City Of Bozeman
Home MenuMessage from the Fire Marshal
Building Life Safety Inspections, Public Education, Fire Investigations
The Bozeman Fire Department, Division of Fire Prevention and Public Education is devoted to the safety and fire education of our community. The fire inspections bureau conducts all building life safety inspections on new construction projects along with remodels and fire code enforcement. The bureau consists of the Fire Marshal, and three nationally certified fire inspectors. Fire prevention inspections along with pre-plan inspections may be done at the company level with on duty fire crews under the jurisdiction of the Bozeman Fire Marshal.
Bozeman Fire Department members also work diligently to be out in our neighborhoods and meeting with citizens. Bozeman Fire Department offers a wide variety of prevention and education programs including free smoke alarm installation, smoke alarm battery replacement, school fire education classes, rental unit safety surveys, home escape planning and car seat installation.
Bozeman Fire utilizes several different medias to reach the community including school & business presentations, mass media safety campaigns, station tours for all ages, along with social media and the web to increase awareness to many aspects of fire safety and prevention.
New Fire Department Fee Schedule Effective January 1st, 2024
Fire_Department_Fee_Schedule_Jan_1__2024
Operated by the Fire Marshal Division
The Bozeman Fire Department Division of Fire Prevention and Public Education is devoted to safety and fire education in our community. As the community changes in both demographics and technology Bozeman Fire has expanded their ways of reaching the public in a variety of ways.
A few ways the department gets in contact with the community include special events and safety fairs, mass media, social media, and community safety campaigns. We also offer speakers for presentations at schools and businesses, and scheduled firehouse tours for both adults and children.
Call 406-582-2350 during normal business hours to schedule your event with our administration staff.
National Fire Statistics
Fire and smoke can race through your home in seconds! Each year more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires that could have been prevented. To keep that from happening and know what to do if it does, spend a few moments on these web pages. It's time well spent that may save your life or your family's.
It's not a question of luck, it's a matter of planning ahead.
- Make sure you have a working smoke alarm...it's the smoke that kills, not the fire!
- Have an escape plan & practice it.
- Consider a residential sprinkler system
Fire Facts
Fire in the United States
- About 100 firefighters are killed each year in duty-related incidents.
- Each year, fires kill more Americans than all natural disasters combined.
- Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the home; at least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in residences.
- About 2 million fires are reported each year; many others go unreported, causing untold additional injuries and property loss.
- Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.5 billion annually.
Where Fires Occur
Residential fires represent 23 percent of all fires and 74 percent of structure fires. Fires in the home most often start in the:
- Kitchen 29%
- Bedroom 13%
- Living Room 7%
- Chimney 5%
- Laundry Area 4%
The South and Northeast share the highest rate of civilian fatalities per capita, with 17.5 deaths per million. 84 percent of all fatalities occur in the home...of those, approximately 80 percent occur in single-family homes and duplexes.
Causes of Fires and Fire Related Fatalities
- Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of fire injuries. These fires often result from unattended cooking and human error, rather than mechanical failure of stoves or ovens.
- Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire fatalities. Smoke alarms and smolder-resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents.
- Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires and ties with arson as the second leading cause of fire deaths. Heating fires, however, are a larger problem in single family homes than in apartments. Unlike apartments, the heating systems in single family homes are often not professionally maintained.
- Arson is the third leading cause of residential fires and the second leading cause of residential fire deaths. In commercial properties, arson is the major cause of deaths, injuries, and dollar loss.
Who is Most at Risk?
- Senior citizens and children under the age of five have the greatest risk of perishing in a fire.
- The risk among seniors is more than double the average population.
- The risk for children under age five is nearly double the risk of the average population.
- Over 30 percent of the fires that kill young children are started by children playing with fire.
- Men die or are injured in fires twice as often as women.
What Saves Lives
- A working smoke alarm dramatically increases a person's chance of surviving a fire.
- Approximately 90 percent of U.S. homes have at least one smoke alarm. These alarms, however, are not always properly maintained and as a result might not work in an emergency. There has been a disturbing increase over the last ten years in the number of fires that occur in homes with non-functioning alarms.
- It is estimated that over 40 percent of residential fires and three-fifths of residential fatalities occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.
- Residential sprinklers have become more cost effective for homes. Currently, few homes are protected by them.
Cause and Origin Determination
Members of both Bozeman Fire and Bozeman Police make up our Fire Investigation team for the city of Bozeman. This team of trained men and women take great pride in bringing a resolution to a fires cause when possible.
Many of the teams members have attended the National Fire Academy's course on Fire/Arson Origin and Cause Determination class in Emmitsburg, MD along with multiple other trainings both locally and nationally.
Holiday Fires
The year-end holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve is also fire season, a prime time for residential fires. Decorative lights, candles, parties where people drink and smoke, and, most of all, the onset of the heating season, increase the likelihood of a fire.
Choose fire-safe toys
When buying children's presents, avoid toys made of highly flammable materials, and be sure that all electric toys bear the label of an independent testing laboratory.
