FAQ's

When is the Fire Station open for tours?
Stop by anytime and we will be happy to show you around.  If you would like to bring a group, please call 964-5500 ahead of time and we will prepare a more age appropriate presentation. During Fire Prevention Week we are at the North Hampton School to talk to the students in Kindergarten through Second Grade about fire safety.

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.

What would happen if the ambulance is committed to another emergency when you need help?
If you have an emergency and our ambulance is not available, we will immediately respond to you with a fire engine as we carry much of the same medical equipment and life saving medications on both of our Engines as we do on the ambulance. Therefore, we will quickly arrive to begin the same professional medical care and treatment until another ambulance from a surrounding community arrives. Surrounding communities provide what is called “mutual aid” to one another to help each other’s citizens when additional assistance is needed due to multiple occurring emergencies, large scale incidents, etc. Area fire departments (such as Hampton, Rye and Exeter) that respond with their ambulance are also staffed with paramedics.

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.

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 964-5500 and we will assist you.

How can I get a burn permit?
If you own the property and wish to burn brush, stop by the North Hampton fire station and we will be happy to assist you with a permit. You MUST have a burn permit to burn brush or to have any type of outside fire. 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 significant snow covering the ground.  All fires must be attended at all times by the permit holder. During extreme dry weather, burning may be prohibited.

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, you should have it inspected by a professional chimney company.

Do we need a permit to install a gas-fired fireplace?
No permit is required through the Fire Department, although any new gas work requires a permit from the Town of North Hampton Building Department.