Frequently Asked Questions
How can I schedule an educational fire-related program?
To schedule an educational program please contact the Public Education division of the Fire Marshal’s Office by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 615-862-5230.
Can I get a burn permit to burn brush or leaves in my yard?
No.
Residents in Metro Nashville's Urban and General Services Districts have their brush and yard waste collected four times a year on a rotating schedule along 12 routes. Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) also offers free brush disposal at certain locations. See the NDOT website for details on these programs.
How can I stay safe while on the water?
Always wear your life jacket and practice boating safety. For specific information and education resources on boating safety in Tennessee, please visit Boating in Tennessee from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
What is the current life jacket law?
All boats, including canoes and kayaks, must be equipped with one wearable Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) for each person on board or for each person being towed on water skis, etc. More information is available on the State of Tennessee website.
What’s the difference in the Nashville Fire Department Marine Operations and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)?
The Nashville Fire Department uses fire boats and rapid response rescue boats to provide essential emergency assistance, for the residents and visitors of Davidson County using waterways for recreational enjoyment, means of commuting and/or commerce.
The Mission of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state and their habitats for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the citizens of Tennessee and its visitors.
How can I contact the Fire Department's Marine Operations Division for help?
If you are on a waterway in Davidson County and have a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1. If you are on a waterway in Davidson County and need non-emergency assistance, please call the non-emergency line at 615-862-8600.
Does the Fire Department's Marine Operations Division tow?
Generally, we do not offer a towing service. There are several liability issues that prevent us from towing boats. However, we will always do a welfare check on a disabled boat to ensure there is no medical emergency and get you in contact with one of the towing companies on the lake.
What does the Fire Department's Marine Operations Division do?
Marine Operations responds to residents and visitors of Davidson County who have an emergency while on a waterway. All our personnel are Emergency Medical Technicians and can assist with medical emergencies until we are able to get patients to the nearest dock. Once on shore we can have ambulances and other apparatus waiting to further assist the patient.
What is a Knox Box and which businesses need one?
A Knox Box is a Rapid Entry Key Box System. It can securely store keys, access cards, key fobs, elevator keys, electrical shunt trips, or other vital information needed to assist emergency responders. For additional information about Knox Boxes, see our Knox Box Information and Requirements page.
Can I have a grill on the balcony of my apartment/condominium?
For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar device used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose shall be used, stored, or kindled on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within 10 feet of any structure. For more information regarding open flame grills on balconies, please visit the Open Flame Grills on Balconies page.
How can I safely dispose of medication?
Metro residents can bring all kinds of unused or expired pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter medications to any Metro Police Precinct or Police Headquarters.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my EMS bill?
For customer questions regarding bills:
Please contact our Billing Service at 615-622-9354 or 1-866-850-1453.
If further assistance is needed after contacting our Billing Service, please contact NFD-EMS Customer Service Department at 615-862-5367 or email us at [email protected].
How can I pay my EMS bill?
You may pay your bill online via our payment form or mail your payment to:
Nashville Fire Dept EMS
P.O. Box 305172
Dept 14
Nashville, TN 37230
*Please do not send payments in to the 63 Hermitage Ave location or to the 1417 Murfreesboro Road location.
Does the Nashville Fire Department conduct fund raising activities?
The Nashville Fire Department is funded by property taxes and does not conduct fund-raising activities.
Does the Nashville Fire Department accept EMR Certifications for employment?
Nashville Fire Department Emergency Medical Services utilizes our Firefighters as first responders. All of our fire fighters are EMTs and/or Paramedics. Within Davidson County there is not any coordinated program for emergency medical response. We suggest that you contact some of the fire departments outside of Nashville / Davidson County as they may likely use EMR Certifications in their system. (Surrounding counties are Wilson, Williamson, Rutherford, Robertson, Sumner, and Cheatham)
Who should I contact if there is a problem with a hydrant on my street?
Fire hydrants are the property of the local utility provider, such as Metro Water Services, Harpeth Valley Utility District, Madison Suburban Utility District, etc. Please contact your local utility provider for assistance. A HUB Nashville request can also be submitted by visiting the Broken Fire Hydrant Request page.
Where can I learn CPR?
To learn CPR please visit the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
You can get your blood pressure checked at any fire station.
How can I get a free smoke alarm?
Residents of Nashville/Davidson County in need of a smoke alarm may obtain one (1) free smoke alarm per household from the Fire Marshal’s Office. Residents can receive their smoke alarm at Fire Department Headquarters Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For any questions regarding the free smoke alarms, please call or email the Fire Marshal’s Office at 615-862-5230 or [email protected].
What community events are scheduled for the Fire Department?
To find out what events are scheduled please visit our News and Events page.
How can I contact someone in the Fire Department?
Please visit our Contact page to reach a department in the Nashville Fire Department.
Can I have a birthday party or private function at a fire station?
No. The fire department does not allow private parties or functions to be held at our fire stations. If you have further questions contact Public Information Officer Joseph Pleasant at 615-880-2011. You can also email him at [email protected].
Does the Nashville Fire Department permit reciprocity for Fire Fighter Certificates from other states?
Fire Fighter I (FF 1) and Fire Fighter II (FF 2) certification and reciprocity is accomplished through the State of Tennessee.
Can you give the location of a Fire Station?
Yes, check our Fire Station Locations page. You can also use our interactive Fire Department Mapping Tool to find nearest fire stations and fire hydrants to any address in Davidson County.
How can I obtain a patient report?
To obtain a patient report, please contact Emergency Management Services Billing at 615-862-5367.
Can the Fire Department check my child’s car seat?
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is the only entity authorized to check the installation of child restraint devices.
Why does a fire engine come to my medical emergency?
All fire engines carry emergency medical technicians and/or paramedics, and they are medically trained first responders.
Does the Nashville Fire Department permit reciprocity for EMT or Paramedic licenses from other states?
Paramedic/EMT certification and reciprocity is accomplished through the State of Tennessee.
Will I get billed for EMS services?
Yes, you will get billed for EMS transport services, please contact the EMS Billing office at 615-862-5367 for more information.
How can I obtain a fire report?
How can I obtain an inspection report?
How can I get a NFD patch?
Unfortunately, the Nashville Fire Department does not give away or sell patches.
What are the qualifications to become a firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician?
The current qualifications to become firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician is to have a High School Diploma and valid Tennessee Drivers License.
Can I volunteer with the Fire Department?
Currently we do not have a volunteer program.
Will the Nashville Fire Department fill my swimming pool?
The Nashville Fire Department does not fill swimming pools. We suggest that you contact Water Services at 615-862-4600. If your pool is located near a hydrant you may rent a meter to use the hydrant to fill your pool.
Do you allow Fire Department ride-alongs?
We do not, for liability reasons, allow ride-alongs unless you are in a program with an agreement with us.
Can I buy a Nashville Fire Department t-shirt?
The Nashville Fire Department does not sell any polo or t-shirts.
How can I apply for a job with the Fire Department?
To apply for the Nashville Fire Department, please visit the Metro Nashville Government Employment Opportunities page.