FAQs

Why is my smoke alarm beeping?: If your smoke alarm is beeping, get out of the house immediately and call 911 from a neighbor’s house. You have very little time to get out of your house safely if there is a threat of fire, and we would much rather respond to a false alarm than have you risk becoming trapped. If your smoke alarm is beeping intermittently, try changing the battery; if it is still beeping and is over 10 years old, it needs to be replaced.

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Fire

1. Why is my smoke alarm beeping?: If your smoke alarm is beeping, get out of the house immediately and call 911 from a neighbor’s house. You have very little time to get out of your house safely if there is a threat of fire, and we would much rather respond to a false alarm than have you risk becoming trapped. If your smoke alarm is beeping intermittently, try changing the battery; if it is still beeping and is over 10 years old, it needs to be replaced.

2. Can I burn my yard waste?: Burning of yard waste is prohibited in Residential zoned areas of the County. Call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 757-220-0626 to determine if you can burn yard waste.

3. Can I plant shrubs around a fire hydrant?: No. The Statewide Fire Prevention Code states, “Unobstructed access to fire hydrants shall be maintained at all times.” “A 3-foot clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants.”

4. How do I dispose of my old fire extinguisher?: Call the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority at 757-259-9850.

5. Can I have a fire truck at my child’s birthday party?: Due to limited resources we are unable to bring fire trucks to birthday parties, but we encourage you to bring the birthday girl or birthday boy to the fire station for a tour.

6. Are fireworks legal in James City County?: Fireworks are illegal in James City County. Professional fireworks displays are conducted with a permit issued by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

7. Why wasn’t my insurance not billed for ambulance service?: We were likely not able to get your insurance information from the hospital or a signature allowing the Fire Department to bill Medicare or your insurance. Contact our billing company, EMS MC, at 1-800-814-5339 If you still need assistance, please contact our EMS Billing Technician at 757-220-0626 or visit the Billing website.

8. I received a bill for my ambulance service and the address to mail my payment is in Lewisville, NC; is this a scam?: No. JCCFD contracts out to a billing company to handle most of our billing process. EMS MC, our billing company, is located in Lewisville, NC.

9. How can I obtain a copy of my medical report or ambulance bill?: Fill out a medical release form at our Fire Administration office at 5077 John Tyler Highway. Please bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. If the patient is under 18, he or she may have a parent or guardian pick up the report for them with a valid form of identification.