Frequently Asked Questions

Fires
What should I do after I have a house or building fire?

Firefighters are familiar with the devastation and trauma resulting from fire. Generally, those who experience fire are not. The difficult period directly after a fire is confusing and traumatic. Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process. When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned upside down.

Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact. We recognize this and have created this booklet to assist you through this trying and tragic period.

"After the Fire" an Instruction Booklet
(90KB Adobe PDF File)

Controlled Burns
What rules pertain to controlled burning?

Effective on October 14, 2009, all open burning is prohibited in New York with several exceptions, including the following:

•Campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.

•Small cooking fires are allowed.

•Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.

•Only charcoal or clean, dry, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.

•Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.

In towns with a total population less than 20,000 (This includes the Towns of Middlesex and Italy), you may burn tree limbs with attached leaves. The limbs must be less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length (also referred to as brush). However, this is not allowed from March 16 through May 14 due to the increased risk of wildfires.

You may only burn brush that is yours and came from your property, it is an NYS Environmental Conservation (Encon) regulation violation to transport debris to your property for the purpose of burning.

It is also an Encon regulation violation for a business or individual to burn debris of a commercial business.

You may NOT burn leaves. It is encouraged that you compost leaves instead.

You may NOT burn household garbage. Burning trash is now prohibited statewide in all areas.

The burn must be attended at all times. In the event your burn becomes out of control call 911 immediately to request the fire department.

Abandon structures or other unique burns are subject to Encon and fire department approval and have very specific rules.

Open burning is never allowed within any incorporated village including the Villages of Penn Yan, Rushville, Dundee, and Dresden.

This FAQ is not intended to cover all possible scenarios for controlled burning. See NYSDEC Regulations website at Chapter III, Part 215 and/or a DEC officer for more information.

Who should I notify if I want to burn something?

If you are planning a controlled burn at your residence, and one of the exceptions above applies, you should first call the Yates County 911 Center.  The phone number to report controlled burns is 315-536-3033 or 1-866-308-3225.  By notifying the dispatch center of your plan to burn material, it lessens the chances of an unnecessary fire department response to your location. 

Fire Alarms
Who should I notify if I have a fire alarm system?

If you have a fire and/or burglar alarm system installed in your home or place of business that is, located in Yates County, you are required by Yates County Local Law 2-02 to register the alarm system with the Yates County 911 Center. Call 315-536-3033 or 1-866-308-3225 for more information.

Who should I notify if I accidentally trip my fire alarm system and there is no real problem?

If you accidentally trip a fire alarm system in your home or place of business and there is no real problem call the Yates County 911 center at 315-536-3033 or 1-866-308-3225 tell the dispatcher what happened. It is very likely that the fire department will still respond, but the dispatcher will be able to update the responding units.

Hall Rental

I want to rent the fire hall for a private party?

Strictly speaking, we do not rent the fire hall to individuals for any purpose. The fire hall is private property owned and maintained by the Middlesex Hose Company, it is not a public building.

I want to rent tables and chairs?

We regretfully are not able to rent tables and chairs. Tables and chairs are expensive items essential for the operation of our own funds raisers. Too often, for the little money gained, tables and chairs would come back broken or damaged; sometimes they never made it back at all.

Are there any exceptions to the hall rental policy?

Established members of the Middlesex Hose Company or the Middlesex Sirenettes may rent the dinning hall for their own use.

Special organizations may make a request to use the hall for a special event. The request must be in writing and detail the purpose, date and time of the event. If the hall is available on the requested date, the request will be discussed at the next regular meeting of the Hose Company. This process can take a month or more and there are no guarantees.

Catering

What about having the fire department cater a private party for me?

The Middlesex Sirenettes will cater private parties and banquets at the Middlesex Fire Hall.

The Middlesex Sirenettes thank you for considering our organization for your upcoming event. We offer a variety of options and many years of experience to provide you with an enjoyable and memorable event. The following guidelines insure that your event will run smoothly.

Deposits and Guarantees:

We require a $50.00 non refundable deposit to secure your date. This deposit will be applied toward your final bill. In the event that your function is cancelled your deposit, is NOT refundable and will become property of the Middlesex Sirenettes. We must have a total guest count 14 days before your event. Your bill will be based on the guest count given to this organization on that day. A deposit of 50% of your total bill will be due to this organization 7 days before your event. The final amount owed to this organization will be due this organization at the conclusion of your event.

Menus:

Menu prices are subject to change and you will be notified of any changes 90 days prior to your event.

Here is a PFD of the available Menus:

Catering Menu

Bands and Music:

We do not have these services available through our organization, but you may hire someone to provide music for your event.

Alcohol:

We do not offer any bar services. You may bring your own alcohol to your event but you are the responsible party. You will be required to sign a legal document in order for you to bring alcohol onto the premises.

Additional information:

The menus above are not absolute. We will make substitutions within reason.

If you are having a wedding reception the cake may be delivered to our facility the day of your event. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact the person whose name and phone number are listed below.

Amy McLaughlin   585-554-5365

Responding to Calls
How do firefighters know when there is an emergency?