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Fire Department

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1. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke or carbon monoxide detectors?

Ideally you should test your detectors once a month and change the batteries every 6 months. A good rule-of-thumb is to change the batteries when you change the time on your clocks in the spring and fall.

2. Can I burn leaves in town?

No. All open burning is prohibited in the city of Grinnell. Recreational fires for cooking, heating, recreation, and ceremonies are allowed. For a full list of exceptions see chapter 156 of the city code of ordinances or the Burning Ordinance webpage. Burning Ordinance

3. How can I become a volunteer firefighter?

An application can be picked up at the Grinnell Fire Department, 1020 Spring Street. For more information and a list of qualifications see the Volunteer Opportunities webpage. Volunteer Opportunities

4. Why are fire hydrants painted different colors?

Fire hydrants are color-coded to indicate the amount of water (gallons per minute) that is available from that fire hydrant. This allows firefighters to know how much water is available for fighting a fire. The gallons per minute are determined during flow testing of hydrants.

5. How many calls does the fire department respond to in a year?

On average the fire department responds to 700 calls per year. This includes all types of fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical assits, illegal burning or smoke complaints, and false alarms. For a full list of types of calls see the fire department annual report. Annual Report