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How much does it cost if I call the Fire Department?

We do not charge for fire services in the city or rural areas. The fire department is supported by general taxes.

Will the Fire Department install my smoke detectors for me?

Yes, You may call anytime between 8 and 5 PM to set up an appointment. We will be happy to install any smoke detectors you provide free of charge.

Why are fire hydrants in Arkansas City painted different colors?

This is an NFPA coding to give responding firefighters a quick reference as to the water capacity of the hydrant they may use.

Can I burn brush and leaves inside the city limits?

No. It is illegal to burn trash, leaves, and brush, inside the city limits. Permission may be granted for special circumstances with the approval of the Fire Chief.

How long does it take for the fire department to respond to my house?

Response time can be effected by many factors, weather, traffic conditions, and location. The average response time so far for 2011 is 5.04 minutes in the city and 8.09 minutes in the rural areas.

Do I need a permit to burn in the rural area?

No, but Kansas State Staue 28-19-648 Agricultural open burning states:
(a) Open burning of vegetation such as grass, woody species, crop residue, and other dry plant growth for the purpose of crop, range, pasture, wildlife or watershed management shall be exempt from the prohibition on the open burning of any materials imposed by K.A.R. 28-19-645, provided that the following conditions are met:

(1) the person conducting the burn shall notify the local fire control authority with jurisdiction over the area before the burning begins, unless the appropriate local governing body has established a policy that notification is not required;

(2) a person shall not conduct a burn that creates a traffic safety hazard. If conditions exist that may result in smoke blowing toward a public roadway, the person conducting the burn shall give adequate notification to the highway patrol, sheriff's office or other appropriate state or local traffic control authorities before burning;

(3) a person shall not conduct a burn that creates an airport safety hazard. If smoke may affect visibility at an airport, the person conducting the burn shall give adequate notification to the appropriate airport authorities before burning; and

(4) the person conducting the burn shall insure that the burning is supervised until the fire is xtinguished.

    (b) Nothing in this regulation shall restrict the authority of local jurisdictions to adopt more restrictive ordinances or resolutions governing agricultural open burning operations. (Authorized by K.S.A. 1994 Supp. 65-3005; implementing K.S.A. 1994 Supp. 65-3005, K.S.A. 65- 3010; effective March 1, 1996.)


What is the Fire Protection Classification for rural areas of Arkansas City?

Fire Protection Class for rural Ark City is 7/9. This means property located within the boundaries of Cowley County Fire District 5 and within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant would be a class 7.

Property over 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant but within 5 road miles from the fire station would be a class 9.

Property over five road miles and not within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant would be a class 10.

Why does a fire truck respond with the ambulance sometimes?

The ambulance is staffed with firefighter paramedics and many times extra personnel are needed to assist with stairs, extrication, or very serious patients that require an extra set of hands.