Give space heaters space
Keep space heaters at least three feet (one meter) away from furniture, bedding, walls, clothing and other things that can burn. Always use the proper fuel for liquid-fueled heaters, be sure they are vented properly, and refill them only in well-ventilated areas and when they are cool. Make sure the type of space heater you use is legal in your area and bears the label of an independent testing laboratory.
Holiday lights
Be sure all indoor and outdoor holiday lights bear the label of an independent testing laboratory. Throw away any sets of lights with cracked or frayed cords or loose or damaged sockets. Do not overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters. Be sure extension cords aren't pinched behind or under furniture, and unplug all decorative lights before leaving your home or going to bed. Never use electric lights on a metal Christmas tree.
Party safety
Use only flame-retardant or noncombustible materials for costumes and decorations. Use chafing dishes with caution. Provide smokers with large, deep non-tip ashtrays, and keep an eye on anyone who is drinking and smoking.
Watch children
Use only lighters with a child-resistant feature. Keep all matches and lighters out of children's reach up high and preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach young children to stay away from candles, fireplaces and space heaters. Teach and supervise older children to light candles and fireplace fires safely.
Christmas trees
Choose a freshly cut Christmas tree. If you're not cutting it yourself, buy a tree that is not shedding its needles. Cut the trunk at an angle and install the tree in a large, deep, non-tip stand well away from fireplaces, exits and heat sources. Be sure your tree has a constant supply of water; check the level daily. Remove your tree promptly if it becomes dry. Store it well away from your home until you can dispose of it. If you use an artificial tree, be sure its flame-retardant.
Fireplaces
Have your chimney inspected by a professional at least once a year and have it cleaned if necessary. Always use a fire screen, and burn only material appropriate for fireplaces. Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace; burning paper can float up your chimney and onto your roof or into your yard. Remove ashes in a metal container. Because they may rekindle, never store ashes in your home.
Candles
Before you light them, put candles in non-tip candle holders. Never burn candles near a Christmas tree or combustible decorations or displays. Keep candles well away from curtains and other combustibles, and never put candles in windows or near exits. Don't leave candles burning unattended or within the reach of small children. Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed.
Remember
- Use candles with care.
- Keep an eye on children.
- Select toys with safety in mind.
- Choose a fresh Christmas tree, and keep it watered.
- Inspect decorative lights for damage.
- Give space heaters space.
Recreational Fires in Bozeman City Limits and County Burn Permits
The Bozeman Fire Department periodically receives questions concerning campfires or recreational fires within the city of Bozeman. Although these types of fires are legal and a permit is not required, there are a few basic rules that need to be followed.
Recreational fires cannot be located within 25 feet of a structure (including decks and fences) or other combustible material unless they are in an approved container designed for this purpose, such as a screened appliance. Even in an approved container, they still must be at least 15 feet from structures. Any condition that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure needs to be eliminated before lighting the fire. The fire cannot be more than three feet in diameter and must be two feet or less in height.
All recreational fires must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A fire extinguisher or a garden hose must be available for immediate use. Make sure that the fire is completely extinguished when you are done enjoying it.
Do not burn anything other than a good dry wood. Any recreational fire that will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions is prohibited.
What may be enjoyable for you may not be enjoyable for your neighbors. Be a good neighbor and don't use a recreational fire on breezy days that will spread the smoke through the neighborhood.
Gallatin County Burn Permits
The Open Burning season runs from March 1 through November 30.
- Purchase or activate a permit
- Add multiple burn locations to a single permit
- Print and/or email your permit
- View active burns within the county
- Pay with a debit/credit card or an electronic check
NHTSA Child Safety Seat
The Bozeman Fire Department has shift personnel trained in the proper installation of child passenger safety seats. This is a non-traditional free program of the Bozeman Fire Department, but one that has been exceptionally well received by the community. Our 24-hour shift schedules and three fire station facilities allow unique opportunities for parents to ensure their child safety seats are safe and properly installed in their vehicles. This program is another opportunity for the Department to directly connect with our customers to help make a safer community.
4 out of 5 child safety seats are installed wrong. Could yours be one of them?
Your welcome to stop by any station although scheduling a time by calling 406-582-2350 during normal business hours (Mon.-Fri. 8-5) Helps us ensure someone is available. Your child's safety is important to our firefighters so please stop by for assistance and let one of our qualified car seat techs help.
Smoke Alarm Information
What is the difference between smoke alarms and smoke detectors?
Smoke alarms are defined as self-contained, single or multiple-station smoke-sensing devices (used most often in residential applications) that may be wired to operate in conjunction with each other, but are not part of a central system. Smoke detectors are defined as smoke-sensing devices that are not self-contained, but are hooked to a central control system (generally but not exclusively used in commercial buildings).
What is the difference between an ionization alarm and a photoelectric alarm?
Ionization smoke alarms contain material that ionizes the air, making an electrical path. When products of combustion enter the device, the molecules attach themselves to the ions. The change in electric current flow triggers the alarm. Photoelectric alarms contain a light source and photocell, which is activated by light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and is directed towards the photocell. The photocell is then activated to trigger the alarm. When properly installed and maintained, both types of alarms will save lives.
