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 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.
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 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 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.
Can Someone Come Visit Our Class to Teach Fire Safety to the Students?
Yes, we will come to visit a school. Use the Speaker Request Form to request a program about safety, careers, guest speakers, etc. Please complete the form in its entirety and submit it at least 14 days prior to your requested program event date. (All requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please complete the Speaker 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.
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
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.
Who Are Your Certifications Accredited Through?
All of our CPR classes are American Heart Association (AHA) certification courses. BLS Provider CPR, Heartsaver CPR AED, and First Aid completion cards are valid for 2 years after completing the course.
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.
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.
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.
What Are the Minimum Qualifications to Become a Firefighter?
To be considered for employment with the Bluffton Township Fire District, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Fire and rescue experience is not required.
We hire both experienced and entry-level candidates depending on current department needs. If you’re hired without Firefighter I & II certifications, BTFD will pay for you to attend Recruit School.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
I Lost My CPR Card — How Can I Get a Replacement?
First, check your email inbox for messages from No-eccreply@heart.org or eCards@heart.org. If you can’t find it, visit AHA’s eCard Lookup. If unsuccessful, email cpr@blufftonfd.com with your full name and approximate course date. A $10 processing fee may apply.
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.