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 Can My Company Schedule On-Site CPR Training?
Visit Private CPR Course Requests for full requirements and detailed instructions for setting up private CPR training for your company or group.
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.
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.
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.
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.
None of the Course Dates Work for Me — What Are My Options?
You can find additional class options through the American Heart Association’s course locator at Find a Course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.)
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 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.
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).
What Is the Starting Salary and Benefits?
Salary & Benefits
Starting Salary (as of May 2025):
- Firefighter I: $52,804.96
- Firefighter II / EMT: $57,625.20
- 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
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.
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