FAQs • Burnsville • CivicEngage

Why do dispatchers ask so many questions when I call 911?: Your 911 call is answered by the Dakota County Dispatch Center. The dispatch center has scripted questions to ask callers who are experiencing fire and medical emergencies. The emergency resources can be started by another dispatcher while you are talking to the dispatcher on the phone. The dispatcher can also provide direction in many situations to assist with the emergency prior to responders arriving.

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Fire Department

We offer a range of Fire-related permits online. These include:

2. Where should smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors be located in my home?: Smoke alarms need to be installed in every sleeping area/bedroom and on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide detectors need to be installed on every floor of the home and within 10 feet of sleeping areas/bedrooms.
Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Location Video

3. Can I have a grill on my apartment balcony/patio?: Grilling with charcoal, propane or other grills that produce an open flame is not permitted on the decks of multi-housing buildings or within 15 feet of the building. Electric grills are permitted, but the Fire Department would like everyone to use caution even when using an electric grill. A deck fire can extend to the building’s surface quickly and travel to other decks and building openings
Apartment Grilling information

4. Can I have a campfire?: An annual permit is required for any resident wanting to have a recreational fire at their residence. The permit is free of charge and states the requirements for recreational fires. Please call the Recreational Burning Hotline at 952-895-4666 prior to starting the fire. There may be a temporary burning ban in place if conditions warrant.
Click here for Recreational Fire Permit

5. Can I burn leaves?: No. Burning shall not be used for the purpose of disposal of rubbish, trash, yard debris, leaves or combustible waste materials. Burning of construction materials, painted and treated lumber are also not allowed. Only firewood burning is allowed.

6. Can I become a "Volunteer" firefighter with your department?: The Burnsville Fire Department is a full-time career department. We do not have any volunteer firefighter positions.

7. How do I report a burning complaint?: To report a burning complaint, please call 911 while the burning is occurring and appropriate personnel will be dispatched.

8. Can I visit a fire station?: Absolutely. The fire department welcomes visits. However, tours are contingent on availability of personnel. Please contact Fire Administration at 952-895-4570 to schedule a tour.

9. Can I host a birthday party at a fire station?: We are unable to accommodate birthday parties at the fire station. Our staff at the fire stations are subject to emergency calls and with the emergency call volume we are committed to responding to we cannot keep staff at the fire station.

10. Why do fire engines respond to medical emergencies?: Ambulances are staffed by two firefighter/paramedics and during critical medical emergencies it is necessary to have more than two personnel respond in order to accomplish important medical treatments and tasks.
Fire engines are staffed with two to three firefighter/paramedics and they respond to critical medical emergencies to assist the ambulance personnel.

11. Why do dispatchers ask so many questions when I call 911?: Your 911 call is answered by the Dakota County Dispatch Center. The dispatch center has scripted questions to ask callers who are experiencing fire and medical emergencies. The emergency resources can be started by another dispatcher while you are talking to the dispatcher on the phone. The dispatcher can also provide direction in many situations to assist with the emergency prior to responders arriving.

12. Does the City offer CPR Classes?: The Burnsville Fire Department offers FREE Heart Restart classes that teach compression-only CPR. To find upcoming classes visit the City events calendar or the Fire Department's page.