Where must alarms be installed in an apartment?
Apartments are required to have smoke alarms, per the building code, at the time of construction. The minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed outside the sleeping area, such as in a hallway. If the apartment has more than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level. Bozeman Fire also recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.
Where must alarms be installed in a single family home?
Single family dwellings are required to have smoke alarms, per the building code, at the time of construction. The minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed outside the sleeping area, such as in a hallway. If the home has more than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level. Bozeman Fire recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.
How should smoke alarms be installed?
Smoke and deadly gases are hot, so they rise toward the ceiling. That's where alarms should be - on the ceiling at least four inches from the nearest wall or high on a wall, 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. For more specific information, see the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local fire department for specifics.
Where shouldn't smoke alarms be placed?
Smoke alarms should not be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages or unheated areas because moisture, frost, cooking vapors and exhaust fumes could cause the unit to sound a false alarm.
I have hard-wired alarms; do they need to have a long-life battery back up?
No. Only smoke alarms that are solely battery operated need to have a long-life battery. Bozeman Fire recommends using long-life batteries in all smoke alarms for enhanced reliability.
How do I maintain my smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms have a limited life span. Alarms that are older than ten years should be replaced....a manufacture date stamp should be on the back of the alarm. Test smoke alarms monthly as well vacuum your alarms monthly to remove dust and cobwebs. If you have photoelectric alarms, replace the batteries with long-life batteries for enhanced reliability.
What should I look for when purchasing an alarm?
Look for an alarm that has a hush feature, a malfunction signal, a loud alarm and if it is solely battery operated, a long-life battery. Only purchase an alarm that has been tested by a independent laboratory such as the Underwriter's Laboratories (it will have a UL® symbol on it).
Proper Disposal of Smoke Alarms
The most common type of smoke alarm is an ionization alarm, which contains a very small amount of Americium 241, a synthetic isotope which emits both alpha and gamma rays. The Americium is shielded by a metal chamber within the plastic casing of the alarm. On your wall, this material poses little threat; however, when an alarm is broken open in an incinerator or a landfill, it can present a health hazard. For this reason, the law requires that all smoke alarms be labeled as containing radioactive content.
There are two ways to dispose of your smoke alarm:
- It is legal to dispose of your ionization alarm in the garbage, however, we encourage you to first remove the battery (and recycle it at a household hazardous waste disposal event).
- Return the smoke alarm to the manufacturer. They are mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory law 10 CFR 32.27 to see that the radioactive waste is disposed at a nuclear waste disposal facility. When sending back a smoke alarm, remove the battery but do NOT dissemble the smoke alarm in any way, and include a note that the alarm is intended for disposal. The smoke alarm should be returned to the manufacturer or store by UPS ground mail (not airmail). No special shipping is needed for your smoke alarm.
Each year in America, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims more than 200 lives and sends another 10,000 people to hospital emergency rooms. The Bozeman Fire Department would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
Understanding the Risk of Carbon Monoxide
What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
CO gas can come from several sources: gas or oil-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.
What actions do I take if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.
If no one is feeling ill:
- Silence the alarm.
- Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace).
- Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.
- Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.
If illness is a factor:
- Evacuate all occupants immediately.
- Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.
- Call 911 and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.
- Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
- Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO leak.
Protect yourself and your family from CO poisoning
- Install at least one UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-listed carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.
- CO detectors have a life expectancy of approximately 5 years and should be replaced accordingly. A detector with a digital display is recommended by Bozeman Fire.
- Have a qualified professional check all fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.
- Never use your range or oven to help heat your home, and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
- Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.
- When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooling systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.
The fire alarm in my building may sound for long periods and nothing happens
The fire alarm system in your apartment building may not be monitored and may not automatically notify the emergency dispatch center. In case the alarms go off, immediately leave the building and call 911 from a neighboring building or from your cell phone. Tell the 911 dispatcher your name, the location of the emergency and what the emergency is.
Also, the fire doors in your building are there to save your life. They keep fire in a hallway or another floor from getting into your apartment. Your building’s stairway and your hallway are like chimneys in a fire, the fire will travel from one floor to another unless the fire doors, stairway and hallway doors on your floor are closed. The next time you see a fire door propped open, close it. The life you save may be yours!
The Bozeman Fire Department as of June 15, 2023 has begun working with Brycer (The Compliance Engine) for your third party inspection reporting. The Compliance Engine is a simple, web-based service for code officials to track and drive inspections, testing and maintenance code compliance for fire protection systems, backflows while working to reduce false alarm activity, and provide safer communities.
The Compliance engine connects contractors-who inspect, test and maintain fire protection systems-directly to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and allows them to gain a proactive, efficient process to review reports, track deficiencies, notify parties, and ensure compliance
All contractors maintain fire protection systems should download the attached letter which contains the link for The Compliance Engine and the steps in creating an account and uploading reports. All fire protections system reports shall be uploaded to The Compliance Engine.
Current adopted fire code dated June 23rd, 2023