FAQs • Northampton, MA • CivicEngage

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How often should I change my smoke detector batteries?: The Northampton Fire Department recommends changing your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year, when you change your clock in the spring and fall.

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1. When is open burning season?: Northampton residents are allowed to burn brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris (not including grass, hay, leaves, or stumps) between January 15 and May 1. If you would like to burn in those months, you must call Northampton Public Safety at 413-587-1100 to request a free burning permit. Once a permit is obtained, you must call the day you intend to burn to notify dispatch at 413-587-1100.

2. How do I get a permit or smoke detector certificate?: Call Melissa Browsky in the administrative office at 413-587-1032 to schedule an appointment.

3. How do I get a copy of a fire report?: Please send a letter requesting this information to:
Chief Brian Duggan
26 Carlon Drive
Northampton, MA 01060

Your request will be answered as soon as possible.

4. How often should I change my smoke detector batteries?: The Northampton Fire Department recommends changing your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year, when you change your clock in the spring and fall.

5. Will the Fire Department come out and inspect or replace the batteries in the smoke detector in the home of my elderly parents?: Yes. The Fire Department has a program to provide free smoke detectors / batteries for elderly residents. To make an appointment to have a detector installed, call 413-587-1032.

6. How do I get one of those red house number markers?: The Northampton TRIAD Committee coordinates the posting of house numbers. A donation of $5 is suggested but not required. To request a number, call the Fire Department or the Council on Aging and leave your name, phone number, and property address.

7. Do you refill or recharge fire extinguishers?: No, the Fire Department does not provide this service. The phone book lists a number of vendors who sell and service fire extinguishers under ‘Fire Extinguishers’ in the yellow pages.

8. Where are smoke detectors required to be located?: Per M.G.L. Chapter 148, Section 26E, smoke detectors are required in residential structures on each level of habitation and the basement level. Such smoke detectors shall be installed “on the ceiling of each stairway leading to the floor above, near the base of, but not within each stairway and ... outside each separate sleeping area.”