Show All Answers

1. Does the City of Baytown have any codes against building a small fire pit in your backyard?

Backyard recreational fires must be:

• Kept under three feet in diameter and two feet high
• Kept 25 feet from any structure.
• Confined to a permanent outdoor fire ring, a portable outdoor fireplace, or a commercially-designed chiminea, No burn barrels
• Must have a garden hose, fire extinguisher, or five-gallon bucket of water nearby.
• Fires are prohibited during times of “burn bans”
• Cannot burn brush, leaves or other debris

2. Are fireworks legal?

Discharge of fireworks within the city limits of Baytown, or within 1,000 feet of the city limits, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. Fireworks stands are located outside the enforcement zone, so any use of fireworks should take place even farther out.

3. Can I burn yard waste?

You can NOT burn yard waste. Only recreational fires are allowed using the guidelines listed in the previous question.

4. How Can I Schedule a Speaker/Tour/Event/Firehouse Visit?

You may contact our Public Information / Public Education Coordinator, Casey Cook, at casey.cook@baytown.org or call 281-420-7116 to schedule a speaker / tour / event / or firehouse visit or browse our webpage, Baytown Fire Department Programs, to discover what programs we have to offer.

5. What is the difference between an Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic?

Emergency medical technicians (EMT) receive approximately 150 hours of initial training in basic life support practices. These include providing patients with oxygen when needed, acquiring vital sign measurements, managing injuries, and providing CPR.

Paramedics provide the highest level of out-of-hospital care and receive approximately one year, 1700 hours, of training to achieving national certification. Paramedic training includes approximately 700 hours of classroom education, 300 hours of in-hospital training and experience, and 700 hours of experience working on a medic unit.

6. Why is it necessary for firefighters to break windows and cut holes in a roof?

As a fire burns, it moves upward and outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation) stops the damaging outward movement and enables firefighters to fight the fire more efficiently and safely.

7. Does it cost me anything when I call 9-1-1 for an emergency?

It does not cost you anything when you call 911 for a fire or EMS emergency. There is a fee if the ambulance transports you to the hospital. The City of Baytown Municipal Codes list the charges for specific response types.

8. How do I obtain a copy of an incident report?

You may submit a valid public information request by one of the following methods:

Online: http://www.baytown.org/city-hall/city-clerk/public-information

E-mail: openrecords@baytown.org

Fax: 281-420-5891

Mail or In Person: City Clerk’s Office - Baytown City Hall, 2401 Market Street, Baytown, Texas 77520

**Note: requests sent to any other location or email will not be processed**

9. Where can I get my blood pressure checked?

You may have your blood pressure checked at any fire station or the fire administration building. However, crews may not be available at all times depending on call responses and trainings. Please call 911 for emergencies.

10. My insurance company is looking for the ISO rating, the distance from the nearest fire hydrant and how close I am to the nearest fire station. Can you provide that information?

Baytown Fire Department received an ISO Class 1 rating on September 1^st, 2018. The list of fire station locations on our website can help you locate the closest station to your home.

The City of Baytown website also provides a GIS mapping tool. The map tool has a fire hydrant layer. You can search your address in the GIS, with the fire hydrant layer on and it will show you any fire hydrants near your home.

11. Can I choose the hospital I am transported to?

No. Medicare/Medicaid regulations require ambulance providers to transport to the closest hospital. The Baytown Fire Department transports patients to Houston Methodist Baytown, unless there is a need for specialized care not provided by the hospital.

12. How do the Baytown Firefighters spend their days? Are they just sitting around waiting for emergencies?

BFD responds to far more than fires. The fire department responds to medical emergencies, hazardous materials responses and rescues and a variety of hazardous conditions. In addition to responding to over 13,000 incidents per year, the fire department keeps busy with many other activities. When not responding to emergencies you may find us testing hoses, testing our apparatuses, attending trainings, cleaning/conducting maintenance on the fire stations, and performing fire prevention activities such as building inspections or fire safety classes.

13. How may I give paramedics access to my door key if I have a medical emergency?

The safest and most effective way to ensure a key is available to first responders is to install a KNOX Residential Box. You can find more information on how to acquire a KNOX Residential Box on our website.  

14. How do I properly dispose of unwanted medications?

The City of Baytown has a medication take back box located at 220 W Defee Ave. 77520, in the lobby of the Baytown Police Department Community Service Bureau.

15. How can I dispose of used needles or syringes?

The City of Baytown has a needle and syringe disposal box located at 220 W Defee Ave. 77520, in the lobby of the Baytown Police Department Community Service Bureau

16. Will the fire department fill up my swimming pool?

No, the Baytown Fire Department does not fill swimming pools.