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Fire

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1. Firework/Pyrotechnic - How much notice is required before an event?

A minimum of thirty (30) days notice is required.

2. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - What are pyrotechnics?

The art of making or the manufacture and use of fireworks.

3. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - What are fireworks?

Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by
combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and that meets the definition of Consumer
Fireworks or Display Fireworks as set forth in NFPA 1123.

4. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - What is the Council Bluffs city ordinance concerning fireworks?

Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, store, to
offer for sale, sell at retail or use to explode any fireworks, provided that the Chief shall
have power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of permits for
supervised public displays of fireworks by a jurisdiction, fair associations, amusement
parks, other organizations or for the use by artisans in pursuit of their trade. Every such
use or display shall be handled by a competent operator approved by the Chief and shall
be of such character and so located, discharged or fired so as, in the opinion of the Chief
after prompt investigation, not be hazardous to property or endanger any person.

5. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - What are the laws and codes governing pyrotechnics?

Pyrotechnic displays in Council Bluffs must adhere to rules and regulations established by
the Council Bluffs Fire Code (CBFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and all other federal, state, and local laws
pertaining to the discharge of pyrotechnics. The only fireworks that are legal to use in
Council Bluffs without obtaining a permit are sparklers, caps, and snakes.

6. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - What events are pyrotechnics usually found?

Pyrotechnics are found at both indoor and outdoor events. Indoor events would include
stage plays and productions, as well as music concerts. Outdoor events include festivals,
Fourth of July activities and other public events.

7. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - What expenses are involved to apply for a pyrotechnic permit?

The permit fee is $150. Depending on the event and location, stand-by fire personnel
and/or equipment may be required.

8. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - Where do I get an application for a pyrotechnic display?

Applications may be obtained from the Council Bluffs Fire Department, 200 South 4th
Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503. You may also download a copy of the permit by selecting
the link below.

Fireworks Permit

9. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - What is the application process to get a Firework or Pyrotechnic Permit?

All applicants must submit a Permit Application for Pyrotechnic Display of Fireworks to the
Council Bluffs Fire Department. Also, a special events application must be obtained from the City
Clerk's office.

An original certificate of insurance shall be submitted to the Council Bluffs Fire Department.
Please submit an insurance certificate a minimum of thirty days prior to the date of the event for
approval by the City Attorney.

Once the appropriate applications are made, there will be a review of the application by a
member of the Council Bluffs Fire Marshal's Office.

The Fire Marshal's Office shall conduct a walk-through inspection and upon request, there shall
be a representative demonstration of the pyrotechnics display.

A site inspection shall be made of the shooting area to include safe zone and fallout perimeter. If
the shoot site or the pyrotechnic display is deemed unsafe, the display can be postponed or
cancelled per the authority having the jurisdiction.

A fee of $150 made payable to the Council Bluffs Fire Department. Applicants shall comply with
all storage and transportation of pyrotechnic materials as per federal and state codes.

All indoors pyrotechnic displays shall require a minimum of (1) one stand by fire personnel on
scene. Additional personnel and/or equipment may be required as per the authority having
jurisdiction. Standby personnel to be of the expense of the entity putting on display.

All outdoor pyrotechnic events shall be reviewed by the Fire Marshal's Office. A minimum of (2)
two standby fire personnel and equipment will be required for events on all City-owned property.
Events on privately-owned property may require the presence of standby fire watch fire
personnel as determined by the Fire Chief or his designee. All standby firewatch personnel will be
provided by the Council Bluffs Fire Department at the expense of the event sponsor or shooter.

10. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics - Who needs to complete an application for a pyrotechnic display?

The only legal fireworks are sparklers, caps, and snakes. Snaps, Poppers, Party Favors
and other novelties are in violation of the law. All other fireworks require a permit that
must be applied for through the Council Bluffs Fire Department Fire Marshals Office.

