FAQs • City of Madison • CivicEngage

Can I burn trash and rubbish in my backyard?: No. Burning of any type is illegal in the City of Madison. Fire pits are permitted but use extreme caution and stay with the fire while it is burning.

▼
Fire

1. What number do I dial to report a fire or other emergency?: Please call 911 and give the dispatcher all requested information.

2. How many smoke alarms do I need in my home?: At a minimum, each level of your residence must have a smoke detector. We encourage people to also place them in bedrooms, hallways, laundry rooms, near garages, and anywhere someone may sleep. We also recommend interconnect smoke alarms, so that when one alarms ,they all alarm. These are available online and in most hardware stores.

3. How often should I maintain my smoke alarms?: Smoke alarms should be checked monthly, batteries replaced every 6 months, and alarms themselves replaced after 10 years from manufacturer date.

4. What is the best type of smoke alarm?: 10 Year Sealed lithium-ion detectors are the best type to purchase. Besides the monthly testing, there is no remembering to change batteries every 6 months.

5. Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?: If you have any type of gas appliance it is a must to have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your home, but we recommend everyone have one regardless. Place these near your areas of sleeping to be notified in the middle of the night should an issue arise. CO is known as the silent killer as it has no odor and is colorless, so get an alarm!

6. Can I have a grill on a patio if I live in an apartment?: No, grills are not allowed on patios and must be at a minimum of 20ft away from a building when in use.

7. Can I burn trash and rubbish in my backyard?: No. Burning of any type is illegal in the City of Madison. Fire pits are permitted but use extreme caution and stay with the fire while it is burning.

8. Does the City of Madison have any public storm shelters?: No, the City of Madison does not operate any storm shelters. Some local churches may open as a shelter, but its best to talk with neighbors, family, and friends to have a severe weather plan ahead of the storm.

9. My power has gone out and I have a generator, is it ok to run the generator in my garage?: No, generators must be run outside of the building, and we recommend 50ft if possible, to avoid any fumes reentering the residence due to wind and other sources. Also, remember to shut any appliances off that may have been running when the power went out. Should the power come back on when you are not around, we want to prevent a fire from occurring.

10. If I have a food truck, do I have to have it inspected by the Fire Department?: Yes, food trucks are required to be inspected by the fire department before you begin operating.