Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Open Burning Permitted?

A recent change in the city ordinance allows the use of propane fire pits. The fire pits must be used in a safe manner and be listed for recreational burning.

Simply put, you may utilize propane fire pits for "Recreational Burning" --Cooking fires are the only type of fire allowed to be burned with wood and you must be preparing a meal.

Strictly speaking, "Open Burning" of wood is not permitted in East Providence.

Please adhere to the rules below when igniting a permissible outdoor fire:

No person shall kindle or maintain (without permit) any fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained with the following EXCEPTIONS:

1. Cooking of food on barbecues or charcoal grills. Cooking on these devices shall be in preparation of a meal.
2. Propane/natural gas fire places/pits officially designed and listed as an outdoor fire place/pit shall be permitted. Fire places/pits shall be operated according to manufactures instructions in a safe manner.
   • Fire places/pits shall not be left unattended.
   • Propane tanks shall be listed, in good condition and have a current certification.
3. Burning hours shall be daylight until 11:00pm.
4. Recreational fires shall not be located within 25 feet (7.6m) of a structure or combustible material unless contained in an approved manner.
5. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread to within 25 feet (7.6m) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
6. Open, recreational, and cooking fires shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished.
7. This person shall have a garden hose connected to the water supply or other fire-extinguishing equipment readily available for use.
8. Live fires for the purpose of training employees in the use and operation of fire extinguishers and fire equipment shall be authorized upon approval of the fire chief and the state department environmental management. Such live fire training shall be in accordance with all applicable National Fire Protection Agency standards. A certified fire extinguisher instructor shall be present at all times during the training for instruction in the use and operation of fire extinguishers and fire equipment.
9. Fires authorized by the fire department for the purpose of training firefighters and retarding the spread of fire.
10. Ceremonial burning. Burning that is an integral part of a religious or fraternal organization's ceremonies, by permit, issued by the city fire marshal.
    

2. How do I obtain a Rescue Report?

For individuals requesting their own rescue report, they may go to the EMS Office at 913 Broadway. (401-435-7683) Please call prior to coming in. Below is the outline for requesting reports:

INDIVIDUAL REQUESTING A COPY OF THEIR OWN RESCUE REPORT

a. Individual shall provide photo identification.
b. Individual will sign a medical authorization release form.
c. Department will provide a copy of the report.
d. Department will attach a copy of identification, and release form to our copy of the report.

ATTORNEY REQUESTING ON BEHALF OF AN INDIVIDUAL

a. Request must be on official letterhead from the requesting agency.
b. Individual must sign a medical authorization release form.
c. Department will provide a copy of the report.
d. Department will attach a copy of request and release form to our copy of the report.

REQUEST FOR REPORT FOR DECEASED PATIENT

a. Report can only be released to an individual who has been appointed by a probate court as the representative of the person’s estate (example: Executrix, Administrator).
b. Individual must provide a “letter of appointment” from a Probate Court.
c. Department will provide a copy of report.
d. Department will attach a copy of letter of appointment to our copy of report.

REQUEST FOR MINOR PATIENT REPORT

a. A minor will be considered a person under the age of 16 years.
b. The legal guardian may request a report for a minor.
c. The guardian shall provide photo identification.
d. The guardian shall then sign medical authorization release.
e. Department will provide a copy of the report.
f. Department will attach a copy of identification and release form to our copy of the report.

For any request to mail a report a self-addressed stamped envelope shall be required.

** Any question regarding documentation should be referred to the City Solicitor’s office. **

3. How do I obtain a Fire Report?

A fire report may be obtained at the Fire Prevention Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm. (401-435-7681).

REQUEST FOR FIRE REPORT IN PERSON

a. Photo ID.

REQUEST FOR FIRE REPORT MAILED

a. A written request mailed to Fire Prevention, 913 Broadway, East Providence RI 02914.
b. A self-addressed stamped envelope.

REQUEST FOR VEHICLE FIRE REPORT

a. The person driving the vehicle at the time of fire must be the requestor.
b. If vehicle was unattended, the owner must be the requestor.
c. Photo ID.
d. Complete two State Vehicle Fire forms.
e. The request must be made in person.

