Where can I get information on burning regulations and burn permits?

Open burning, includes leaf burning, is illegal in the City of Quincy. The only exception is the burning of any landscape waste for which the Quincy Fire Department has issued a burn permit. Violations of the City’s burning ordinances are punishable by law.

Burn Permits - Burn Permits are issued to residents who wish to burn landscape waste that was grown on that property. (Note: burning of leaves is prohibited.) For a burn permit to be issued the following steps must be taken:

1. An application must be submitted to the Quincy Fire Department at least seven days prior to the intended burn date.

2. The burn site will be inspected for the following:
   
   a) Fuel will be landscape waste only (no refuse, leaves or  construction debris). 
   b) There must be an acceptable means of extinguishment close by. 
   c) The burn pile must not be any more than six feet in height nor more than twenty-four feet in diameter. 
   d) The burn pile must be placed at least 50 feet from structures or other property.

For further information or to obtain a permit, contact the Quincy Fire Department during office hours.

My child has an unhealthy interest/fascination with fire. Does the fire department offer any programs for children to address this problem?

My child has an unhealthy interest/fascination with fire. Does the fire department offer any programs for children to address this problem? Answer: Yes, the Quincy Fire Department has a juvenile fire setting counseling program. If interested, please contact the Quincy Fire Department at 217-228-4459 for details.

I often hear on the news that a fire was a 3rd or 4th alarm blaze.  What does that mean?

The use of "Alarms" is a Fire Departments way of telling the Dispatch Center to send a standardized amount of help to a scene. Each alarm represents a specific amount of people and trucks. Below you will find a guide to the Quincy Fire Department's alarm system.

Still Alarm: One Engine Company. 

General Alarm: One Incident Commander and three engine companies. 

Second Alarm: One additional engine company dispatched to the fire scene. Call in one off-duty Captain, one Lieutenant and four firefighters to be assigned to Central Station. Both Deputy Chiefs are also called to the fire scene.

Third Alarm: One additional engine company dispatched to the fire scene. Call in an additional two Lieutenants and four firefighters. One Lieutenant and two firefighters will be sent to man Central Station and one Lieutenant and two firefighters will be sent to man Station #3.

Fourth Alarm: Call in one off-duty Assistant Chief and eight fire personnel (officers and/or firefighters) to be assigned to the fire scene. The Fire Chief is also called to the fire scene.

Fifth Alarm: Call in remaining personnel from both off-duty shifts to be assigned to the fire scene.

Is it possible to have a Member of the Quincy Fire Department address my club or citizens group?

The Quincy Fire Department has numerous individuals capable of delivering presentations on a wide variety of topics related to our department and public safety. To arrange a speaker, please contact the fire department at 217-228-4459.

What do I need to know about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

The Quincy Fire Department strongly endorses the use of both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

We also wish to remind you that city ordinance requires at least one functioning smoke detector on each level in all residential dwellings.

Which detectors are best? For a detector to be placed on the market, it must be tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Because of this, we do not recommend any particular brand of either smoke or carbon monoxide detector. Just make sure the brand you buy is UL approved.

Where should I place my detectors? In general, a detector should be placed on each level and within fifteen feet of each sleeping area. For more specific information or to have a firefighter come to your home to advise you, call the Fire Chief’s Office.

I have been contacted by a company about a rather expensive home protection system. Are they better? Most companies are legitimate. However there are some con artists out there. Before you buy a system please feel free to call us for advice!

Does the Quincy Fire Department accept volunteers?

The Quincy Fire Department is a fully paid fire department or fire organization. Because of insurance and liability issues we do not accept volunteers, nor do we have a “ride along” program. For those of you who do wish to volunteer in the fire service, it is suggested that you contact either the Tri-Township Fire Department or any of the rural departments in the county.

The Quincy Fire Department does offer opportunities for interested citizens to volunteer their services in non- emergency capacities including the areas of secretarial support and public education. We also invite clubs and citizens groups to volunteer for special projects such as facility maintenance and improvements.