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1. May I use a barbecue grill on the balcony of my condo or apartment?

You cannot use a charcoal or gas grill on a balcony, deck or any area within 15 feet of a condominium or apartment building that has 3 or more living units. You can use an electric grill or similar appliance provided no open flame is produced.

If you live in a single-family dwelling, duplex or townhouse, no law restricts the use of grills, but it is recommended that you adhere to the above safety provisions for your safety and the safety of your neighbors.

2. How do I get the location of the fire station or of a fire hydrant for insurance purposes?

To ensure your insurance company gets the proper response, have your address and the closest intersection to your home and contact the Annapolis Fire Department

3. Should I assume my fire extinguisher has outlived its usefulness if it's 15 years old, and if so, how can I dispose of it?

Fire extinguisher manufacturers recommend that all extinguishers be inspected and tested annually by a certified or qualified fire extinguisher sales and service company. Some fire extinguishers can be serviced and recharged. We recommend that you contact a local fire extinguisher sales and service company to have your extinguisher tested and to determine if yours can be recharged.

Most residential type extinguishers sold by home improvement stores are disposable and cannot be recharged. If the extinguisher is discharged and the valve is removed you may take it to BFPE International located in Hanover Maryland or call them at 410-768-2200 with questions about disposal. We suggest that you may contact a local fire extinguisher sales and service company for assistance in discharging the unit and removing the valve for a fee.

4. Where are smoke alarms required in my home?

Depending on when your home was built and the use the location and type of smoke alarm requirements vary.

The Annapolis Fire Department recommends that you have an interconnected battery backed up electric smoke alarm system with alarms on each floor and in each sleeping area. However, for your exact legal requirements, contact the Annapolis Fire Marshal’s Office.

5. My neighbor has junk, debris and other items stored on his property which I think creates a fire hazard. What can be done to remedy this condition?

Fire codes and regulations do not apply to properties of single-family homes, duplex homes and town homes or to the interior living unit of a residence. Such conditions may however be a zoning or health issue. As such, the Annapolis Planning and Zoning, Inspections and Permits Office or the Anne Arundel County Health Department, Environmental Health Office may be able to assist you. Contact either office for assistance.

6. Can I purchase and use fireworks in Annapolis?

It is illegal to possess or discharge fireworks in the City of Annapolis without a permit issued by the State Fire Marshal. Under Maryland law, the following are not classified as fireworks and are legal for outdoor use:
- Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns and other devices that use paper caps if the devices are constructed so that a hand cannot touch the cap when the cap is in place for use.
- Hand-held sparklers that do not contain chlorates or perchlorates ("gold label" only).
- Ground based sparkling devices that are non-aerial and non-explosive. Legal ground-based sparklers are stationary, sit on the ground and emit a shower of sparks several feet into the air. Some may whistle, but they do not pop or crack. They do not explode, shoot projectiles or move along the ground.
- Paper-wrapped snappers that contain less than 0.03 grains of explosive composition.
- Ash-producing pellets known as "snakes."

7. What is the procedure for applying for a building or fire protection system permit?

The Fire Department does not issue permits. The Department of Planning and Zoning, Inspections and Permits Office accepts applications for permits and distributes plans for reviews as necessary for issuance of permits. Questions regarding permit application procedures or permit status should be directed to the Department of Planning and Zoning, Inspections and Permits Office via phone at 410-263-7946.

The Fire Department conducts inspections for commercial permits after issuance upon request by the contractor/applicant. Requests for Fire Marshal inspections must be made by talking to the Fire Marshal’s Office directly. If you are calling after normal business hours or do not get an answer, please leave a message stating the type of inspection needed and the address of the inspection.

Contact the Fire Marshal's Office.

8. I received notice that my business is due for a fire safety inspection. What should I expect for them to check?

Items that may be looked at during a Fire Safety Inspection can be viewed on our fire safety inspections page.

9. Are small campfires, burn pits and bonfires allowed with Annapolis?

The only outdoor fires permitted in the City of Annapolis are for personal recreational purposes or cooking. Burning of trash, leaves or debris is not permitted. Small campfires and burn pits are allowed under the following guidelines:
- The area must be under constant supervision until the fire is extinguished and the location of the fire must not be within 15 feet of any structure including buildings, fences or decks.
- The fire must be contained in a U.L. Listed appliance such as a chiminea or burn pit.
- The device must have a chimney or metal screen to contain embers.
- A method of extinguishing the fire must be readily available.

Bonfires for personal recreation require a permit from the Fire Marshal’s Office. This permit shall require a diagram of the bonfire area in addition to guidelines you must follow. Additional questions pertaining to this should be directed to the Annapolis Fire Marshal’s Office.

10. Is there a special smoke alarm for the hearing impaired?

Yes, a hearing impaired or visual smoke alarm has been developed for those who cannot adequately detect the sound of an audible alarm. Visual smoke alarms operate through the means of a powerful strobe light as well as a supplemental piercing audible alarm that should awaken the sleeping person to warn deaf or hard of hearing occupants of a hazardous situation. Hearing impaired alarms are available at most home improvement centers or online.

If you are unable to locate or afford the cost of a hearing impaired smoke alarm, the Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland (FABSCOM) can assist citizens in acquiring visual smoke alarms throughout the State of Maryland.

Questions or concerns regarding these specialized hearing impaired alarms should be directed to the Fire Marshal’s Office.