Chapter 26 - FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

Part of the Code of Ordinances of Narragansett, RI.

Local law · 1,806 sections

The text

Footnotes:

--- (1) --- Charter reference— Fire department, art. 8, ch. 3.

Cross reference— Buildings and building regulations, ch. 10; burning of junk, § 14-287; regulations on clearance for fire equipment on streets, § 66-92; parking on crosswalks and fire lanes, § 74-30; fire lanes, § 74-56 et seq.; rates and charges for private fire connections, § 78-75; specific street regulations on hydrants, § 78-181 et seq.

State Law reference— Fire safety, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.1-1 et seq.; ordinances to be equal or more stringent than fire safety code, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.1-2; fire companies, etc., G.L. 1956, § 45-18-1 et seq.

ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL#

Sec. 26-1. - Bureau of fire prevention.#

(a)

The fire chief, fire marshal and any other qualified members of the fire department designated by the fire chief shall constitute the Narragansett Bureau of Fire Prevention, hereinafter referred to as bureau of fire prevention. All members of the bureau of fire prevention shall be sworn constables of the town and shall uphold and enforce all Narragansett fire related ordinances and laws.

(b)

Any plans involving relocation or adjustment of fire alarm equipment, boxes or cable required by building, road construction, road reconstruction, cable television or utilities shall be submitted to the fire department. All pertinent information of the work to be performed and material requirements shall be included.

(c)

The town council shall establish by resolution and amend from time to time standard rates to be used when computing charges.

(Code 1986, § 6-1; Ch. 1080, § 1, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-2. - State code adopted.#

There is adopted by the town for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, that certain code known as the state Fire Safety Code, chapters 28.1 to 28.39 of title 23 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, 1956 as amended, and the Fire Safety Code sections 1 through 15 adopted by the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review pursuant to R.I.G.L. 23-28.3-3, which provisions are adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out in length herein, and from the date this section takes effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the town.

(Ch. 1080, § 1, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-3. - Duty to enforce laws, ordinances, regulations.#

(a)

It shall be the duty of the bureau of fire prevention to enforce all laws of the state and ordinances of the town, and all regulations that have or shall be adopted by the town covering the following:

(1)

The prevention of fires.

(2)

The storage of petroleum and petroleum products in bulk, the storage of dangerous chemicals, the storage and use of all other explosive and flammables of whatever name or nature.

(3)

The installation and maintenance of automatic and other fire alarm systems, and fire extinguishing equipment.

(4)

The condition and accessibility of exits in case of fire, from factories, schools, hotels, lodging houses, asylums, hospitals, churches, halls, theatres, amphitheaters, and all other places in which numbers of persons work, live or congregate, from time to time, for any purpose.

(5)

The investigation of the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires.

(b)

The bureau of fire prevention shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as are set forth in other sections of this chapter 26 and as may be conferred and imposed from time to time by law and regulations adopted by said Town of Narragansett. The chief of the fire department may delegate any of his/her powers or duties under this chapter 26 to the Narragansett Fire Marshal.

(Ch. 1080, § 1, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-4. - Investigation of cause and origin of fires.#

(a)

The bureau of fire prevention shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of every fire occurring in the town by which property has been destroyed or damaged and, so far as possible, shall determine whether the fire is the result of carelessness or design.

(1)

Such investigations shall begin as soon as an investigator can respond, upon the occurrence of such a fire

(2)

If it appears to the investigator making the investigation that the fire is of suspicious origin, the chief of the fire department shall be immediately notified of the fact; the investigator shall take charge immediately of the physical evidence, shall notify the proper authorities designated by law to pursue the investigation of such matters, and shall further cooperate with the authorities in the collection of evidence and in the prosecution of the case.

(b)

The chief of the fire department or his/her designee, shall report any structure damaged by fire to the town building inspector, and furnish a basic fire report no later than 24 hours following the extinguishment of the fire, accompanied by a recommendation with proposed measures to insure reasonable safety.

(c)

Upon receipt of a report from the fire chief or his/her designee, regarding a structure damaged by fire, the building inspector, or a designee, shall inspect said structure no later than 24 hours following the receipt of such a report.