4. How do I obtain a Hot Works(?) Report?

a. A 24 hour notice must be given to the Fire Prevention Office prior to doing Hot Work. (401-435-7681)

b. A Hot Work Application must be filled out and returned to the Fire Prevention Office. The form can be downloaded from City website or completed at the Fire Prevention Office. Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm and

5. How do I obtain a Plan Review Application?

The East Providence Fire Department requires the following information for plan review. The Plan Review Application may be obtained at the Building Inspectors Office, Fire Prevention Office or on-line at the City’s website. Plans may be submitted to the Fire Prevention Office Monday – Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

Plans will only be accepted with all required documentation.

CONSTRUCTION:

Building Permit Application
4 sets of plans (Must have an Architectural stamp – Commercial only)
1 set of cut sheets for interior finish (Commercial Building only)
Fire Prevention Plan Review Application

FIRE ALARM:

Electrical Permit Application
4 sets of plans
1 set of cut sheets
Fire Prevention Plan Review Application

SPRINKLER SYSTEM:

Mechanical Permit Application
5 sets of plans (Must have an Engineer’s stamp)
Plans must show hydraulics and backflow cut sheets
Fire Prevention Plan Review Application

HOOD AND DUCT SYSTEM and FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

Mechanical Permit Application
4 sets of plans
1 set of mechanical cut sheets (Hood and Duct)
1 set of ansul system cut sheets (Fire Suppression System)
Fire Prevention Plan Review Application

HVAC:

Mechanical Permit Application
4 sets of plans
1 cut sheet for unit
Fire Prevention Plan Review Application

**Sprinkler plans and fire alarm plans may be combined on the same set of plans**
**Fire alarm plans must be submitted separately form construction plans **

6. How do I schedule a smoke detector / carbon monoxide detector inspection?

Smoke detector / carbon monoxide detector inspections are done only for the sale of a house.

a. Appointments are scheduled on Thursdays.
b. The detectors must be in place prior to inspection.
c. A $30.00 check or money order, payable to The City of East Providence, must be paid at time of inspection.
d. Failure to pass the inspection will cost an additional $30.00 for the re-inspection.
e. The Smoke Certificate is given the day of passing the inspection.

7. How do I schedule fire engine visit or a fire station tour?

Fire engine visits to schools or events are scheduled through the Chief Aide’s office (401-435-7677). Please allow ample time for the request.

Fire station visits are welcomed Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 7:00pm. No appointment necessary unless there are more than 4 children. For a group visit, i.e. Boy Scouts, contact the Chief Aide’s Office. (401-435-7677).

8. How do I schedule an inspection for a business license?

License inspections are done through the Fire Prevention Office (401-435-7681) Please allow 3 business days to schedule the appointment.

9. Do I need to contact the Fire Department regarding a tent?

The Fire Prevention Office (401-435-7681) has to sign off on the Building Permit Application and the License Application on all tents over 350 sqft. Business hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

For the Building Permit Application see Building Inspector’s Office, 145 Taunton Avenue.
For Tent License Application see City Clerk’s Office, 145 Taunton Avenue.

10. How do I obtain Fire Detail? 

Events with greater than 50 attendees may require a Fire Detail. Please complete the attached form and return with payment at least 1 week prior to the event to the attention of the Chief’s Aide at 913 Broadway, 02914. If there are any questions regarding if an event will require a Fire Detail, please call the Fire Marshals’ office at 435-7681. 

11. Can I use the Fire Department for my Senior Project?

Yes, the Fire Department is involved in the Senior Project Mentor Program. The Department can accommodate interests in firefighting and EMT work. 

To begin the process:

a. Fill out the Senior Project Application

b. Contact the Chief’s Office for an appointment (401-435-7677)

12. Rescue Billing

1. The City of East Providence currently charges for use of the emergency medical service (rescue).

2. City resident's insurance is billed for the use of the service. Typically there are no out of pocket expenses for the city resident. However, there are some caveats to this for example if litigation is involved. Also, if a patient has a HAS type insurance in which the bill may be part of the premium.

3. If you utilize our rescue service you may receive an explanation of benefits or other billing statement. The statement would reflect "City of East Providence." Our billing company is currently the Dawson Group.

4. If you are a City of East Providence resident and you receive a bill because you were transported by a mutual aid rescue the bill may be eligible for an adjustment. In order to facilitate an adjustment contact our EMS Director Captain John Potvin at 401.431.7901 or jpotvin@eastprovfire.com

5. If you need a copy of a bill please contact the Dawson Group 401.572.3120

6. All Emergency Medical Services questions can be referred to Captain John Potvin, EMS Director at 401.431.7901 or jpotvin@eastprovfire.com

FIRE DETAIL APPLICATION FORM

HOT WORK APPLICATION