The Ottumwa Fire Department provides regional hazardous materials response to eleven counties, which is known as the Southeast Iowa Response Group. This was the first regional hazardous materials response group organized in Iowa. The fire department also is active in fire prevention activities. This includes the fire fighters providing fire prevention education to all students in kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th grades.
Training is an intricate part of fire fighting. Continuous training is conducted in the areas of fire suppression, EMS, high-angle rescue, anti-terrorism, confined space, extrication, and hazardous materials.
The City of Ottumwa will continue to lead the way into the future by continuing to provide a safe environment for all the citizens of our community by being a proactive force for change.
Ottumwa's ISO Rating was improved to a three in March 2017. The ISO rating is based on a formula that considers a community’s fire personnel and equipment, water supply and dispatching capabilities. It is used by the insurance industry to develop premium rates for residential and commercial businesses.
Burning of yard waste such as leaves which are defined as leaves and twigs smaller than one inch in diameter and two feet in length shall be permitted on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., April 1 through April 30 and November 1 through November 30. Fires must be on your property, no fires in streets, alleys or any other public property.
If the fire department receives a complaint of smoke which is considered offensive the fire will be extinguished. The burning of garbage is always prohibited.
Recreational fires shall be limited to manufactured fire pit appliances, above or below ground fire pits protected by metal, stone, or concrete. Recreational fires shall be located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Recreational fires shall be limited to 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Burning material shall be limited to clean dry wood or commercial fireplace logs. Recreational fires shall be limited to between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
The Ottumwa Fire Dept will install free smoke alarms up to two per household for those who cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or for those who are physically unable to install a smoke alarm. Click on the link below for more details and to submit a request!
Fireworks may be discharged on private property in the city limits on July 4th only from 4PM to 10:30 PM.
Larger fireworks displays are permitted by licensed operators with approval by the City.
The public is reminded that while fireworks are now legal in the state of Iowa, any discharging of fireworks in City Parks or on city grounds is illegal and is punishable by a fine up to $500.
You can sell fireworks in a permanent structure from June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3. In a temporary structure (mainly a tent) the dates are June 13 through July 8.
No. Burning of trash, garbage, household or commercial solid waste, recyclable materials, plastics, furniture, tires, appliances, building materials and waste oil is unlawful in the City of Ottumwa. The penalty for violation is a civil citation.
Yes... but, if you choose to burn yard waste, be aware that State Fire Code requires outdoor fires must be under control and attended at all times. Adequate means that extinguishing must be readily available. Municipal code prohibits the burning of leaves or other debris in the street or on sidewalks.
Reward money is available through the Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office for anyone who has information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for an arson crime. Anyone with information about any intentionally set fire can contact the Ottumwa Fire Department at 683-0667, extension 3, or the Iowa Arson Hotline at 1-800-532-1459. Callers may remain anonymous.
Yes. Call (641) 683-0666 or (641) 683-0667. If the Ottumwa Fire Department receives a complaint about smoke, we investigate the source and, if necessary, put out the fire. If we receive repeated complaints about a specific offender, a citation can be issued.
The National Fire Code addresses assembly occupancy main entrance egress width, sprinklers in certain assembly occupancies, and limitations on festival seating. They also require the presence of a trained crowd manager for every 250 people in all assembly occupancies. Training is available online through the State of Maryland.
Ottumwa’s ISO Rating was upgraded to a three in march 2017. The ISO rating is based on a formula that considers a community’s fire personnel and equipment, water supply and dispatching capabilities. It is used by the insurance industry to develop premium rates for residential and commercial businesses.
The KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System was specifically developed for fire departments. With a master key, we can gain access to commercial and residential properties. This system is now required for new commercial properties. More than 11,500 fire departments nationwide use Knox® key boxes. Learn more about the KNOX-BOX online.
Firefighters fought a structure fire at 220 West Fifth Street on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Firefighters responded to a fire at 730 South Moore Street on the evening of November 20, 2024.
As spring weather is approaching the Ottumwa Fire Department wants to remind all City of Ottumwa residents that the burning of yard waste such as leaves which are defined as leaves and twigs smaller than one inch in diameter and two feet in length shall be permitted on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., April 1 through April 30 and November 1 through November 30.
The Ottumwa Fire Department recently received grant funding from the local fire protection and emergency medical service providers grant program, which is established by the State Fire Marshal.
This past year new code adoptions were put in place in regards to outdoor burning. With the temperatures dropping and fall clean-up coming up, the Ottumwa Fire Department wants to remind residents of the following:
With the weather warming up, it’s important to remember the rules regarding open burning. Below are the regulations for burning which are applicable in the City of Ottumwa. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official (Fire Marshal) in accordance with section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural, range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, bonfire, construction clearing, disaster or storm damage removal by city request, other open burning permits allowed by adopted fire code. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled, or company hired to conduct such open burning.