(d)

The building inspector shall ensure that any structure classified as a public safety hazard and/or a general safety threat to the community is secured immediately following such a classification and/or determination.

(1)

The burden of securing such a structure shall be placed upon the owner of the property.

(2)

The owner of a property classified as a public safety hazard and/or general safety threat to the community shall secure the said property within seven days of such a classification.

(3)

In the event that an owner of a structure classified as a public safety hazard and/or general safety threat fails to secure such property, the building inspector, or a designee, shall secure the structure and charge the owner of the aforementioned property with any and all applicable expenses necessary to secure the structure.

(Ch. 1080, § 1, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-5. - Plans and rates for fire alarm equipment, boxes or cable.#

(a)

(b)

The town council shall establish by resolution and amend from time to time standard rates to be used when computing charges.

(c)

Transition to radio transmitting and receiving devices: All current and future town businesses required by the Rhode Island Fire Code to maintain emergency forces notification (master boxes) shall upgrade their system to conform to Narragansett fire regulations within a five-year timeframe. The Narragansett Fire Department will no longer maintain or receive signals on the current 100-milliamp wired system starting on January 1st of 2025. Any premise that requires this upgrade shall have a new radio master box installed and operating by December 31, 2024. (See the radio box guidance and regulations on file with the Narragansett Fire Department for details.)

(d)

There shall be a yearly maintenance and registration fee for all master boxes and a registration fee for local alarms made payable to the town at the time the business license is renewed. This fee will be accompanied by an application and approval by the fire chief or his/her designee.

(e)

Town not liable for losses: The town shall not be responsible or liable and no cause of action shall arise or be asserted against the town as a result of any losses, damages or injuries or any type whatsoever, to life or property, which may arise or occur to the applicant, his heirs, successors or assigns as a result of the failure of the applicant's fire alarm system to function properly or of the town's fire alarm system to function properly, whether considered jointly or severally and further the town shall in no way be held liable or responsible for any damages, losses or injuries to persons or property, which may be occasioned or arise by reason of the applicant's fire alarm system being connected to the town fire alarm system, and in any such event the town shall be held harmless.

(Code 1986, § 6-1; Ch. 1080, § 1, 10-19-2020)

State Law reference— Interference with fire alarm apparatus, G.L. 1956, § 11-4-10; fire alarm systems, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.25-1 et seq.; approval by town required, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.25-2; compliance with state law, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.25-2.

Note— Formerly, § 26-1.

Sec. 26-6. - Fire prevention inspection fees.#

These fees are governed by RIGL chapter 23-28.2, section 23-28.2-27 and are subject to change if alternate fees are adopted

The fire department shall assess an inspection fee for any inspection performed by the department pursuant to any provision of the state fire code including any rule or regulation of the state fire marshal. In the case of any commercial, industrial, manufacturing, educational, religious or governmental use, the fee shall be payable by the licensee of the property inspected if the occupant of the property inspected holds any license issued by the board of licenses, otherwise the fee shall be payable by the lessee of the property inspected or, if none, then by the owner of the property. In the case of any residential property, the fee shall payable by the owner of the property.

The fee shall be waived if, after inspection, no violation of any provision of the Narragansett Code of Ordinances or the Rhode Island State Fire Code including any rule or regulation of the state fire marshal has been found. Each subsequent re-inspection shall constitute an inspection for which a separate fee shall be payable if continuing violations are found. No inspection fee shall be assessed against the town, or any department, board, or commission thereof.

(Ch. 1080, § 1, 10-19-2020)

Secs. 26-7—26-20. - Reserved.#

ARTICLE II. - FIRE CODE AND REGULATIONS#

Footnotes:

--- (2) --- Editor's note— Ch. 924, § 1, adopted Nov. 2, 2009, enacted provisions intended for use in Art. II. Said provisions have been designated as Div. 2, regulation of open fires, §§ 26-23—26-31. In order to facilitate indexing, § 26-21 has been placed in Div. 1, tanks and Art. II, formerly titled fire code, has been redesignated as fire code and regulations.

State Law reference— Fire code, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.1-1 et seq.

DIVISION 1. - TANKS#

Sec. 26-21. - Installation of tanks for combustibles.#

(a)

Reserved.

