Sterling, MA Fire Department - Official Website

Winter Brings Cold Air, Fires and Carbon Monoxide
More home fires occur during the winter months than at any other time during the year. The Sterling Fire Department reminds you to be mindful of the additional fire hazards present during the winter months. Use extra care when using space heaters, wood stoves and other heating appliances.

You Changed Your Clocks, But Did You Change Your Batteries?
Smoke detector batteries should be changed at least twice a year. A good way to remember is to plan on changing your smoke detector batteries the same time you adjust the clocks for daylight savings. Remember, even if you have hard-wired smoke detectors you most likely still have batteries in them for use as a back up power source. Don't forget to change your batteries!

Most inspections conducted by the Sterling Fire Department are performed in conjunction with the issuance of a Permit. Applications for permits can be filed at the Fire Prevention Office located on the first floor at the fire station. Once all of the appropriate forms have been submitted and fees collected an inspection may be scheduled and will be completed by the Fire Prevention Office. Application forms and reports are available aupon request. All applications must be submitted with the correct Permit Fee.

The following activities are subject to the inspection requirements of the Sterling Fire Department. Click on the book icons to view the applicable codes:
Blasting May require paid fire detail
527 CMR 13.04(2&11); MGL c. 148 s. 13

Bonfires – Ceremonial Requires paid fire detail
527 CMR 10.23; MGL c. 111 s. 142H/142I

Burning Christmas Trees May require paid fire detail
527 CMR 10.23; MGL c. 111 s. 142G

Cannon and Mortar Firing State FP27c Form Site Visit Required
527 CMR 22.03

Compressed Natural Gas Storage 527 CMR 26.08

Cutting and Welding $25.00 May require paid fire detail 527 CMR 39.04

Explosives or Black Powder Storage 527 CMR 13.04
Fire Protection Equipment Installation/Alteration
527 CMR 10.03(15); MGL c.148 s. 27a
Fire Protection System Installation/Alteration 527 CMR 10.03(15)

Fireworks Display Requires paid fire detail
527 CMR 2.05;MGL c. 148 s. 39A

Flammable and Combustible Liquids (Above Ground Storage) Storage Tanks Install, Removal
527 CMR 14.03, 15.04; MGL c. 148 s. 23

Flammable and Combustible Liquid (Under Ground Storage) FP292
MGL c. 148 s. 38A

Flammable Gases and Solids Storage $25.00 527 CMR 14.03

Fuel Transfer Operations $25.00 527 CMR 5.08

Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging $25.00 527 CMR 10.06

Hazardous Substances, Left Unattended $25.00 527 CMR 25.08

Limited Special Effects $25.00 527 CMR 2.09

LP Gas Storage Permits $25.00 527 CMR 6.08

Oil Burner Permit / Inspection $25.00 Form 1 527 CMR 4.03

Oil Tank Permit / Inspection $25.00 Form 1 527 CMR 4.03
Open Air Fires Cooking Fires No Charge, Fire Chief/Chief Forest Warden currently does not require permits for cooking fires. Residents are encouraged to call the Fire Department Dispatcher at 978-422-6633 to notify if having a cooking fire. Cooking fires cannot be utilized in place of open burning. Fires have to be a size appropriate for what is being cooked. Fires cannot be utilized to burn trash, brush, or hazardous materials Fires cannot create a nuisance for others Fires have to meet both Fire and DEP laws 527 CMR 10.22; MGL c. 48 s. 13

Brush Burning Permits (Open Burning) Open Burning (January 15 – April 30) One time fee for season Agricultural Open Burning Law is regulated under the DEP 310 CMR 7.07

Ovens and Furnaces 527 CMR 10.19; NFPA 86-C/D

Rubbish Containers Dumpster Permit (6 Cubic Yards or greater) 527 CMR 34.03

Salamanders 527 CMR 20.01
Smoke/CO Detector Inspection 26F Resale Certification 26F Re-Inspection due to noncompliance
Smoke/CO Detector Inspection / Occupancy *included w/ Building Permit Fees One and two-family dwellings 2 inspections (plan review, rough & final) 3+-family, commercial, industrial Plan review and multi inspections throughout project

Special Seasonal Decorations 527 CMR 21.02

Storage, Combustible Material 527 CMR 10.03

Tank Vehicles Parked Overnight (Per Unit) Tank Trucks less than 119 Gallons FP44 Inspections performed at Station 527 CMR 8.04/14.03

Tanks and Containers 527 CMR 9.06; MGL c. 148 s. 38A

Tar Kettles on Roofs 527 CMR 10.03

Torches and Heat Producing Devices 527 CMR 10.24

Transportation of Combustible Liquids State FP44 Form 527 CMR 8.04

Notes:

1. All fees are payable at the time service is delivered.
2. Permits are only granted when all laws, rules, and regulations are met.
3. Failure to meet requirements may result in revocation of permit
4. Paid Fire Details are determined at the time the permit is issued.
5. The Fire Chief or his designee may place additional requirements on permits at time of application, or at any time permit is active to ensure public safety.