FAQs
General questions you may have
Does TFD fill or take old Fire Extinguishers?
A: Fill? No, there are some Fire Extinguisher services in Tucson that will fill them, you will have to look them up.
A: Old/Unusable: Hazardous Waste accepts these. 520-791-3171 https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Environmental-Services/Los-Reales-Sustainability-Campus/Household-Hazardous-Waste
(or)
Release all pressure in the shell. Let the fire extinguisher sit for two or three days, then release again and listen for any sound indicating air is still trapped inside. Remove the head from the shell and dispose of it along with scrap metal or in the trash.
Which Fire Department is closest to me (or) Am I in the Tucson Fire Department jurisdiction?
A: You can call us at 520-791-4512 or check using this map. (set “show results” for within 5 miles for best results): https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/e233f95f77e5446ca09402dab5b46dbf
Where did TFD take my loved one?
A: We can only give this information to someone who has the proper HIPAA documents (notarized HIPAA or Power of Attorney). Otherwise, we are not able to divulge this information. Try calling the hospital closest to where the incident happened.
Does TFD take care of snakes and/or bees?
A: Only on property that the City of Tucson owns, or, if there is an immediate emergency. Otherwise, please contact Arcadia Landscape for snakes, if they are in the house (520-791-0889) and BeeMasters Inc. (520-623-9349) for bees.
Where can I apply for a permit?
A: You can submit through the Tucson Development Center online website. link: https://cityoftucsonaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home (Login or register)
I have a permit question, who do I contact?
A: Please call 520-837-7130 for Fire permit questions
or check out permit FAQ: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Permit-FAQ
I have an inspection question
A: Please call our Prevention/Inspection Department at 520-791-4502
What are Knoxbox’s and Lock Box’s?
A: Knoxbox and Lock Box are 2 separate things.
Knoxbox needs to be purchased from the company that sells them link here: https://www.knoxbox.com/ and then you are responsible for installing the box outside of your house. You schedule a time for TFD to put your house keys in it. (TFD has the master key to get into the box to retrieve your house keys during an emergency). This option is done through our Prevention Department, and you can call 520-791-4502 after it’s installed, or if you have any questions.
Lock Box is a box you can purchase from Hardware stores or some of the big box stores. It has a # combination lock, or code, and you place your house keys inside, and install it yourself outside your house in an easy to see and reach place. Then call TFD at 520-791-4512 to give us the combination code. We relay this information to the 911 center so this will be available for TFD.
How do I request records?
A: Fill out this this form: https://docs.tucsonaz.gov/Forms/form/new/55 (It can take 2-4 weeks to recieve your records and an email will be sent when they are ready, along with the payment amount and a link to make the payment.
How do I ask for TFD to come and spray the kids down or schedule a tour of a fire station? (or, other?)
A: Fill out this form: https://docs.tucsonaz.gov/Forms/TFD-Service-Presentation-Request (must be done 30 days in advance of request date)
Can I get a car seat or help to install a car seat at the Fire Department?
A: TFD does help install car seats at our downtown Administrative office, located at 300 S. Fire Central Pl. You must request online and schedule an appointment. Here is the link: https://docs.tucsonaz.gov/Forms/TFD-Car-Seat-Request
A: Sometimes TFD receives Government grants for car seats that are available to give out. You must first schedule to take an online class and after that, you can receive a car seat. Here is the link to apply: https://docs.tucsonaz.gov/Forms/TFD-Car-Seat-Request
TFD car seat phone number: 520-837-7104
Something is wrong with a Fire Hydrant
A: Although TFD uses the Fire hydrants, the City of Tucson Water Company owns and maintains them. Please contact the Water Dept. at 520-791-3242.
Does TFD offer CPR classes?
A: TFD has partnered with Save a Life and you can get CPR through them. Here is their website: https://www.savealifetfd.com/ and phone number: (520) 623-8484.
I have problems with my neighbor, who do I contact?
A: TFD can help with ongoing fire issues (neighbors with dangerous fire habits etc) 520-791-4502
City Code enforcement can help with weeds 520-791-5843
Safe building issues, contact Development and Building Safety 520-791-5550
I have issues with homeless people around my house/business
A: Tucson City has a new homeless tool that helps with this. Please use this link to report it: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/10b590ae4b7e423ca9c02912996620a8
or call 311
When is the Next Tucson Fire Department recruitment class?
A: You can check online at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Fire/TFD-Contact-Us/Tucson-Fire-Department-Training-Recruiting
or
Fill out this form and someone will contact you when the next round of applications are being accepted: https://docs.tucsonaz.gov/Forms/form/new/44
Does the City of Tucson issue burn permits?
A: *Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices (i.e., BBQ’s) shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction not protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
*Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.
*Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted within Tucson Fire’s jurisdiction *Recreational Fires. An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. The burning of dead or cut vegetation, waste material, or rubbish is prohibited.
• Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
• Extinguishment authority. Where open burning creates or adds to hazardous conditions, the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.
• Attendance. Open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer than one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization. *Sky lanterns. A person shall not release or cause to be released an untethered sky lantern.
Does the Fire Department help unlock vehicles?
A: Only if someone, or an animal is stuck inside.
Otherwise, please contact a locksmith.
I have a Billing Question:
A. Please call 520-837-8331
My home had a fire, what do I do?
A: Please see use this link to find answers and resource numbers: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Fire/Fire-Emergency-Medical-Services
OR
A: After-The-Fire_2025.pdf(PDF, 981KB)
Do you offer an “over the counter” permit?
A: No, all modifications for fire protection system permits can be applied for online at this link: https://cityoftucsonaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home
Questions: TucsonFireQuestions@tucsonaz.gov