(b)

Any such installation shall be subject to the provisions of the state fire code and all other applicable state or federal regulations and ordinances of the town.

(Code 1986, § 6-16; Ord. No. 1009, §§ 1, 2, 5-18-2015)

State Law reference— Flammable liquids, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.22-1 et seq.; hazardous substances, G.L. 1956, § 23-24-1 et seq.; liquefied petroleum gases, G.L. 1956, § 23-18.20-1 et seq.; fire safety code, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.1-1; smoking while dispensing gasoline, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.22-15; explosives, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.28-1 et seq.

Sec. 26-22. - Reserved.#

DIVISION 2. - REGULATION OF OPEN FIRES#

Sec. 26-23. - Purpose.#

The purpose of this division is to regulate open fires consistent with but outside the control of G.L. 1956, §§ 23-23-1 et seq. and 23-23.1-1 et seq., the Rhode Island Clean Air Act, and G.L. 1956, § 2-12-1 et seq., forest fires and prevention.

Pursuant to § 23-23-18(b) and (c) of the Rhode Island General Laws, the town may regulate and prohibit open fires for the health, safety and protection of its residents. (1)

In the event that an open fire or smoke emanating from any open fire, including but not limited to those exempt herein, is determined to cause an annoyance and nuisance to owners, lessees, occupants or persons in general, by way of fumes, soot, ashes, dust, smoke, odors, sparks and the like, then in such event, said fire shall be extinguished immediately upon notification by the fire chief or his/her designee.

(2)

If a determination is made that an open fire is causing an annoyance and nuisance and the open fire is not extinguished immediately, the fire chief or his/her designee may enter upon the property and extinguish said fire.

(3)

The Narragansett Fire Department shall enter and extinguish illegal fires upon private land and shall report the same to the fire prevention bureau or police department for prosecution.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009; Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-24. - Definitions.#

Bonfire. A large fire built in the open air, for warmth, entertainment, or celebration, etc., or as a signal.

Open fire. The term open fire as used in chapter 26 shall be held to mean any fire from which the products of combustion are emitted directly into the open air without passing through a stack or chimney.

Permit. Official permit to kindle fire from the state department of environmental management, division of forest environment.

Solid waste. Garbage, refuse and other discarded solid material generated by residential, institutional, commercial, industrial and agricultural sources, but does not include solids or dissolved material in domestic sewage or sewage sludge, nor does it include hazardous waste as defined in the state hazardous waste management act, as amended.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009; Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-25. - Prohibited.#

The following activities are prohibited: (a)

During construction or demolition of buildings or structures, no waste materials or rubbish shall be disposed of by burning on the property or in the immediate vicinity.

(b)

The burning of solid waste.

(c)

The burning of wood that has been treated with chemicals, paint, stain, or other finishing materials.

(d)

Open fires on any commercial property.

The bureau of fire prevention may, in writing, order every owner, lessee, occupant or any person having charge of premises described in this article, to remove materials, waste, or rubbish or accumulations thereof, from said premises within three days from the receipt of said order.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009; Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-26. - Permit required.#

The following activities require a permit issued by the fire department: (a)

Permit required on public grounds. No person shall set or maintain any bonfire or other open fire of any kind or authorize any such fire to be set or maintained on any public ground without a permit issued by the chief of the fire department or the chief's designee. The permit may set such limitations or conditions as determined appropriate by the chief or the chief's designee.

(b)

Permit required for bonfires on private land.

(c)

Permit required for the burning of cut brush and leaves.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009)

Sec. 26-27. - Permit not required.#

The following activities do not require a permit issued by the fire department: (a)

A person may burn combustible material on any private residential land if the fire is contained in a burner with a closed or properly screened top, approved by the fire prevention bureau, including chimeneas or other movable, closed fire containers available for retail purchase. Fire rings and stone rings shall be allowed as long as all combustible materials are cleared to a minimum of seven feet away and the ring is less than 30 inches in diameter. Such fire containers are to be located safely on private residential property no less than 15 feet from any structure and ten feet from any property line or combustible fence.

(b)

Gas and charcoal fired grills.

