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1. Can I burn trash or brush in the city?

Residents of the City of Warsaw are not permitted by City Ordinance to burn any material within the city limits. The City of Warsaw provides trash pickup and yard trimming pickup with certain restrictions. Please contact the City of Warsaw Street Department for answers to these concerns. There are other State of Indiana laws that prohibit other types of burning within the Township area. Please call the Fire Marshal at (574) 372-9501 for information if you reside in Wayne Township. Further information may be found in our link to the State Burn Laws.

Open Burn Law

2. Can I have a camp fire or bonfire in my back yard?

A campfire or a recreational fire is described as "an outdoor fire utilized to cook food for human consumption". This is the most popular fire for hanging out in the back yard. These fires do not require a permit or have a limitation as to hours of operation. We ask citizens to use common sense when utilizing a recreational fire. Keep it small, attended, and in a ring on the ground or appropriate container away from houses, garages or wooden fences. A bonfire is described as "an outdoor fire used for ceremonial purposes". If you anticipate having a bonfire, please call the fire department for guidelines. As always, be considerate of your neighbors. We recommend you discuss this with them due to the potential of smoke interfering with possible health problems. In any event, if a complaint is called into the fire department, you may be asked to extinguish the fire. General Guidelines for Burning: Always use caution when burning. Any type of fire should be continuously attended. Do not go in the house or walk away from a burning, or even a smoldering fire. Keep children and animals away. Have a hose or bucket of water immediately available to extinguish the fire, and ensure the fire is completely out before leaving or retiring for the night. Recreational fires have caused numerous neighborhood conflicts over the years. Please be considerate of your neighbors--especially elderly neighbors with health conditions--when windows are open in the summer or when you see clothes drying on a line. The fire department reserves the right, and is required by law, to ask you to extinguish any type of fire if it causes a nuisance in the neighborhood. If you have any questions concerning the ordinance, or to issue a complaint, please call the department at (574) 372-9502.

3. Will the fire department check a child's car seat?

The Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, in partnership with Lutheran EMS Kosciusko and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, provides free car seat inspections. Through a complete inspection, you can be provided with a sense of security and peace of mind in knowing that your child is properly retrained each and every time you're in your vehicle. Inspections can be made via appointment by calling either Lutheran EMS Kosciusko at (574) 269-1975, ext. 6, or the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory at (574) 372-9502. You can also make an online request using our Request Tracker tool.

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4. Does the fire department give away or install smoke detectors?

Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory personnel will install smoke detectors for residents that need assistance. The department also has a free smoke detector program for city and township residents. To request assistance, please phone the department at (574) 372-9502.

5. Where do I call for information on fire codes and building inspections?

Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (574) 372-9501. We are dedicated to assisting you with answers to important and “confusing” issues to the International Fire Codes, Indiana Fire Codes, and the City of Warsaw Ordinances. We pride ourselves with education to the public, business owners, and corporations by assisting them with education through on-site inspections and code compliance.

6. How do I get a copy of a fire report?

If you need a copy of a fire report, your request needs to be made in writing. The report can be picked up at Station #2, 2204 E. Center St. or fax your request to (574) 267-7962. If you have any questions, contact the office at (574) 372-9502.

7. How do I schedule a tour of the fire station or request fire fighters for a school visit or public event?

Tours of the stations and public appearances can be scheduled by contacting the department at (574) 372-9502 or by using our online Request Tracker tool.

8. Will the fire department get my cat out of a tree?

The fire department will evaluate each situation, but usually will not bring a truck to rescue animals. We suggest placing food on the ground underneath the tree (tuna works well), and when the cat gets hungry enough, it will come down. For other animal-related incidents, we suggest contacting the Warsaw Police Department's Animal Control Officer at (574) 372-9515 and describe your problem.

9. How do I become a firefighter?

It is highly recommended to begin by becoming a Volunteer Firefighter with your local community Fire Department so you can enjoy serving your local community.

If interested in the field of Firefighting as a career, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory offers the educational opportunity to achieve the Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications annually.  Other Kosciusko County Fire Departments also offer Firefighter 1 and 2 certification classes throughout the year. 

Chief Wilson is always available to visit with anyone interested in serving their community in the field of Firefighting to answer your questions.  If interested, please call the Fire Department Office for an appointment at (574) 372-9502.