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Gold firefighter badge with "BTFD" at the top, "Fire" on the left, "Rescue" on the right, "Est. 1978" at the bottom, and a center image of a tree, water, and sunset. Text within says "Devoted to Duty Above Personal Risk.
The image displays the word "BLUFFTON" in capital letters with a gold-colored serif font on a white background.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the Questions We Hear the Most

Where Can I Dispose of Old American Flags?

You can dispose of old or worn U.S. flags at any Bluffton Township Fire District station.

  • All BTFD stations have flag retirement receptacles located inside the public entrances where you can drop off your flag during regular hours.

  • Headquarters Station 35  (357 Fording Island Rd., next to Saint Gregory’s Catholic Church) also has an outdoor drop-off bin available for your convenience at any time.

Collected flags are transferred to the Dennis J. Becker American Legion Post 205 in Bluffton, South Carolina, which ensures they are respectfully retired in accordance with proper flag etiquette.

See All FAQs

See All FAQs

I Need to Perform Community Service; Can I Complete This at the Fire Department?

With proper documentation the Bluffton Township Fire District will be happy to help. Please contact our Operations Chief at 843-757-2800 ext. 7302 to discuss times and requirements.

How Do I Settle a Bill for EMS Services?

Questions regarding EMS billing should to be directed to Beaufort County EMS at (843) 522-4006.

Does the Fire Department Have a Room or Space to Hold Meetings?

Please complete our Facility Use Application. The application will not be finalized without a Certificate of Liability Insurance provided. Every attempt will be made to accommodate your request; however, please realize that there is very limited availability due to training and normal business functions.

Will You Bring a Fire Truck to My Child’s Birthday Party?

Unfortunately no, we are not able to take our engines out of service for these types of events; our apparatus needs to be available to respond in the event of an emergency situation.

Where Can I Dispose of Old Medicine/Hazardous Materials?

The Bluffton Police Department offers a safe way for residents to discard old or unused prescription drugs. A drug drop box is located in the department’s lobby and allows the public to dispose of medications during business hours.

The Bluffton Police Department is located at 101 Progressive Street in Bluffton. It’s open Monday-Thursday 8 am – 5:30 pm, Friday 8 am – 1 pm.

Additional publicly accessible disposal locations include:

  • Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office – 2001 Duke St., Beaufort SC
  • Beaufort County Government Building – 4819 Bluffton Parkway 2nd Floor, Bluffton SC
  • Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office – 70 Shelter Cove Ln., Hilton Head SC
  • CVS Bluffton – 1006  Fording Island Rd., Bluffton
  • CVS Hilton Head Island – 10 Pope Ave. Hilton Hilton Head SC
  • CVS Port Roya l- 1500 Ribaut Rd, Port Royal, SC
  • Walgreens Okatie – 138 Okatie Center Blvd Okatie SC
  • Walmart Pharmacy – 4 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
  • Ulmer Family Pharmacy – 68 Bluffton Rd #6 Bluffton
  • Chelsea Medical Center – 719  Okatie Highway, Okatie SC

What Phone Number Should My Alarm Company Use When Reporting a Fire Alarm at My Address?

843-524-2777 (this number is ONLY for alarm company use; individuals must report emergencies by calling 911.)

There Is a Fire Hydrant Flowing Water on My Street. Will the Fire Department Come Shut It Off?

No, the fire department is not responsible for fire hydrants. Your water department or utility district is in charge of hydrants and there may be a reason why they’re flowing, such as testing or maintenance. Please contact your local water department. The most common water departments serving the area are BJWSA (843-987-9200), Callawassie Island (843-987-3800), Moss Creek (Water Oak Utility – 843-837-2321), and Hilton Head PSD#1 (843-681-5525).

I Have a Public Event Coming Up; Will the Fire Department Provide Medical/Personnel Coverage for This Event?

If your event is being held in the Town of Bluffton, please contact the Town of Bluffton at 843-706-4500. If your event is not in the town limits please use the Public Event Request form. Please be aware that coverage fees may apply.

How Can I Get a Copy of a Fire/Medical/Automobile Incident Report?

Complete the Incident / Investigation Report Request Form.

Please be aware that the report is not immediately available; once the Incident Report is ready for release, it can be e-mailed, mailed, faxed, or held at the station for you to pick up. Due to review and scheduling issues and to insure accuracy of the report, it may take up to 2 (two) weeks for the report to be made ready for release. Certain reports, such as reports of an investigative nature, may take many months to complete and a copy of said report will not be available until such time as the investigation is complete and finalized.

How Can I Dispose of My Old Fire Extinguishers?

The Fire District does not recycle fire extinguishers, however, residents and business owners can recycle extinguishers with Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling by taking them to a nearby convenience center and depositing in the Household Hazardous waste area. Please notify an attendant that you have an extinguisher, and they will direct you to the proper area for placement.

For additional questions about safe recycling, please contact Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling at (843) 255-2736.