(c)

Residential fires are limited to the period from sunrise to midnight.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009)

Sec. 26-28. - Attendance at fires.#

Every bonfire or other open or closed fire shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished. A garden hose connected to a water supply or other fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009)

Sec. 26-29. - Exceptions.#

(a)

The chief of the fire department or his designee may prohibit any and all outdoor bonfires or other open fires whenever atmospheric conditions or other local circumstances may make such fires hazardous. The chief or the chief's designee shall have the authority to order extinguished any fire determined to be a public safety risk.

(b)

The chief of the fire department may authorize exceptions to this division and allow additional burning when the chief deems it necessary for the public convenience or welfare.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009)

Sec. 26-30. - Complaints on open burning.#

Upon receiving a formal complaint of open burning (name and address of complainant provided), the fire department will respond and investigate. If the officer in charge deems that the burning is a nuisance, as that term is defined in G.L. § 11-30-13, the fire shall be put out. If the complainant does not wish to file a formal complaint, then the fire department shall only do a safety check of the open burning.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009; Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-31. - Penalties for violation.#

Any person found guilty of violating any section of this division shall, upon conviction, be punished in accordance with section 1-14 of this Code.

(Ch. 924, § 1, 11-2-2009)

DIVISION 3. - PERMITTING#

Sec. 26-32. - Permitting requirements.#

(a)

No building permit may be issued in the town without the review and prior approval of the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(b)

No mechanical permit for the modification or installation of liquefied petroleum gas may be issued in the town without the review and prior approval of the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(c)

No mechanical permit for the modification or installation of any fire suppression system may be issued in the town without the review and prior approval of the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(d)

No mechanical permit for the modification or installation of combustible or flammable liquids may be issued in the town without the review and prior approval of the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(e)

No electrical permit for the modification or installation of fire alarms may be issued in the town without the review and prior approval of the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(f)

No permit may be issued for the erection of a tent or air-supported structure in the town without the review and prior approval of the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(g)

No permit, certificate or license may be issued for any structure or process that is regulated by the provisions of the state fire safety code in the town without the review and prior approval of the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(h)

No permit for the display of outdoor fireworks or indoor pyrotechnics may be issued without a complete review and approval by the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(i)

Any property owner, lessee or other person who violates or fails, or refuses to comply with the provisions of the state fire safety code or the provisions of chapter 26 shall be subject to prosecution in the municipal court or will be assessed a fine in accordance with this section prior to the issuance of their permit.

(j)

No permit shall be issued for construction requiring hot work without a HOT WORK PERMIT issued by the chief of the fire department or his/her designee.

(Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

Sec. 26-33. - Penalties for violation of permitting requirements.#

Any person found to be in violation of this code shall be fined up to but not exceeding $250.00 to be paid in full prior to the issuance of that entity's certificate of occupancy.

(Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

DIVISION 4. - EXCESSIVE AVOIDABLE FALSE FIRE ALARMS AND MALFUNCTIONS#

Sec. 26-34. - Definitions.#

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Avoidable false alarm means the activation of any alarm which results in the response of the fire department and is caused by the negligence or intentional misuse (including such activation caused by heat, smoke or fire) of the system by the owner or his/her/its employees, servants, agents or guests or any other activation including activation caused by heat, smoke or fire.

Avoidable fire alarm malfunction means the activation of any alarm which results in the response of the fire department and such activation is caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or lack of proper maintenance; and for any other response for which the fire department personnel are unable to gain access to the premises for any reason, or are unable to determine, after reasonable inquiry, the apparent cause of the alarm activation.

The owner of any premises shall be responsible for any avoidable false alarms and avoidable false alarm malfunctions occurring at those premises. Incidents shall be cumulative for all realty held in that name, and fines for avoidable false alarms and avoidable false alarm malfunctions will be assessed to the owner of the premises according to the Narragansett Fire Department fee schedule.

After three avoidable false alarms or avoidable false alarm malfunctions in one twelve-month period, the owner of the premises will be notified via certified mail that subsequent avoidable false alarms will cause the owner to be assessed fines according to the fine schedule referenced in this section.

(Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

DIVISION 5. - KEY ACCESS BOXES#

Sec. 26-35. - Key access boxes.#

All commercial, large multi-unit residential structures, and 1, 2, and 3 family homes with a monitored alarm system in the town are required to provide emergency access to their building as outlined in the Narragansett Fire Department Key Access Box Standard. All applicable buildings shall install an approved key access box, provide updated keys for their premises, and maintain these boxes to the aforementioned standard. (See the key access regulations on file with the Narragansett Fire Department for details.)

(Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

DIVISION 6. - CROWD MANAGEMENT AND FIRE/FIRE WATCH DETAILS#

Sec. 26-36. - Crowd management and fire/fire watch details.#

In accordance with the Rhode Island Fire Code all places of assembly shall have a minimum of one uniformed fire fighter, and any additional uniformed fire fighters on duty when deemed necessary by the chief of the local fire department or his/her designee and shall be enforced as outlined in chapters twelve and thirteen in the Rhode Island Life Safety Code.

Furthermore, the fire chief or his/her designee shall have the authority to require a fire watch or fire detail as outlined in NFPA 1 and adopted by the State of Rhode Island as the Rhode Island Fire Code. 1.7.17 Standby and Fire Watch Personnel. 1.7.17.1. The AHJ shall have the authority to require standby fire personnel or an approved fire watch when potentially hazardous conditions or a reduction in a life safety feature exist due to the type of performance, display, exhibit, occupancy, contest, or activity; an impairment to a fire protection feature; or the number of persons present.

1.7.17.2. The owner, agent, or lessee shall employ one or more qualified persons, as required and approved, to be on duty.

1.7.17.2.1. The cost of standby fire personnel shall be at no cost to the AHJ.

1.7.17.3 Such standby fire personnel or fire watch personnel shall be subject to the AHJ's orders at all times and shall be identifiable and remain on duty during the times such places are open to the public, when such activity is being conducted, or as required by the AHJ.

[AHJ: authority having jurisdiction]

(Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020)

DIVISION 7. - FEE TABLES#

Sec. 26-37. - Plan review fee table.#

This fee schedule is governed by RIGL chapter 23-28.2, section 23-28.2-26 and is subject to change if an alternate fee schedule is adopted.

The town manager may waive, in writing, any fees in this section applicable to town-owned projects. Further, the town council may, in its discretion, waive in full the fee required in this section. Inspection Type Fee

Plan review—New single-family $75.00

Plan review—New two-family $125.00

Plan review—New three-family $175.00

Renovations, additions, alterations—Residential $50.00

Plan review—Commercial Cost of

Construction Fee

$500.00 or less $25.00

Over $500.00 but not over $1,000.00 $35.00

Over $1,000.00 but not over $2,000.00 $45.00

Over $2,000.00 but not over $500,000.00 $45.00+ (plus $6.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction thereof over $2,000.00)

Over $500,000.00 $3,033.00+ (plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction thereof over $500,000.00)

Re-inspection fee (If failed twice) $50.00

Tent permits (greater than 350 sq. ft.) $30.00

Fireworks $50.00

Underground tank removal—Residential $50.00

Underground tank removal—Commercial, flammable liquids $150.00

Underground tank removal—Commercial, combustible liquids $100.00

Narragansett Fire Department Fee Schedule Cost

Commercial master box registration $150.00

Local fire alarm registration $25.00

Fire code inspection (if violations are found) $100.00

Working without a required permit $250.00

Excessive avoidable alarms 0—3 = $0.00

4—10 = $150.00 per incident

11—30 = $200.00 per incident

30+ = $300.00 per incident

(Ch. 1080, § 2, 10-19-2020; Ch. 1093, § 1, 5-16-2022)

Secs. 26-38—26-40. - Reserved.#

ARTICLE III. - FIRE DEPARTMENT#

Footnotes:

--- (3) --- Charter reference— Fire department, art. 8, ch. 3.

State Law reference— Firefighters, G.L. 1956, § 45-18-1 et seq.

DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#

Secs. 26-41—26-55. - Reserved.#

DIVISION 2. - FIRE CHIEF#

Footnotes:

--- (4) --- Charter reference— Appointment of fire chief, § 8-3-2.

Cross reference— Officers and employees, § 2-201 et seq.

Sec. 26-56. - Qualifications.#

The fire chief of the town, before being appointed to such office, shall possess the following qualifications: (1)

Five years of experience in the rank of lieutenant or above in any full-time organized fire department in the United States.

