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1. Can I tour the fire station?

Yes! Simply complete this Fire Station Tour / Event Request form. All requests are on a first come, first served basis. Please submit your request at least 14 days in advance of your event / tour request.

2. How do I become a volunteer firefighter?

Please call Fire Chief Kevin Wold at 651-731-8886 to learn more about serving the community as a volunteer firefighter.

3. What are the rules for backyard fires?

• Recreational fires are allowed on residential property provided the flames do not exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height.
• Must be contained within a fire ring or device made of noncombustible material such as brick, stone, and metal.
• Must be located at least 25 feet from all buildings or combustible materials such as wood, paper, and plastics.
• Must be attended at all times until the fire burns out completely or is extinguished.
• A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher, with a minimum 4-A rating, or a water source such as a garden hose shall be readily available at all times until the fire is extinguished.
• Only wood may be burned. Wood is defined as: dry, clean twigs, branches, limbs, presto logs, charcoal, or untreated dimensional lumber. 
• The following cannot be burned: 
  • Wood that is green, rotten, wet, with leaves or needles, oil soaked, or treated with paint, glue, or preservatives.
  • Treated lumber.
  • Construction debris,.
  • Garbage, plastic, leaves, straw, yard waste, or other waste materials.
• Fire must be immediately extinguished if it poses a safety hazard, if they are not in compliance with the above, or when directed to do so by a police officer, firefighter, fire warden, or department of natural resources officer.
• If smoke from the fire causes discomfort or a negative impact to any neighboring property and a complaint lodged and verified by police or fire personnel, the fire will be immediately extinguished.  Washington County residents are reminded to call 911 for any matters relating to police or fire.

View Oakdale's Recreational Fire Safety Video

4. How do I pay my ambulance bill?

If you have a question regarding your ambulance bill or want to provide insurance information: 

• Please call Expert T Billing at 651-463-3867 if the service was provided prior to May 1, 2022. 
• Please call Life Quest at 800-786-4911 if the service was provided on or after May 1, 2022.

5. Can I have a grill on my deck or patio?

In private single-family homes there are no restrictions regarding use of grills on decks or patios. If, however, you live in a multi-unit building (i.e.: townhome or apartment), please check with your homeowners association or building management on rules about having a grill on your deck or patio.

Barbecuing in any environment presents certain hazards so please follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of starting a fire: .

• Store charcoal briquettes in a dry area because damp or wet charcoal is sensitive to spontaneous heating once dried.
• Charcoal briquettes should be allowed to cool naturally a safe distance from structures and combustible materials and then disposed of properly.
• Charcoal lighter fluid should be properly stored, away from living areas of the home.
• The use and storage of barbecue grills should be restricted to the outdoors. Never use barbecue grills for home heating or indoor cooking.
• Propane cylinders shall be stored outside at least 10 feet from building openings such as windows and doors.

6. What should I know about the fire hydrant in my yard?

In the winter months, please consider keeping a path shoveled to the hydrant so they can be easily and quickly located and accessed by the fire department in the event of an emergency at your home or in your neighborhood.

7. Does the fire department check blood pressure?

Yes, Blood pressure checks are available at either fire station; however, the checks need to be administered by on-duty staff whose duties often take them away from the station during their shift. 

8. Does the fire department check child safety seats?

No, although the department does not have staff trained in the proper installation of child safety seats, they partner with Regions Hospital to assist with the proper installation of child safety seats. To make an appointment please either call 651-357-2798 or email Health Partners.

9. Does the fire department refill or dispose of fire extinguishers?

No they don't. To locate businesses that service fire extinguishers, please check the internet. Also, please note that some extinguishers are single use only and need to be replaced after being used. Replacement extinguishers can be purchased through the supplies or from various retailers such as home improvement stores.

10. How do I get a burning permit?

Please contact Fire Marshal Wold at 651-233-5711. Permits for brush fires are allowed to a maximum of eight feet in diameter and are limited to daylight hours. 

Permit Requirements & Restrictions

Pieces to be burned shall not exceed four inches in diameter. Fireplaces or chipping are good alternatives for larger pieces. Only natural wood may be burned. Burning of treated or painted wood, plastic, rubber, leaves or grass is not allowed. 

Burning permits, for the purpose of having a brush fire, may be issued to the owners of single-family residential properties only. Burning on commercial property is not allowed. 

Permits are issued for up to three days at a time. Requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance. There is no charge for a permit.

Burn Ban

Any time the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issues a burning ban that includes the Oakdale area, all burning permits are cancelled until the ban is lifted. 

11. What does the city charge for false alarms?

When police and/or fire personnel respond to more than three false alarms in a calendar year, the owner of the alarm system will be charged as shown:

	COST 1 to 3 FALSE ALARMS	COST 4 to 5 FALSE ALARMS	COSTS 6 and OVER FALSE ALARMS
Residential	No cost	$78.75	$131.25
Commercial	No cost	$131.25	$210.00