Show All Answers

1. Is it legal to use fireworks?

Discharging or selling fireworks violates City Ordinance, unless special criteria outlined by state law apply and the proper permitting is obtained through the City of Wheaton. Leave the fireworks to the professionals; attend local fireworks displays to prevent injuries or death by recreational fireworks.

2. Is open burning allowed within the City of Wheaton corporate limits?

City Code prohibits general open burning of yard waste, garbage or other materials. Controlled burning of plants may be allowed if you obtain proper permits both the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the City of Wheaton. Recreational and food-related fires are allowed if conducted within commercial/approved containers such as grills. Small ground camp/bonfires require a special permit from the Fire Department. For more information, see Chapter 54, Article IV, Open Burning.

3. How do I obtain a copy of a fire or medical report?

If you would like a fire report for a nominal fee, contact the Wheaton Fire Department at 630-260-2175 during normal business hours. For information about medical reports and records, see the Emergency Medical Services section.

4. Whom should I contact to obtain information regarding an ambulance/paramedic bill and what are the fees associated with the service?

See the Emergency Medical Services section for information about billing.

View the fee schedule (Table B9) for current Fire Department fees.

5. How do I schedule a public education event or station tour?

These events and services can be scheduled during normal business hours by contacting the Fire Department at 630-260-2175.

6. Whom do I contact with questions regarding fire prevention matters or code, permit, or plan review questions?

Initial contact regarding these matters can be made to the City of Wheaton Building Department. Additionally, the Fire Department may be contacted to obtain further information. Questions regarding Knox Boxes can be immediately directed to the Fire Department. Questions regarding water flow calculations, flushing/testing of water service lines, or other water system issues can be directed to the City of Wheaton Water Department.

7. How do I become a firefighter?

See the Becoming a Member of the Wheaton Fire Department section for more information.

8. Why do firefighters and emergency medical personnel shop at the local grocery store while on duty?

Fire Department personnel work at the Fire Station for a 24-hour period. Due to this work schedule, they are responsible for buying their own groceries and cooking their own meals. Fire Department personnel have permission to perform brief shopping duties at City of Wheaton food stores, but they are in constant radio contact and immediately available to respond to emergency calls.

9. Why do firefighters and emergency medical personnel respond with lights and sirens to calls?

Using lights and sirens helps warn drivers that our vehicles are approaching. Safely operating emergency vehicles is critical to us being able to address the emergency quickly. It is important for drivers to maintain an awareness of emergency vehicles at all times and to safely pull to the right when emergency vehicles approach so they may pass appropriately.

10. Why do firefighters and emergency medical personnel remain on the scene once a medical patient is moved to the back of the ambulance?

Paramedics immediately initiate emergency medical care upon contact with a patient. Many times care is continued when the patient is moved to the ambulance so that the patient can be stabilized. The time spent in the back of the ambulance is used to administer medications, contact the hospital and further stabilize injuries.

11. Why do firefighters cut holes in a roof or break windows during firefighting?

During a fire within a building, super-heated air and toxic smoke are trapped within the building, making conditions even more dangerous for the occupants and firefighters. In a coordinated fashion, openings are made to the building to relieve this pressure and toxic air so that the fire attack and search and rescue crews can move quickly and safely to extinguish the fire and aid occupants. After conditions are stabilized, firefighters typically place tarps on personal belongings and furniture to protect them from further damage.

12. What is a Knox Box and how do I get an application?

A Knox Box is a case hardened, tamper-proof steel box that is purchased by a building owner for installation on the exterior of the building. The Fire Department is the only party that maintains a key to the exterior door on the box. Within the interior of the box, the building owner would provide and store any keys that the Fire Department could use to gain access to the interior of a building without having to force entry, thus preventing damage to doors or windows during normal operations.

City of Wheaton local codes do require Knox Boxes on all non-single/two-family structures. Product information regarding Knox Boxes can be obtained at their online store. Applications must be obtained through the Fire Department by contacting our offices. Knox Company will not sell a product without authorization by the Fire Department in order to maintain the highest levels of security.

13. What are the basic requirements for a fire alarm or fire sprinkler system?

Both the City of Wheaton Building Department and Fire Department can answer questions regarding fire alarm/fire sprinkler systems. The City of Wheaton enforces the 2018 International Codes with local amendments. All systems are required by code at this time to be directly monitored by DUCOMM through a dedicated phone line circuit.

14. Does the Fire Department offer household hazardous waste disposal?

No. The Fire Department does not collect household hazardous waste, including old syringes, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, medicine, hand grenades, dynamite, etc. To dispose of household hazardous waste, visit the site for drop-off in this area, the Naperville Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

15. Where can I find CPR classes?

The American Heart Association offers CPR classes.