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1. How can I obtain a burning permit?

Please visit our Burning Permits page for more information.

2. Can I have a campfire or fire pit?

Yes, you can have a campfire or fire pit, but fires:

• May only burn untreated firewood and not construction materials, yard waste, or other household material such as cardboard or paper
• May not unreasonably disturb neighbors
• Must be attended at all times by an adult at least 18 years old
• Must be at least 10 feet from any lot line, utility pole or overhead wire

Properties with commercial buildings and residential buildings containing three or more dwellings units are permitted only with a listed fire pit or fireplace with a spark arrestor.

3. Are all the firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the Department volunteer?

We have approximately 67 paid-on-call/paid-on-premise members. Additionally we have seven full-time employees including five Advanced EMTs, one Fire Inspector/Public Education Specialist, and one Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief.

4. How many emergency situations does the Department respond to each year?

The Department responds to approximately 1,000 emergencies each year. For more information on past year statistics, please visit the Call Statistics page.

5. Do firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) receive formal training?

Yes, the State of Wisconsin requires new firefighters to attend 60 hours of formal classroom and hands-on training before they can respond to fire emergencies. This training is paid for by the Department.

For Emergency Medical Services, the State of Wisconsin requires new EMTs to attend a minimum of 120 hours of formal classroom and training, and that they go through a licensing process to be able to provide care and run as an EMT. This is also paid for by the department.

In addition, the Department encourages firefighters and EMTs to continue in other State-certified courses and these are also paid for by the Department:

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services License and Certification Information
• Wisconsin Technical College System Fire Service Courses

6. How are volunteers trained on all the equipment?

The Department has Fire training every Monday and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training on the third Thursday of every month throughout the year. All firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are trained on how to operate any piece of equipment they may be required to use on a call.

The Department also encourages outside training for more intense instruction on various aspects of firefighting and EMS. We also have strict processes for training members on other things such as driving apparatuses and running as an EMS Crew Chief.

7. How can I make a donation to McFarland Fire and Rescue?

Donations can be sent to:
McFarland Fire and Rescue
5915 Milwaukee Street
P.O. Box 110
McFarland, WI 53558-0110

8. What should I do if my smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector goes off?

Call 911 and make sure everyone exits your home. Ensure you account for everyone once outside of your home.

Also, make sure that you are changing the batteries in all of your detectors at least twice per year and that you test all of your detectors at least once per month.

9. What type of smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector should I purchase?

There are many good models on the market. Ensure the model is Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved and has a test button to ensure proper functioning.

Carbon monoxide detectors with a digital read out on them can also give us an idea of the severity of leak.