11. General - How can I provide feedback to the Fire Department?

The Council Bluffs Fire Department is proud to be of service to the citizens of Council Bluffs and to the many people who visit our community. In order to maintain the quality of our services and to continue seeking better ways to serve you, we welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. You can call us at

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Customer Feedback
The Council Bluffs Fire Department is proud to be of service to the citizens of Council Bluffs and to the many people who visit our community. In order to maintain the quality of our services and to continue seeking better ways to serve you, we welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. You can contact the Fire Department at (712) 328-4646.

12. General - How do I get a copy of a fire report?

Each incident that the Council Bluffs Fire Department responds to is documented in a “Fire Report”. To request a basic Fire Report, click the link below, complete the information and mail, fax or bring the request to:

Council Bluffs Fire Department
200 South 4th Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Fax (712) 328-4916

Your request should be completed and available within five work days and we will call to let you know it is available. No fee is charged for the basic Fire Report.

Council Bluffs Fire Department Report Request Form

13. General - How do I get a copy of a patient report?

Each incident that the Council Bluffs Fire Department responds to is documented in a “Patient Report”. To request a basic Patient Report, click the "Report Request Form" link below, complete the information and mail, fax, e-mail or bring the request to:

Council Bluffs Fire Department
200 South 4th Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Fax (712) 328-4916
[email protected]

Your request should be completed and available within five work days and we will call to let you know it is available. No fee is charged for the Patient Report.

Council Bluffs Fire Department Report Request Form

14. General - How do I request a Fire Investigation Report?

To request a Fire Investigation Report, click the Fire Investigation Report link below, complete the information and mail, fax or bring the request to: Council Bluffs Fire Department 200 South 4th Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Fax (712) 328-4916 Your request should be completed and available within ten work days and we will call to let you know it is available. A fee based on the number of pages and time spent will be due when you pick up the report. Fees for reports are established in the City Municipal Code. Current fees are: 1st page $ 10.00 Each additional page: $ 0.50 Note that there are additional fees for photos, cd’s and other media material if requested. *A charge based on the hourly rate of the person performing the task will be made if the time spent retrieving files, supervising the examination of records, and/or copying of records exceeds fifteen minutes.

Fire Investigation Report

15. General - Where can I pay my ambulance bill?

Intermedix currently handles all our direct patient and third-party billing. For questions regarding your bill or insurance status, please call the toll-free customer service line at 888-246-0610 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Messages can be left 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

If you prefer, you can access your account and update your insurance information online. You will need your account number and zip code readily available.
Intermedix's Secure Website

16. Hazardous Materials - How do I dispose of old paint or hazardous material?

For questions regarding disposal of old paint or other household chemicals please take them to the Council Bluffs Recycling Center for proper disposal.

Please see the link below for Hazardous Materials disposal hours.

If you have questions, contact the Recycling Center at (712) 328-4985 or (877)-366-9812.

Check this site for more information on
Hazardous Material disposal.

17. Hydrants - What are the Private Fire Hydrant guidelines?

You can find information on Private Fire Hydrant Guidelines
here.

18. Recreational Fire - What are the city codes relating to recreational fire use?

1. The device must be on a non-combustible surface.

2. A recreational fire shall be no larger than 3ft in diameter and 2ft in height and at least 25 feet from any combustible surface such as a fence, wall, or other surface.

3. Portable outdoor fireplaces (UL listed fire ring, chiminea, or similar purchased device) shall be located at least 15 ft from any combustible surface such as a fence, wall, or other surface.

4. There must be a hose or fire extinguisher close by.

5. The only material allowed to burn is firewood. No leaves, yard waste, lumber scraps, or household waste may be burned.

6. Be aware of where the smoke is going. The homeowner is responsible for keeping the smoke from becoming a nuisance. Offensive or objectionable smoke may result in a civil fine.

7. If the fire department is dispatched to a recreational fire repeatedly, the home owner/tenant may be subject to a civil citation.

8. We urge the use of common sense.

Please reference the municipal code for additional information.

Municipal Code 4.02.00

19. Recreational Fire - What is a recreational fire?

An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

20. Recreational Fire - What is a portable outdoor fireplace?

A “portable”, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top.