Top Frequently Asked Questions
Holden Fire Department
Q. Can you rescue my pet from a tree?
A. We know you love your pets, but unfortunately we cannot rescue cats, birds, or other animals from trees but we can refer you to the Animal Control Officer. The phone number is (508) 210-5649.
Q. Can I burn leaves, hay, and brush?
A. Burning of leaves, hay, and yard clippings is illegal. However, you may burn small brush and limbs during the open brush burning season with a valid permit purchased from the Fire Department. The brush burn season runs January 15-May 1. Contact the Fire Department at (508) 210-5650 for more information. There will be a fine charged if caught burning illegally.
Q. Can I have an outside fire pit/chiminea and do I need a permit?
A. Yes, fire pits and chimineas are allowed and no permit is needed. However, the fire pit/chiminea must be on a non-combustible surface. You are advised to call Police Dispatch at (508) 829-4444 and tell them the date and time of your fire. Consult the Fire Department for proper weather conditions.
Q. What are the costs for permits?
Q. Where do my smoke and carbon monoxide detectors go in my house?
A. You can access the new regulations for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors by going to www.holdenma.gov. Choose “Town Departments” on left side of page. Click on FIRE DEPARTMENT. Scroll to ADDITIONAL LINKS and choose SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE REGULATIONS DFS WEBSITE. This will help you understand the difference between photoelectric and ionization detectors and where to place them.
Q. Where do I dispose of batteries, home extinguishers, smoke alarms, and needles?
A. Residents can drop off batteries at the Fire Department or Health Department. For home extinguishers, please consult the Fire Department for proper disposal information. Smoke alarms may be thrown in the trash. The Fire Department will take needles, but they MUST be in an approved sharps container. Sharps containers may be purchased at a pharmacy or medical supply store. You may want to check with local hospitals for needle drop off.
Q. What are the fire department hours?
A. For emergency services, the Fire Department operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. For non-emergency services, the Fire Administration Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Q. Can I get a copy of the ambulance report for my visit or family member’s visit to the hospital?
A. You may obtain a Disclosure of Health Information Report by contacting the Holden Fire Department. In order to obtain a report, you will need to bring identification with you and describe reasons requesting a report due to HIPPA (health insurance portability & accountability act) regulations. The report fee is $10.
Q. The smoke detectors are sounding and there is no smoke or fire in my house. What do I do?
A. First, re-check and make sure there is no smoke or fire in the home. If so, leave the home and call 911. If the detector is making a chirping sound, replace the batteries. If the detector is making a constant alarm sound, call 911 to report the alarm. Change your batteries when you change your clocks for day light savings time.
Q. My carbon monoxide detector is sounding off. What do I do?
A. Determine if the batteries need to be changed. If not, close the windows, evacuate the home, and call 911.
Q. Does the Fire Department inspect pellet and wood stoves?
A. No. For inspection of stoves, call the Department of Growth Management at (508) 829-0253. The inspection fee is $50.
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