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1. What are the open burning requirements?

Open Burning Requirements

Open burning of yard waste is allowed April 1^st through June 30^th and October 1^st through November 30^th. Burning shall occur in the backyard of single-family dwellings, Monday through Sunday between the hours of 10:00 am and 7:00 pm. All burning piles must be extinguished by 7:00 pm. Burning on the property of another is prohibited unless the property owner grants permission. Open burning is not allowed on holidays. Open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure. Fire in enclosed containers with a cover to control flying embers shall not be less than 15 feet from any structure. A competent person with a means of fire control must constantly supervise all open burning. Burning by commercial businesses is prohibited unless a burn permit is obtained from the Fire Department. If a permit is issued, all requirements for open burning apply. No burning shall occur if the wind speeds are greater than 15 miles per hour and during extended dry weather conditions. Burning of garbage and rubbish is prohibited.

Rule Violation

Any violation of the rules concerning prohibited burning and open burning, which requires a response by the Marshalltown Fire Department to control or extinguish such combustion, will be subject to a response fee of $110 for the first offense, $210 for the second offense, and $310 for the third offense as established by Ordinance of the City of Marshalltown, Iowa.

2. What are the requirements for having a recreational fire?

Recreational Fire means an outdoor fire burning seasoned hardwood contained in appliances specifically designed for this purpose, with a total fuel area of three (3) feet or less in diameter and two (2) feet or less in height, for the purposes of:

• Ceremonial
• Cooking
• Pleasure
• Religious
• Warmth
• Similar purposes

Burning Codes

Recreational burning shall be allowed for food preparation and camping purposes or as defined in the definition section. The material to be burned is limited to seasoned wood, and the fire shall comply with all other applicable state and local codes related to open burning.

• All recreational fires shall be contained in appliances specifically designed for this purpose. Recreational fires shall be located no less than 15 feet from any structure. The responsible party must provide means to control flying embers.
• All recreational fires shall be extinguished by 2 a.m. and shall use methods that will ensure all remaining embers are completely extinguished.
• Municipal camping areas are exempt from the requirements of this section except the restrictions on size.
• Recreational fires are allowed year-round.
• Recreational burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.

3. What is your hiring process?

The Fire Department is covered under Iowa Civil Service law. We generally will test for new hires at approximately 2-year intervals, unless we hire everyone off a list. The Civil Service Commission will certify a ranked list of candidates from which we hire. The process includes an application with a $15 fee, a written test, a physical agility test, and oral interviews. Candidates wishing to receive notifications for job postings should sign up for notifications through our website here.

4. What services do you provide?

The Marshalltown Fire Department is a full-time, career department with 28 employees, operating 3 shifts, on a 24/48 basis. We provide fire suppression and extrication services, and first responder service within the City limits. We are also trained in high angle, confined space, trench, and water rescue.

5. Who do I contact for fire permits and inspections?

Contact the City Fire Marshal at 641-754-5751 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

6. What permits are issued by the Fire Department?

The City of Marshalltown has adopted and follows the 2006 International Fire Code which includes a chapter that defines when a permit is to be issued. The most common permits issued include, but are not limited to:

• Flammable liquids (gas stations, private dispensing tanks)
• Places of Assembly (restaurants, bars, churches, etc.)
• Repair Garages

7. Do you charge for fire calls?

We do not charge for fire calls. There may be a response fee for open burning calls. Annual fire inspections are completed across a wide variety of businesses or organizations and may have a fee associated.

8. What are your office hours and location?

We are located at 909 South 2nd Street, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.  Office hours for administrative personnel are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Reference our home page for more information. There is always someone at the station unless we are responding to a call for service.  Please contact dispatch at 641-754-5725 after hours.

9. Do you provide fire extinguisher service and maintenance?

No, we do not provide that service. Qualified service companies may be located in the telephone book under fire extinguisher sales and service.

10. What kind of smoke detectors and locations for them do you recommend?

We recommend that residents purchase dual-sensor detectors for every level of the home and hallways outside the bedrooms. These detectors sense both slow smoldering fires and rapid growth fires. We also recommend the 10-year lithium battery models to eliminate the need to remember to change the battery. Visit our smoke detector page to see if you qualify for a free one.

11. What is the contact information for the State Fire Marshal's office?

The State Fire Marshal's Office can be reached at 515-725-6145 or fminfo@dps.state.ia.us.  Please visit their website for further information https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal. 

12. How do I access the burn trailer facility at Marshalltown Community College?

Use of the burn trailer and associated training devices may be accessed by contacting the Deputy Chief of the Marshalltown Fire Department at 641-754-5751.