(2)

Five years of experience in the organization, management, and direction of fire personnel.

(3)

A bachelor's degree or above, including at least 30 credit hours of college-level instruction in firefighting science and administration.

(4)

Successful completion of a complete physical examination at a facility recommended by the town.

(Code 1986, § 6-41; Ch. 675, § 1, 2-25-1991; Ch. 820, § 6.41, 7-1-2002)

Sec. 26-57. - Appointment generally.#

The appointment of a fire chief shall be in accordance with the following provisions: (1)

The vacancy in the office of the fire chief shall be advertised in a newspaper with statewide daily circulations.

(2)

The vacancy shall be posted for a minimum of 21 days.

(3)

The town manager shall appoint a screening committee of at least five members who shall review the qualifications of the candidates.

(Code 1986, § 6-42; Ch. 675, § 2, 2-25-1991; Ch. 820, § 6.42, 7-1-2002)

Sec. 26-58. - Rating of qualifications.#

The screening committee shall recommend the top five qualifiers to the town manager. The town manager shall review the qualifications of and interview the top five qualifiers.

(Code 1986, § 6-43; Ch. 675, § 3, 2-25-1991; Ch. 820, § 6.43, 7-1-2002)

Sec. 26-59. - Selection process.#

The appointment of the fire chief shall be made from among the top five qualifiers of the candidates by the town manager with the advice and consent of the town council. Advice and consent of the town council shall be exercised by a vote of the town council occurring at a public meeting of the town council which has been properly posted in accordance with the open meetings law.

(Code 1986, § 6-44; Ch. 675, § 4, 2-25-1991; Ch. 820, § 6.44, 7-1-2002)

Sec. 26-60. - Residency requirement.#

The person appointed fire chief shall become a resident of the town within 120 days after such appointment, which requirement can be waived by the town council; otherwise, such office shall be forfeited.

(Code 1986, § 6-45; Ch. 675, § 5, 2-25-1991; Ch. 820, § 6.45, 7-1-2002)

Sec. 26-61. - Term, removal and retirement.#

Every appointment of a fire chief made under the provisions of this division shall be considered a permanent appointment, subject, however, to the provisions of removal and retirement provided for by the Charter and ordinances of the town.

(Code 1986, § 6-46)

Secs. 26-62—26-75. - Reserved.#

DIVISION 3. - FIREFIGHTERS#

Footnotes:

--- (5) --- Charter reference— Fire department, art. 8, ch. 3.

Cross reference— Officers and employees, § 2-201 et seq.

State Law reference— Firefighters, G.L. 1956, § 45-18-1 et seq.

Sec. 26-76. - Qualifications for appointment to the fire department.#

(a)

A candidate for initial appointment to the fire department, excluding the fire chief, must meet the following minimum qualifications:

(1)

Must be a citizen of the United States;

(2)

Must possess a four-year high school diploma or an equivalent general education diploma (GED);

(3)

Must be between the ages of 18 and 35 at time of hire;

(4)

Vision must be not less than 20/30 correctable to 20/20 and must be able to distinguish colors;

(5)

Must have a valid unrestricted motor vehicle operator's license upon appointment;

(6)

Must have obtained a valid entry level firefighter written exam score through the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs (RIAFC);

(7)

Must have an updated valid physical performance assessment (PPA) test certificate as recognized and/or administered by the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs (RIAFC);

(8)

Must possess and present at minimum a Rhode Island Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license or be currently enrolled in an approved RIDOH EMT course.

(b)

Candidates who meet the above minimum qualifications must successfully complete and agree to the following requirements prior to official appointment as a firefighter:

(1)

Medical tests. Applicant must undergo and pass medical/psychological testing. Applicant will be rejected for any medical, physical or psychological condition which impairs their ability to perform the duties of the position in a reasonable manner, or which may reasonably be expected to render them unfit to continue to perform those duties in a reasonable manner. Applicants will also be required to pass any additional physical performance assessment tests the town may require.

(2)

Written test. All applicants must pass a written examination designed for an entry level firefighter position. Minimum passing score is 70 percent (weight will be 65 percent of total score).

