FAQs • Pottstown, PA • CivicEngage

Do I need a permit to burn in my backyard?: No a permit is not required for recreational burning. A permit is required if you intend to do other types of burning not covered under recreational burning. If you have questions, please contact the Fire Marshal to discuss the type of burning to determine if you will need a permit.

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Fire

1. Can I burn in my backyard?: Recreational burning is permitted. Please be advised that there are restrictions to recreational burning to provide for safety to yourself and the community. Please download the following guidelines as a starting point. If you have additional questions, please contact the Fire Marshal.
Recreational Burning Guidelines

2. My neighbor is burning in the back yard and the smoke is coming into my house. What can I do?: Recreational burning is permitted provided that the resident follows established guidelines. If the smoke is coming into your home and this is bothering you, then contact 911 and report a fire in the backyard that is creating a smoke condition. The fire department will respond and talk with you to understand the problem and may require the resident to extinguish the fire.

3. Can I burn leaves/trash/construction waste?: No the Borough has an ordinance that prohibits this type of burning. In addition to the Borough this is in violation of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Residents found to be in violation may face stiff penalties not only from the Borough but by Pennsylvania DEP.

4. Do I need a permit to burn in my backyard?: No a permit is not required for recreational burning. A permit is required if you intend to do other types of burning not covered under recreational burning. If you have questions, please contact the Fire Marshal to discuss the type of burning to determine if you will need a permit.

5. Do you fill swimming pools?: The Pottstown Fire Department does not have the capability to fill swimming pools. There are companies in Pottstown Borough that specifically fill swimming pools.

6. Which fire company responds to my home/business?: The Pottstown Fire Department consists of 4 fire companies. Each company works as a team to provide the best fire protection and emergency services to the citizens of Pottstown. To provide the best service, based upon the specific emergency, one or all may respond to your home/business. The fire companies are strategically located throughout the Borough to provide quick response.

7. Is the Pottstown Fire Department a paid fire department?: The Pottstown Fire Department is considered a Combination Fire Department. The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal are full-time employees. Each fire company has paid firefighters to drive the fire trucks. However, 90% of our firefighters are dedicated volunteers serving our community.

8. Can I volunteer as a firefighter?: To become a member of the Pottstown Fire Department you must be a member in good standing at one of the four fire companies located in the Borough. (Goodwill, Phillies, Empire or North End Fire Companies). WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS. We provide the training, education and certification to become a volunteer firefighter.

9. Can I volunteer without being a firefighter?: Yes, each fire company is looking for members to contribute to the overall success of the Pottstown Fire Department. Each volunteer brings a skill set to the table that can be very useful.

10. Can I make a donation to the Fire Department?: Donations can be made directly to the volunteer fire companies. Please contact the fire company directly.
Fire Companies Page

11. Can I get a ride on a fire truck?: All volunteers are able to ride the fire trucks. Due to insurance reasons, if you are not a volunteer firefighter we cannot allow or offer rides to the community.

12. Can I setup a tour of the fire stations?: We are here to serve the citizens of the Borough. If you like to visit the fire station as an individual or as a group, please contact the fire station which you would like to visit. Fire Companies Page