Fire FAQs

If you are burning outside of the Town limits a burning permit from the NC Forest Service is required. These permits can be obtained from the North Carolina Forest Service website.  These permits are free, sent to you via email and are good for thirty days.  If you are burning it is also suggested that you call Rutherford County Communications Center at 828-286-2911 to let them know about your control burn.

Click this link to access our burning permit flyer:

The Rutherfordton Fire and Rescue Department has a current ISO rating for insurance classifications of a 4/9E.

All properties inside the city limits of Rutherfordton, Ruth, and properties within 5 road miles of the fire stations have an ISO Class 4 Classification. All properties within 6 road miles have a 9E classification.

Rutherfordton Fire & Rescue does not fill any commercial or residential swimming pools.

Rutherfordton Fire & Rescue has certified technicians that are available to properly educate and assist you in installing car seats in the safest manner. If you or anyone you know needs assistance in car seat installations, we will assist by appointment only. You can call the station at (828) 287-7367 x4 to schedule an appointment.

If you are a resident in the Rutherfordton Fire & Rescue’s fire district we do offer free smoke detectors.  These can be picked up at our station or installed by request.  Contact the fire station at 828-287-7367 X4 if you are in need of smoke detectors. “Working smoke detectors save lives”

If you are a resident of the Rutherfordton Fire & Rescue fire district (Town or rural) you can call the fire station at 828-287-7367 X4 to get an address sign. These are free to residents in the fire district.

No open burning inside the Town limits is allowed.  You are allowed to have a recreational fire inside a fire pit.  If you are burning outside of the Town limits a burning permit from the NC Forest Service is required. These permits can be obtained from the North Carolina Forest Service website.  These permits are free, sent to you via email and are good for thirty days.  If you are burning it is also suggested that you call Rutherford County Communications Center at 828-286-2911 to let them know about your control burn.

A Knox box is a tamper proof emergency key box that is placed outside of the building.  Once installed we lock the keys to your building inside and they are only accessed if an emergency arises at the location.  The Town has an ordinance that states that any new business in Town or any business that changes occupancy or ownership must have a Knox Box installed.