(3)

Interviewing oral board. A minimum of the top 15 successful candidates who have passed the written examination, medical screenings and any additional performance assessment tests required by the town shall be subjected to a three-person interviewing oral board. (Weight will be 35 percent of total score.) Nothing contained in this shall prohibit the town from including more than 15 candidates to the oral board.

(4)

Character and background. Applicant must submit a full bureau of criminal investigation (BCI) report. Proof of good character and satisfactory background will be an absolute prerequisite to appointment. Candidates will be required to submit appropriate waivers of any confidential information so that investigating officers can conduct a full and complete background investigation.

(5)

Post-conditional employment offer. Candidates must agree to the terms and conditions of a recruit letter of understanding.

(Code 1986, § 6-61; Ch. 786, § 1, 8-2-1999; Ord. No. 1004, § 1, 10-20-2014; Ch. 1139, § 1, 9-15-2025)

Secs. 26-77, 26-78. - Reserved.#

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1004, § 1, adopted Oct. 20, 2014, repealed §§ 26-77 and 26-78, which pertained to application process and interviews by oral board, and derived from Code 1986, §§ 6-62, 6-63; Ch. 786, § 2, 8-2-1999. For current provisions, see § 26-76.

Sec. 26-79. - Ranking and list of eligible candidates.#

An eligibility list of successful candidates will be established according to the following: (1)

Written examination— 65 percent

(2)

Interviewing oral board—35 percent

(3)

Additional earned credits (20 points maximum)

Resident of town (minimum of two years)—two points

Previous volunteer experience as a firefighter and/or EMT (minimum two years along with a letter of good standing from an active fire chief and/or director)—two points

Active military or veteran (minimum of two consecutive years of honorable active duty)—two points

Licensed Rhode Island Advanced EMT-Cardiac level or higher (current and valid)—two points

Minimum 60 credit hours—College/university level courses—two points

Actively employed as a full-time paid professional firefighter in good standing and possess Rhode Island Pro-Board or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter 1001 levels 1 and 2 certifications - 10 points

(4)

Medical/psychological screening—Pass/fail

(5)

Drug testing—Pass/fail

(6)

Character and background investigation—Pass/fail

(7)

Personal interview by chief of fire department, executive officer, and director of public safety—Pass/fail

A candidate has the right to appeal on any part of the testing procedure to the chief of the department and the public safety director. Their decision will be final.

(Code 1986, § 6-64; Ch. 862, § 1, 7-5-2005; Ch. 971, § 1, 10-15-2012; Ord. No. 1004, § 1, 10-20-2014; Ch. 1139, § 1, 9-15-2025)

Sec. 26-80. - Appointments from list of eligible candidates.#

The fire chief, with the approval of the director of public safety, will select whom to appoint from the top five candidates and will be subject to the hiring practices as set forth by the town charter and ordinances of the town. Each eligibility list shall remain in effect for a minimum of one year or until such time the list has been exhausted or at the discretion of the town.

(Code 1986, § 6-65; Ord. No. 1004, § 1, 10-20-2014; Ch. 1139, § 1, 9-15-2025)

Secs. 26-81—26-95. - Reserved.#

DIVISION 4. - CALL PERSON FIREFIGHTING FORCE#

Sec. 26-96. - Purpose of division.#

There is hereby created an organization of residents within the fire department whose purpose is to augment the fire department in the performance of their assigned duties.

(Code 1986, § 6-76)

Sec. 26-97. - Title of division.#

The organization shall be called the Narragansett Call Fire Fighters (NaCFF).

(Code 1986, § 6-77)

Sec. 26-98. - Employment classification.#

Each member of the NaCFF shall be classified as a temporary or part-time employee working an average of less than 20 hours per week. The provisions of the personnel ordinance (chapter 54 of this Code) shall not apply.

(Code 1986, § 6-78)

Sec. 26-99. - Compensation.#

Each member of the NaCFF shall be compensated for each response when called to duty by the fire chief. The amount of such compensation per response shall be established by town council resolution.

(Code 1986, § 6-79)

Sec. 26-100. - Organization.#

(a)

A foreman, who is a member of the NaCFF shall be annually elected by the membership and upon the approval of the fire chief, shall be the individual in administrative charge of all members of the NaCFF.

