Show All Answers

1. How can I obtain a copy of a fire or ambulance report?

You may call Administrative Assistant Pam Russell at 603-890-2208 to receive information regarding reports or see our Obtaining Reports (PDF) resource.

2. What is the service area of Salem?

The Town of Salem is approximately 26 square miles. Salem's residential population is nearly 30,000 persons but our daytime population is estimated to exceed 80,000 persons and growing. Because Interstate 93 along with other state highways travel through Salem, we estimate a continuous stream of people and commerce traveling through our Town. 

Salem Fire also has mutual aid agreements with the surrounding towns and cities (both in MA and NH) which we will provide services if requested.

3. How many fire stations are there in Salem?

Salem Fire Department operates out of three fire stations.

4. Can I burn brush in Salem?

Permits

Burning brush in Salem is allowed following strict rules. A permit is required per NH RSA 227-L:7, and must be obtained at any one of our three fire stations or online through the New Hampshire Division of Forest and Lands website, prior to any open burning.

General Outside Burning Rules

Once you have obtained your permit you must follow the Salem General Outside Burning Rules

1. The permittee must be at least 18 years old and the legal landowner or have the landowner's written permission to obtain a permit
2. Each time you wish to burn you must call the Salem Fire Burn Permit phone number 603-685-6420 where you will be told if burning is authorized for that specific day - you must call after 4:30 pm
3. On days that it is actively raining or the ground is covered in snow, you may call the regular business number 603-890-2200 and ask if it is okay to burn, this is decided on a case-by-case basis
4. Salem allows burning between 5 pm and Midnight
5. Fires must be at least 50 feet away from all buildings, decks, sheds, etc. (Exception: chiminea-style unit must be at least 25 feet
6. Only clean wood can be burned - No construction debris, no trash, no leaves, no painted wood, no rubber
7. Wood should not exceed 5 inches in diameter
8. Do not use accelerants (gas, oil) to start the fire
9. You must have some type of extinguishing equipment on hand (hose, extinguisher) to maintain control of the fire
10. You must completely extinguish the fire by midnight before leaving it

Please understand that if the fire department receives a request to check on a fire (permitted or not) we will always come out. That does not mean that someone with a permit has done anything wrong - but we always err on the side of caution and may stop by.

5. How many smoke detectors do I need for my house ?

A newly constructed home by today's fire codes requires a hard-wired smoke detector on each floor in addition to a hard-wired detector in each bedroom. 

We recommend the same number of detectors for maximum coverage and protection in existing homes as well.

If you are renting a property, the landlord is required to install smoke detectors within your unit.

6. Are fireworks allowed in Salem?

No. Per code, the use, sale, distribution, or possession of fireworks are prohibited in Salem at all times. More specifically, Salem Municipal Code Chapter 260-8 Amendments to the International Fire Code section 3301.1.3 Fireworks:

The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, use, or explosion of Division 1.3G and 1.4G (Class B and C) fireworks is prohibited.

7. Can I review the history of a property in the Fire Department files?

You may conduct a file review by scheduling an appointment with the Records Clerk Debra Scafidi. Call 603-890-2209 for further information.

8. How do I enter a career in the fire service?

Firefighting is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. We recommend becoming familiar with the various careers within the fire service, including becoming a firefighter, paramedic, hazardous material technician, fire prevention inspector, arson investigator, and fire alarm operator.

The New Hampshire Fire Academy (NHFA) holds entry-level written and physical ability testing annually. Anyone interested in becoming a firefighter in our department must contact the NHFA and make an application to participate in their testing process. The NHFA will forward to the Salem Fire Department a roster of successful applicants. NHFA is located at:
222 Sheep Davis Road
Concord, NH 03301

From this roster, we may invite selected candidates to participate in our oral board. If a candidate successfully completes this process (oral board and Chief's interview), he or she may be placed on an eligibility list. This list is generally good for one year.

The Town of Salem is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages members of both genders and all ethnic backgrounds to apply.