Forms, Requests and FAQs

Open Burning Requirements

Within the City of Elkhart

Indiana State Law 326 IAC 4-1-3 and Indiana Fire Code Chapter 3.

1. Open burning is only allowed for recreational or ceremonial purposes. The fires shall not be used for disposal purposes. (i.e. leaf burning/construction waste, etc.)

2. Open burning is prohibited in apartment/condominium complexes and mobile home parks.

3. Only the following can be burned:

a. Clean wood products

b. Paper

c. Charcoal

d. Clean petroleum products (Propane or Natural Gas)

4. Fires must be attended at all times and until completely extinguished.

5. Adequate equipment shall be on-site for extinguishing purposes while burning.

6. No burning during unfavorable weather conditions such as:

a. High winds

b. Temperature inversions

c. Air Stagnation

d. When a pollution alert or air quality action day has been declared

7. A fire shall be extinguished if at any time it creates a:

a. Pollution problem

b. Threat to public health

c. Nuisance

d. Fire hazard

8. Fires that have a fuel area 3 feet in diameter or less and 2 feet high or less must be a minimum of 25 feet from a structure.

Exception: Fires in an approved container (non-combustible sides and bottom) must be a minimum of 15 feet from a structure.

9. Fires with a fuel area greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high must be a minimum of 50 feet from a structure.

10. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and Elkhart Fire Dept. must approve fires with a fuel area greater than 125 cubic feet prior to ignition.

The Elkhart Fire Department currently does not offer CPR classes; however, Elkhart General Hospital does. You can find their upcoming class schedule by clicking here. Once you're on their page, use the "Search Classes" box to type in "CPR," and it will display the next available class dates along with the number of seats remaining. will be holding a CPR class and how many seats are left.

To take care of your ambulance bill or ask a question about your statement, please click here. Our secure patient portal is designed to make managing your account simple and stress-free!

Landlord responsibility for smoke alarms (IC 22-11-18-3.5):

• Install functional smoke alarms in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story including basements and livable attics.
• Replace or repair a smoke alarm within 7 working days after receiving written notice of the need for repair or replacement.

Tenant responsibility for smoke alarms (IC 22-11-18-3.5):

• Test smoke alarms at least once every 6 months
• Replace battery (if applicable) every 6 months
• Notify the landlord immediately when a smoke alarm is found to not be in working condition.

It is common to see fire apparatus at local businesses. These stops are a routine part of operations, not downtime.

1. Shift Meals, Logistics, and Readiness:

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts and provide their own meals. Crews remain together and in service at all times.

• Personal Expense: Food is purchased with personal funds; no tax dollars are used.
• Immediate Response: Radios are monitored, crews stay within seconds of the apparatus, and vehicles are positioned for rapid, unobstructed exit. If a call is received, crews leave immediately.

2. Community Engagement:

These stops allow interaction with the public, support community relations, and provide fire safety education. If you see us, feel free to ask to see the fire truck—our crews are happy to show you when available.

3. Area Familiarization:

Routine travel supports ongoing pre-planning:

• Building Layouts: Awareness of access points and construction features
• Geography and Hydrants: Updates on road changes, new development, and water supply locations
• Response Efficiency: Improved route familiarity supports faster response times