What Others Are Asking
And What You Need to Know
Looking for clarity on common topics? You’re in the right place. Our FAQ archive compiles the most frequently asked questions from our community—covering everything from emergency response procedures and fire safety programs to permits, inspections, and community outreach. You can select a specific FAQ topic to view all related questions or use the search feature to find exactly what you need.
Can’t find your answer? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help clarify or provide the information you’re looking for.
How Do I Properly Dispose of My Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
Smoke or carbon monoxide alarms that are hard-wired with a battery backup can be safely thrown in the garbage once the battery is removed. For smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with a 10-year sealed lithium battery, Beaufort County residents can take them to any convenience center and place them with the Household Hazardous Waste items.
Please be sure to tell the attendant that you have an alarm with a lithium-ion battery so they can direct you to the correct bin or barrel.
For additional questions about smoke alarm recycling, please contact Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling at (843) 255-2736.
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).
Can I Burn Trash, Treated Wood, or Construction Debris?
No. Only natural vegetative materials from your property, firewood, or charcoal are allowed. Burning household waste or synthetic materials is strictly prohibited.
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.
How Do I Know Which Outdoor Burning Ordinance Applies to Me?
Your location determines which jurisdiction’s regulations you must follow. If you’re unsure, contact the Bluffton Township Fire District Fire Marshal for assistance.
Can I Reschedule My Test or Interview Date?
No. To maintain fairness for all candidates, BTFD does not offer make-up testing or interviews.
If I’m Already Certified, Do I Still Need to Attend Recruit School?
If you hold current ProBoard, NFPQ, or IFSAC Firefighter I and II certifications, you will not need to attend Recruit School.
If not, you’ll be required to attend training through SCFA or BTFD, paid for by the District.
Do You Offer CPR Classes?
We offer CPR courses each month, accredited through the American Heart Association. For course schedules, registration and a full CPR FAQ, please visit us here.
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.
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All BTFD stations have flag retirement receptacles located inside the public entrances where you can drop off your flag during regular hours.
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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.
What Is the Starting Salary and Benefits?
Salary & Benefits
Starting Salary (as of May 2025):
- Firefighter I: $51,271.94
- Firefighter II / EMT: $55,933.02
- Promotions result in a minimum 5% salary increase
- All positions are overtime eligible
Benefits Overview
Bluffton Township Fire District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health Coverage
100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee. Affordable, competitively priced plans are available for spouses and families, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurance options. - Retirement Benefits
Enrollment in the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System (SC PORS), with additional contributions to the 1% Fund after completion of the probationary period. - Additional Benefits
- Employer-provided Life Insurance
- Deferred Compensation options (401(k)/457 plans)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support and resources for employees and their families
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.)
What EMT Credential Do You Require?
Applicants must have or obtain a National Registry EMT (or higher) certification. If not certified, BTFD will cover the cost of EMT school post-hire.
Does the Fire Department Give Tours of the Fire Station?
Yes, we do give tours of the Fire Station for groups of kids and individuals. Use the Station Tour Request form to request a fire station tour with groups of more than 5 total. Smaller groups or individuals may tour the stations at any time if the crews are available. (All requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please complete the Station Tour Request Form.
What Number Do I Call Before Burning?
Call the SC Forestry Commission hotline: 1-800-895-7062. You’ll hear a recorded message confirming whether it’s safe to burn that day.
How Long Do Smoke Alarms Last?
The entire alarm should be replaced after 10 years. Newer units have a recommended replacement date printed on the unit. For more information on smoke alarms, visit here.
My Certification Is Expiring Soon — Can I Schedule a One-on-One Class?
Due to instructor scheduling, we cannot accommodate last-minute, single-person sessions. We offer BLS and Heartsaver CPR classes twice monthly. Private group classes (7+ people) require a 3-week notice. View our course schedule or private course request page for more info.
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.
Do You Offer First Aid Training?
Yes, we offer First Aid in a blended format. Complete the classroom portion online via the American Heart Association and bring your certificate for an in-person skills verification session. First Aid skills verification is held after our Heartsaver CPR AED classes. Learn more at First Aid Skills Verification.