Burning permits are valid for the date of issue only.  Before obtaining a permit, call the Burning Permit Information Line at 715-839-3882 to find out if burning is allowed for that day. Local weather and DNR burning bans will dictate if burning is allowed.  Campfires or cooking fires do not require a burning permit.

Burning permits can be purchased online, in addition to the traditional self-service process outside ONE location, Fire Station #2, 216 S. Dewey Street.  To purchase a permit online, Click here.

Click here to view a sample permit.

 For additional information, please call 715-839-4825.

As part of its fire education/prevention efforts, the fire department welcomes groups or individuals to tour a fire station. The average duration of a station tour is 30 to 45 minutes.

Request a Tour - carefully read the listed information before completing the request form.

The Eau Claire Fire Department does not fill pools at residences.

In the city of Eau Claire, the ambulances are part of the fire department. All fire engines are equipped with oxygen, defibrillators, and basic medical supplies; the firefighters are trained to deliver emergency medical care prior to the arrival of the ambulance. Many times the engines arrive minutes before the ambulance. The firefighters also assist the paramedics in lifting and moving patients from the basement or second story of the home to the ambulance.

We are one of many fire departments that participate in a regional testing process designed to identify a qualified pool of entry-level candidates that is coordinated by the Chippewa Valley Technical College. 

Please visit http://firedepartmenthiring.com for further information on the application process.

For any emergency, you should dial 9-1-1. This will connect you with the Eau Claire County Communications Center. They will determine the proper agency and type of equipment that needs to respond to your situation. Be prepared to answer the call taker's questions about your location and what type of problem you're having. For a non-emergency situation, consult the personnel listing on the department’s home page.

Fire hydrants are installed and maintained by the Eau Claire Water Utility. The water utility directly charges customers for Public Fire Protection (PFP) to pay for the production, storage, transmission, sale, and delivery of water for public fire protection purposes. The PFP charge is billed quarterly as a fixed charge based on the size of the water meter. This money is not available to the fire department or used to pay for any service provided by the fire department.

The firefighters are working a 24-hour shift, beginning at 7:30 a.m. each day. They are required to purchase their own meals and typically pool their money for the day's meals. The units are always available to respond when they're at the grocery store. A side benefit is it gives younger firefighters the opportunity to drive the apparatus in non-emergency conditions, preparing themselves for the promotion to driver/operator.

The fire department inspects buildings to ensure they remain free from hazards that may endanger the occupants. The inspections are required by Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Codes. Most buildings are inspected twice a year. The inspections are performed by both the firefighters working in the fire stations and fire prevention officers, who have special training in building construction, fire detection and alarm systems, and fire suppression systems.

Sky lanterns have become increasingly popular as a way to celebrate. However, they pose a serious fire safety hazard and their use is prohibited by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code requirements. NFPA 1, 10.1.5, indicates "Any person who deliberately, or through negligence, sets fire to or causes the burning of any combustible material in such a manner as to endanger the safety of any person or property shall be deemed to be in violation of this code." Further, 10.11.5.1 indicates, "Open, recreational, and cooking fires shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished." By releasing the lantern with an open flame, the responsible party is liable for any damage or resulting fire caused by the lantern. Another concern is that lit lanterns may cause a hazard to the flight paths of helicopters that travel to nearby hospitals and to airplanes approaching or departing the airport.

Therefore, Eau Claire Fire and Rescue prohibits the use of sky lanterns within the city of Eau Claire. If you have additional questions, please contact the Fire Inspections Division at 715-839-4825.

Further information can be found on NFPA's website.