Important Information

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Arson Hot Line

If you have tips or other information that will lead to the identification of persons responsible for arson, contact the Arson Hot Line at 888-870-6162.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

- Location of CO Detectors

In existing buildings, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in each and every apartment unit in any multifamily building (two or more living units), in any existing single-family building where renovation has added at least one bedroom and in any conversion of a building to single-family use.  In newly constructed single-family or multifamily occupancies, at least one carbon monoxide detector should be installed. 

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in each area within, or giving access to, bedrooms or sleeping areas.

- Type of CO Detectors Required

All CO detectors shall be listed and powered by both battery and AC power.  AC power may be either plugged in or hardwired.

For more information on carbon monoxide detector requirements and carbon monoxide sources in the home, refer to the following for information.  

• Carbon Monoxide Detector Guidelines
• Carbon Monoxide Sources in the Home

If you have further questions feel free to contact Fire Prevention Officer David O'Connell at 207.333.6633 ext. 6 or doconnell@auburnmaine.gov.

Chimney Inspections

The Auburn Fire Department does not perform chimney inspections.  We offer the following contact information for local chimney sweeps that clean and inspect chimneys.  More Info

Fire Safety for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

It is an unfortunate fact that individuals with autism are at high risk in a situation involving a fire.  Children with autism have died in fires when they retreated to a favorite hiding place; others died when they retreated from an approaching firefighter, apparently frightened by the firefighter's appearance (with mask, etc.).  Some children with autism have escaped a fire, only to die after re-entering the dwelling to retrieve a prized object, not mindful of the danger they are placing themselves in by doing so.  It is essential that you as parents/caregivers plan for how to ensure your loved one's safety in the event of a fire.  For suggestions on how to plan and for a checklist to return to the fire department, refer to the following for more information:

• Guide to Fire Safety for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Fire Safety Tips for Dog Owners

In the event of a fire, your pets need protection as much as the rest of your family.  Refer to Fire Safety Tips for Dog Owners to learn more about how to protect your dog. 

Guidelines for Festivals - Event Sites - Food Vehicles

For information and guidelines for festivals, event sites, and mobile food vehicles refer to Guidelines for Festivals and Event Sites. 

Home Smoke Detectors

- Location of Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors should be installed on every floor of your home including the basement, outside each separate sleeping area, and inside all sleeping rooms.  It is recommended that detectors be wired together so when one sounds, they all sound.  On floors without bedrooms, install detectors near the stairway leading to the floor above, in or near dens, living rooms, family rooms and other living areas.  Do NOT install detectors in kitchens, bathrooms or garages where nuisance alarms go off routinely. 

- Mounting Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors should be mounted high on the wall or ceiling.  If mounted on the wall, position the top of the detector 4 to 12 inches away from the nearest wall and within 3 feet of the door inside the bedroom.  If mounted on the ceiling, position detectors at least 4 inches away from the nearest wall and within 3 feet of the door inside the bedroom.  If mounted in open stairways, position the detector anywhere along the path smoke would travel up the stairs. If mounted in closed stairways, position the detector at the bottom of the stairway.  Do NOT mount a detector near a window, outside door or forced-air register.

- Maintaining Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors should be tested monthly for proper operation.  It is recommended that you install new batteries when the clocks are set back in the fall and ahead in the spring.  Replace any detector that is more than ten years old.

Open Burning

Burning permits can be obtained online.  They an also be obtained at any of our three stations for no charge.  It is recommended that you call Central Station at 207.333.6633 ext. 1 after 9:00 a.m. on the day you wish to burn to verify that burning is allowed for that day.  For information on what is permissible to burn with and without a permit, please refer to our open burning guidelines.

Pellet Stove/Wood Stove Installation

- Pellet Stoves

The fire department does not conduct pellet stove inspections.  For installation guidelines, follow the manufacturer's recommended installation instructions. Make sure to notify your insurance company that you have installed a pellet stove.

- Wood Stoves

The fire department conducts wood stove inspections for no charge at the homeowners request.  This inspection is to make recommendations to the homeowner.  Keep in mind, we do not conduct inspections for insurance purposes.  To schedule an inspection please contact the fire department at 207.333.6633 ext. 4 or doconnell@auburnmaine.gov. Make sure to notify your insurance company that you have installed a wood stove.

Wood stoves must be located on a non-combustible floor or an approved floor protection material should be placed under the stove.  Floor protection must extend out 18" from all sides of the stove.  The stove must be spaced at least 36" away from combustible material, or as specified for a listed stove.  There must also be at least 18" between the stove pipe and the ceiling or other combustible material.  For more detailed installation requirements, refer to our wood stove installation checklist.  To aid in the safe installation and use of wood stoves, visit the US EPA Burn Wise Page or The State of Maine's Heating with Firewood Page.