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.
Do You Offer a Special CPR Course for K–12 Teachers and Students?
Yes, we offer K–12 Heartsaver CPR AED courses for students, faculty, and staff in K–12 schools. The cost is $7 per student and includes a completion card. These classes are available on request and must meet private course requirements.
Can I Reschedule My Test or Interview Date?
No. To maintain fairness for all candidates, BTFD does not offer make-up testing or interviews.
When Can I Expect to Be Hired?
The Bluffton Township Fire District conducts two recruitment cycles each year. Following each cycle, a list of qualified candidates is developed for selection into upcoming SC Fire Academy classes.
What’s the Difference Between Heartsaver, BLS, and Family & Friends CPR?
BLS Provider CPR is for healthcare providers in clinical or emergency settings. Heartsaver CPR is for those with little or no medical training who need certification for work or want to be prepared for emergencies. Family & Friends CPR is a non-certification course for general interest. If you’re unsure which course you need, please consult your employer. Refunds are not available.
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.
What Equipment Do I Need on Hand While Burning?
You must have a garden hose connected to a water supply or a fire extinguisher on-site to control or extinguish the fire if needed.
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 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 Renewal Courses for Expired CPR Certifications?
We do not offer renewal-only CPR classes. Please register for and attend the full version of the course you require.
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
How Do I Request a Fire Inspection?
Please use this request form or contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 843-548-4353 to request a fire inspection.
Is There a Specific Time I’m Allowed to Burn?
Yes. In Bluffton: 9 AM to sunset (midnight for recreational/ceremonial fires). In Beaufort County: 9 AM to 3 PM, with no smoke permitted after sunset.
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.
How Do I Know if There Is a Ban on Burning?
A burning ban legally prohibits outdoor burning. Bans are emergency measures, declared only when outdoor burning is deemed a significant threat to public safety.
There are two kinds of burning bans under SC State Law: a State Forester´s Burning Ban, declared by the director of the Forestry Commission, and a Governor´s Burning Ban, declared by the governor of South Carolina upon recommendation of the State Forester.
The State Forester´s Burning Ban prohibits starting any fire in or adjacent to “woodlands, brushlands, grasslands, ditchbanks, or hedgerows” (SC Code 48-35-50). This is generally interpreted to include all types of outdoor burning.
The Governor´s Burning Ban is less restrictive, making allowances for certain agricultural burning (SC Code 48-31-30).
In announcing a Burning Ban, the issuing authority will specify the area of South Carolina to which the restrictions apply. Neither the State Forester´s Ban nor the Governor´s Ban applies with the corporate limits of any town or city (SC Code 48-35-30 and 48-31-30).
Violation of either a State Forester´s Ban or a Governor´s Ban carries a fine of up to $200 for first offenses and at least $500 for second and subsequent offenses. Any burning to which a Ban applies also requires prior notification to the Forestry Commission, so ignorance of a declared Ban is not generally considered a viable legal defense.
NOTE: The Forestry Commission has issued 20 State Forester’s Burning Bans in the agency’s 90-year history. Please visit the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s website at https://www.scfc.gov/ or call them at 1-800-895-7062 with any questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What Would Disqualify My Application?
Disqualifiers under South Carolina law include:
- Felony conviction within the last 10 years
- Conviction for arson, drug offenses, or criminal sexual conduct
- Conviction involving abuse or exploitation of vulnerable individuals
- Inability to obtain medical clearance (OSHA/NFPA 1582)
- Inability to pass random drug/alcohol screening
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