FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Rye Fire/Rescue Department is led by a Fire Chief, William “Skip†Sullivan. It has a compliment of nine full-time firefighter-EMT’s and twenty-five part time or “paid on call†firefighters and EMT’s. Several of the personnel are trained to the paramedic level. The ambulance generally responds with at least one firefighter-paramedic as part of the crew. The Rye Fire Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a duty crew of at least two members who provide an initial response to fire or medical emergencies. In the event of a fire or other emergency, off duty and call personnel are alerted by pager and respond accordingly.
The Rye Fire Department is located at 555 Washington Rd. in the Rye Public Safety Building, next to the Rye Library. The non-emergency phone number is (603) 964-6411. The Fax number is (603) 964-9894.
The Department’s fleet consists of two pumping engines, one combination aerial ladder/pumping engine, a forestry truck, a chief’s vehicle and an advanced life support ambulance. The department also houses and responds to mutual aid calls with a breathing apparatus support trailer that is owned by the mutual aid district.
The services provided by the Fire Department include: fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), fire code enforcement, fire prevention and safety programs, hazardous materials response, woodland/marsh fire threats, water rescue, technical rescues, car seat inspections, blood pressure checks, station tours, fire apparatus visits, and more. A permit must be obtained from the Rye Fire Department in order to conduct open burning on any property. The permit to kindle fire is only valid for one day, and the permit can only be obtained from the fire department on the same date of the kindled burn. With the exception of beach permits, other permits may only be issued to the landowner or person(s) with written approval from the landowner. Permitee must be 18 years of age or older. Materials being burned shall be at least 50 feet from any structure, highway or right of way. Any new or replacement installation of oil burners/furnaces or any gas fired appliances must be inspected by the Rye Fire Department. Â A Â permit must be obtained prior to installation. The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for inspection of all public and commercial buildings to ensure fire safety and compliance with fire and life safety codes. The Bureau reviews all plans for new construction and building modifications, investigates fires for cause and origin, and is involved in all fire prevention education and training programs.
The Rye Fire Department provides tours for local churches, schools, and other groups. Firefighters teach children about fire safety and instruction in what to do in the event of a fire. If you would like to schedule a tour for your organization or group, the fire prevention division is waiting to assist you.
The Rye Fire Department works with other departments to respond to natural disasters, such as storms, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as man-made disasters such as terrorism, utility interruptions and hazardous material leaks.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department is the primary dispatch center for the Rye Fire Department. They dispatch all emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency Dial 911.