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1. I had a fire in my home, how can I get a copy of the fire report?

You must request the report in writing, either mail your request to 18 Jackson Ave., Hampton Bays, NY 11946 or Fax it to 631-702-2919. Please be sure to include the following for your request:

• Name
• Tax Map Number
• Address
• Date of Incident
• Phone Number

2. Is there a time when I can take my children to a firehouse to learn about fire safety?

Yes. Contact the fire department in your area, most fire departments have an open house for you and your child to learn about fire safety and see the equipment. Many department volunteers are willing to educate groups or provide additional services, even when open houses are not scheduled.

3. How do I apply for a tent permit?

In general the tent company handling the transaction will submit the application. If an individual wants or needs to submit the application directly they can download the Tent Permit Application or call 631-702-2919 to have one faxed or mailed.

4. My child has been playing with matches. Should I be concerned?

While curiosity about fire is a normal part of learning, some behaviors may lead to problems. Although public safety cannot address all questions or concerns, the fire marshals have had training with juvenile firesetter issues and have many contacts. If there is a concern about any child contact 631-702-2919 to set up an appointment for follow up.

5. What is a Haz Mat Team?

It’s a team of specially trained members who respond to hazardous material spills, accidents, etc. Some local volunteer fire departments have teams of technicians or members trained in specialty areas such as decontamination procedures. The town’s team is comprised of employees from public safety, who have had specialized training.

They work together and drill together to maintain their proficiency. They assist the local volunteer fire departments by providing hazardous materials technicians who have had extensive training and are able to work in fully encapsulated suits. The town team also maintains specialized equipment including monitors and testing equipment including meters.

6. Why do the Fire Marshals perform business inspections?

Business inspections are performed in an effort to cut down on the loss of life and property with the township. Fire marshals inspect for code compliance to help remove hazards that might cause a fire. They also check to make certain that building systems such as automatic fire suppression, portable fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems have been properly inspected and maintained.

A very important function includes checking to see that buildings, especially bars and nightclubs, are not overcrowded, and that patrons have appropriate egress such a problem occur. Routine inspections have all too often found exit doors that have remained locked while the business was occupied, exit lights that were not properly illuminated or emergency lighting units that did not properly function. Because of the nature of the Hamptons nightlife, fire marshals work overtime shifts on summer weekends to do spot checks to help ensure the safety of our visitors.

7. What are some of the things the Fire Marshall looks for when inspecting a business?

They are looking for safety hazards and to determine that your operations are in compliance with all federal, state, local codes or regulations. Some of the things they are looking for:

• Dumpster in compliance for location and enclosure
• Electrical, gas, and heating systems all operational
• Exit Lights and Emergency Lights are Operational
• Exits are easily passable
• Extension cords used in place of permanent fixed wiring is prohibited
• Fire extinguishers in appropriate locations and properly inspected
• Required systems such as automatic fire suppression in commercial kitchens, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems are properly maintained
• Some inspections will address specialized operations:
  • Bars, nightclubs, and other public assemblies
  • Bed and breakfasts, motels, and apartment complexes where people sleep
  • Lumber yards and woodworking facilities
  • Marinas with electrical wiring in wet locations
  • Service stations with flammable liquid storage
  • Special events and temporary tents
  • Storage of hazardous materials
  • Welding and other hot work

8. If the Fire Marshal finds violations, do I get a warning or will they give me a summons?

Normally you will have a certain amount of time to correct the problem. If the problem has not been corrected when fire marshal comes back for a re-inspection, a summons may be issued. There are many items that factor into the decision. These may include the type of code violated, the severity of the problem, or similar criteria.