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SERVICES

FIRE INSPECTIONS AND PRE PLANNING

 

Conducting annual fire inspections and emergency pre-plans is our way of getting to know a place of business so we will be better informed if an emergency occurs there.  Pre-plans are an opportunity for our firefighters to plan ahead for an emergency by learning the layout of the building, making a sketch of the structure showing where the nearest fire hydrant is, where the utility shut-off is, what types of materials are stored there and so on.

The main purpose of the fire inspection is to make sure that the business is safe from fire or safety hazards to better protect the owner, employees and the public - and we are responsible for enforcing fire and safety codes adopted by the city council.  Sometimes business owners get ‘stressed’ about a fire inspection, but really they shouldn’t!  We’re just there to identify potential hazards or an unsafe practice and work with the owner to resolve these issues (usually they’re pretty minor and easy to fix).  It’s all about preventing tragic accidents or fires and keeping everyone safe!

COMPLIMENTARY FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS

 

We encourage residents and business owners to contact us for advice on ways to improve fire safety in the home or workplace. We can schedule a fire department representative to come to your home or business to inspect for fire or safety hazards and help you develop an emergency plan.

TOURS OF THE FIRE STATIONS

 

Contact us to set up a tour for your daycare, scout group, or other organization - or stop in one day with your children or grandchildren. You’ll enjoy a tour of our station and fire trucks as much as the kids - “kids” of all ages have a blast wearing a firefighter’s gear, exploring the fire truck and the equipment, and squirting some water from a fire hose.  We invite everyone to spend a little time with us to meet the men and women of your fire department.

Services offered by the Bay St. Louis Fire Department are FREE of charge and can be arranged by call (228) 467-4736 Monday through Friday between 8am - 5pm, or by visiting Fire Station No. 1 located at 543 Main Street.

BURNING PERMITS

 

The department may issue burning permits for small piles of yard trimmings.  A burning permit may be issued for larger piles or areas of land, but a supervisor of the department must inspect the area prior to issuing the permit.
 

  • There is no permit fee
     

  • You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain one and present your driver’s license or other photo identification.

BONFIRE PERMITS

 

Bonfire permits require a $100 refundable clean-up deposit, by check only, made out to the City of Bay St. Louis. We do not accept cash. The deposit is refunded after the bonfire site has been inspected to ensure it has been cleared of any debris, trash or wood.  No deposit is required if the bonfire is on private property, but a permit is still needed. 

 

There are specific areas of the beach where bonfires are allowed, generally between Washington St. and Bay Oaks - check with our office for details.  

 

To obtain a permit the following must be met:

  • The person obtaining the permit must be at least 18 years of age and present some form of photo identification.

  • The person obtaining the permit must be on site with a copy of the permit during the times stated on the permit.  

  • Only untreated wood may be burned in any bonfire; it is unlawful to burn treated lumber, and any nails, staples or similar must be removed from the wood before burning.  

FIREWORKS - SALES and USE
 

By City ordinance the sale and use of fireworks are allowed only during the holiday periods of July 4th, Christmas and New Year’s.   Please contact the Building Department for permits and specific dates.  Before a permit is issued for the sale of fireworks, the Building and Fire Departments must conduct an inspection to ensure all fire and safety requirements are met.

 

 *A SPECIAL PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY COMMERCIAL PYROTECHNIC DISPLAYS*

To conduct a commercial pyrotechnics display a permit must be completed in advance and returned to the fire official at least 2 weeks in advance of the display.  The permit may be issued after the site is inspected and all requirements of the permit - and the AHJ - have been met.  ANY indoor or proximate use of pyrotechnics or any item or device that creates smoke, flame, sparks or similar is prohibited without specific approval from the AHJ.  Pyrotechnic operators are required to meet and follow current NFPA standards, including NFPA 1126.

 

The Pyrotechnic Fireworks Event Approval Form can be found at this link.

***PLEASE NOTE***
 

ANY BURNING, BONFIRES, YARD TRIMMINGS OR THE USE OF FIREWORKS, MAY BE BANNED, AND ANY BURNING OR FIREWORKS PERMIT PREVIOUSLY ISSUED MAY BE REVOKED IF:

•    Weather conditions are, or become, hazardous (strong winds, dry conditions, etc.)

•    A ban on burning is issued by the Fire Chief, or the State or County Fire Marshal

•    Instructions on the permit or instructions given by the fire official are not followed

•    The fire official determines a situation or activity is hazardous or is a public nuisance

•    A permit is obtained using inaccurate or false information

FIRE PITS, BARBECUE PITS

 

May not be used on balconies or porches of apartment complexes, or within ten (10) feet of any structure.  

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