(b)

Those members of the NaCFF assigned to each neighborhood fire station shall annually elect one of its members to represent their group. These first foremen along with the foreman shall meet quarterly with the fire chief and the director of public safety to review the performance of the NaCFF and to propose ways in which fire protection and prevention may be improved throughout the town.

(c)

A summary of these meetings shall be included in the annual report of the fire department.

(Code 1986, § 6-80)

Sec. 26-101. - Neighborhood fire stations.#

The boundaries of the neighborhood fire stations are as follows: (1)

Station 1, Pier Station.

North boundary. Intersection of Boston Neck Road and Old Boston Neck Road at Namcook Farms.

South boundary. Foddering Farm Road and Windemere Road.

(2)

Station 2, Point Judith Station.

North boundary. South boundary of Station 1.

South boundary. The Atlantic Ocean and Salt Pond.

(3)

Station 3, Boston Neck Station.

North boundary. North Kingstown town line.

South boundary. North boundary of Station 1.

(Code 1986, § 6-81)

Sec. 26-102. - Roster.#

Each neighborhood fire station shall have on its roster a maximum of 30 call firefighters residing within the boundaries of such fire station; provided, however, that the chief of the fire department may assign other members of the NaCFF to a specific neighborhood station if it is found to be in the best interest of the town.

(Code 1986, § 6-82)

Sec. 26-103. - Qualifications and initial appointment.#

(a)

All individuals requesting initial appointment to the NaCFF shall:

(1)

Be a resident of the town;

(2)

Be at least 18 years of age at time of application;

(3)

Possess a valid active state driver's license;

(4)

Successfully pass a complete physical examination, including a back X-ray conducted by the police surgeon of the town.

(b)

The director of public safety, upon the recommendation of the fire chief shall appoint all individuals to the NaCFF. Such appointments shall be probationary for a period of one year, and the oath of office shall be administered by the town clerk at a regularly scheduled town council meeting. Each individual so appointed shall receive a certificate of membership in the NaCFF and a fire plate for his automobile.

(Code 1986, § 6-83)

Sec. 26-104. - Permanent appointment.#

All members of the NaCFF upon satisfactorily completing their probationary period shall be appointed regular members of the organization.

(Code 1986, § 6-84)

Sec. 26-105. - Chain of command.#

The chain of command shall consist of the following in descending order: (1)

Operations. Fire chief, duty lieutenant, senior permanent firefighter, foreman, first foreman and senior member of NaCFF present;

(2)

Administrative. Director of public safety, fire chief, foreman and first foreman of NaCFF.

(Code 1986, § 6-85)

Sec. 26-106. - Membership.#

All probationary members of the NaCFF shall serve at the pleasure of the fire chief. With respect to regular members, any insubordination, violation of the provisions of this division or the rules and regulations of the fire department as adopted by the council or conduct unbecoming a member of the fire service shall be deemed grounds for immediate revocation of a member's appointment by the director of public safety upon the recommendation of the fire chief.

(Code 1986, § 6-86)

Sec. 26-107. - Training sessions.#

Training sessions shall be conducted under the supervision of the fire department's training officer on a regularly scheduled monthly basis. Additional drills may be conducted with the approval of the training officer.

(Code 1986, § 6-87)

Sec. 26-108. - Insurance.#

All members of the NaCFF who are injured on duty or who have personal property broken or destroyed in the performance of their duties shall be covered by the town medical and liability insurance policies then in effect.

(Code 1986, § 6-88)

Sec. 26-109. - Equipment.#

All equipment issued to a member of the NaCFF by the fire department shall remain in the property of the fire department and shall be returned immediately upon the request of the fire chief.

(Code 1986, § 6-89)

Sec. 26-110. - Driver operator.#

Driver operators shall be certified to drive and operate the respective fire apparatus and equipment assigned to their neighborhood fire stations within one year of the effective date of this ordinance from which this section derives.

(Code 1986, § 6-90)

Sec. 26-111. - Resignation.#

Any member of the NaCFF wishing to resign must do so in writing and forward same to the chief of the fire department along with any equipment that may have been assigned to him through the chain of command.

(Code 1986, § 6-91)