ohio are contained in ORC Chapter 3743 consisting of laws passed by the Ohio legislature. The OFC is written to supplement the provisions of the ORC. As required by the ORC, the OFC incorporates several NFPA Standards. These laws exist to protect the public and to regulate the fireworks’ industry in a fair manner.

Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall (smoke rises). Always follow the manufacturer’s instruction. Additional smoke alarms can be added to increase your protection.

No. It is against city ordinances to sell fireworks within the corporate limits of the City of Canal Fulton.

If Canal Fulton residents witness fireworks being sold or used inappropriately, they can report the violations to the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456.

The Canal Fulton Fire Department is happy to help any resident with a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, or other fire system issue. Before you call for assistance, make sure the smoke/carbon monoxide alarm has a new battery installed; most of the time a new battery will fix your issue. If the issue continues, call 911 and explain to the operator that this is not an emergency and that you simply need assistance with your smoke/carbon monoxide alarm. Many people are hesitant to use 911 in non-emergency situations, the fire engine will not respond with lights and sirens in non-emergency situations, and it is the best way to get ensure that the correct station and truck are dispatched to your address.

If you don’t have a ladder tall enough to reach your smoke alarms, or you are unable or uncomfortable climbing a ladder, we can help. The Canal Fulton Fire Prevention Bureau is happy to change your batteries for you. You can contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 to schedule a time for someone to assist you.

FAQ

Burning

Ohio EPA strictly regulates and prohibits open burning outdoors.

Open burning can release many kinds of toxic fumes. Leaves and plant materials send aloft millions of spores when they catch fire, causing many people with allergies to have difficulty breathing. The pollutants released by open burning also make it more difficult to meet health-based air quality standards, especially in or near large cities. The gases released by open burning can also corrode metal siding and damage paint on buildings

Open burning is any set outdoor fire that does not vent to a chimney or stack. Some studies indicate that even small camp fires burning clean wood can emit harmful chemicals. Burning "unclean" materials can be even more hazardous. For example, when you burn refuse in burn barrels or open piles, the potential cost to your health, your home, your neighbors and your environment far exceeds the price of adequate collection services.

Under Ohio law, these materials may not be burned anywhere in the state at any time:

  • Garbage, any wastes created in the process of handling, preparing, cooking or consuming food.
  • Materials containing rubber, grease and asphalt or made from petroleum, such as tires, cars and auto parts, plastics or plastic-coated wire.
  • Dead animals.

 


Other restrictions:

  • Open burning is not allowed when air pollution warnings, alerts or emergencies are in effect.
  • Fires cannot obscure visibility for roadways, railroad tracks or air fields.
  • No wastes generated off the premises may be burned. For example, a tree trimming contractor may not haul branches and limbs to another site to burn.

.

Under certain circumstances, yes. However, to burn a prohibited material or set a fire in a restricted area, you must receive written permission from Ohio EPA before you begin burning. This may take two weeks.

Yes. However, local ordinances cannot be less strict than the state law.

Ohio EPA has the authority to enforce the state's open burning laws. Violations can result in substantial penalties. If you have any questions, or would like to report a suspected open burning incident, contact your Ohio EPA district office or your local air agency. Ohio EPA is represented by five district offices and nine local air agencies.

The City of Canal Fulton Fire Department enforces the Ohio Fire Code which states the following:
  • Prohibited open burning - Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.
  • Permit required - A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.
  • Extinguishment authority - The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the permit holder, another person responsible or the fire department of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
  • Location
    • Bonfires - A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
    • Recreational fires - Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
    • Attendance - Open burning, bonfires, or recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

During Spring the danger of a wildfire is much greater due to the warm and windy weather conditions, combined with an abundant amount of dry leaves, dead grass and dry brush material.

 

Due to the elevated risk of wildfires, outdoor open burning during the months of March, April, May, October, and November is restricted statewide. This restriction only allows for outdoor open burning between the hours of 6:00pm and 6:00am.

 

Other open burning restrictions include: fires must be more than 1,000 feet from a neighbor’s inhabited building or home; the fire/smoke cannot obscure visibility on the roadway; no waste generated off the premises may be burned; materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt or other petroleum products is not permitted; and burning is prohibited within village or city limits (with a few exceptions).

 

If you have questions about when and what you are allowed to burn, please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456.

FAQ

Business

Call the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 or email us at [email protected].

The local fire official should be contacted first, as they are the authority having jurisdiction. If the local fire official chooses not to conduct the inspection, the State Fire Marshal’s Code Enforcement Bureau will conduct the inspection.

A Knox Box or similar rapid entry system provides first responders with non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property. For assistance, please contact the Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456 or use the Contact Form. You can also purchase them directly online from Knoxbox.com.

Fire extinguishers are required to be inspected annually by a certified fire extinguisher technician.

A Commercial Building Permit is required if any of the following are being newly installed, changed or modified for any reason:
  • Automatic Extinguishing Systems (Kitchen Hood Systems)
  • Automatic Fire/Smoke Alarm Systems
  • Cooking Exhaust Hood Systems
  • Sprinklers, Fire Pumps and Standpipes
  • Permanent or temporary Outdoor Tents
  • Underground Fire Lines

Yes! The City of Canal Fulton Fire Department is a principle stakeholder in the community, with the goal of keeping our businesses and residents as safe as possible. It is important to provide the fire department with contact information for your business. The contact information can be used to contact business owners after hours in the event of an emergency. Maintaining an open dialogue between businesses and the fire department provides a safer environment for business owners, employees, and customers.

Please contact the City of Canal Fulton Fire Department at 330-854-2456.

A properly maintained sprinkler system will provide years of worry free fire protection. Fire Sprinkler systems are regulated by the Ohio Fire Code and NPFA 13. The items listed below will keep your system in good shape and it will comply with the Ohio Fire Code and NFPA 13.
  • Weekly/monthly inspection of gauges depending on system. (dry, pre-action, deluge and wet systems) (Building Owner or Tenant)
  • 3-month inspection of alarm devices, hydraulic nameplate and fire department connections. (Building Owner or Tenant)
  • 1-year inspection of buildings, hanger/seismic bracing, pipe, fittings and sprinklers.(Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
  • 1-year inspections and testing of control valves, alarm switches, gauges, backflow preventer, anti-freeze loops, fire department connections, and visible piping.(Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
  • 1-year inspection and trip test of dry, pre-action, and deluge systems.(Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
  • 5-year inspection of hoses, containers, and piping. (Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
  • 5-year standpipe testing. (including dry standpipe hydrostatic testing) (Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
  • 5-year internal pipe inspections & obstruction investigations. (Licensed Sprinkler Contractor
If a fire is going to start, it’s likely to start in a kitchen. Yet many business owners let their kitchen facilities go under-protected from fire, leaving their employees, customers, and properties vulnerable. Proper maintenance of appliances and a clean kitchen will greatly decrease the risk of fire. A kitchen hood suppression system is required by the Ohio Fire Code to be:
  • Inspected every 6 months
  • 6 month blow-out test (NFPA Required)
  • 12 year hydrostatic test