Frequently Asked Questions

A Nonprovider does not have a contract with the insurance company to take a contracted (or reduced) amount for ambulance transport service. Because of our small size, we do not have the staff to administer contracts with multiple insurers. Therefore, Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) is a nonprovider for all commercial insurance companies.

Typically, insurance companies charge a higher deductible or copay when a nonprovider service is used. However, as there is no other ambulance service available in Boulder City, you may request a redetermination or review of your claim indicating no other service is available should your insurance company make an adverse decision on a particular claim.

Nonprovider status does not typically affect any emergency ambulance transport however, every insurer has their own policies governing ambulance transports and it is the patient’s responsibility to know their insurer’s policies.

If the patient is conscious and competent to make their own decisions, they can select which appropriate hospital they wish to be transported to (if in the paramedic’s opinion, they are stable and by-passing a closer facility would not potentially jeopardize the patient’s condition). They can also refuse transport if they sign a liability waiver indicating they understand the risks of not seeking further medical treatment.

If the patient is unconscious, in an altered mental state, in custody of the police or may be a danger to himself or others, the Paramedic on scene will determine the most appropriate facility for medical treatment.

There are also county protocols which the ambulance crew are required to follow which may affect the destination, such as patients who the police have determined to be not competent must be taken to the closest facility per protocol.

The Paramedic on scene will determine the level of care needed based on his assessment of the patient. Patients can be transported by Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) to the Boulder City Airport for transfer to a medical facility or picked up at the scene of an accident by a medical helicopter. BCFD rescue units transport less critically ill patients to the closest appropriate facility.

A trauma center is a hospital which meets certain criteria established by the American College of Surgeons.

There are different levels for trauma centers based on the availability of specialists. The biggest difference between a level I and level II trauma center is a research program, surgical residency, and the availability of specialists.

Level I Trauma has a certain number of surgeons and anesthesiologists on staff 24 hours per day / 7 days per week. Level II is similar with less stringent standards and usually work with a Level I for clinical expertise. Level III does not have availability of all specialties and have transfer agreements with Level I and II trauma centers. Currently, UMC is level 1, Sunrise is level II, and St. Rose Siena is level III.

The only charges incurred when EMS comes to your home are for an actual transport to a medical facility. We do not charge to come to your house to check on a potential patient. If you are unsure if the situation warrants transport to a medical facility, our Paramedics are trained to monitor the patient’s situation and provide a skilled assessment and opinion.

Patients may refuse transport if they do not wish to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, but they will be required to sign a release form indicating that medical personnel have explained the possible dangers or consequences of not seeking further medical treatment. There are also times when both the police and fire personnel are required by law to transport a patient - even if the patient does not wish to be transported - when the patient is not mentally or physically capable of making a sound decision regarding their medical care, when the patient may be a danger to himself or others, or when the patient is in custody by the Police Department.

Medicare sets the rates they allow agencies to charge for the type of emergency transport provided whether it be Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and Advanced Life Support-2. They also set the rates for co-pays and mileage. By law, the Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) cannot bill Medicare patients for more than the Medicare-approved rate, but we must bill for the copay or coinsurance amount. However, if Medicare declines or denies the claim due to the nature of the transport, e.g., nonemergency transports which did not require transport by ambulance, payment of the full bill is the responsibility of the patient.

The Boulder City Fire Department does not hold any personal items after an ambulance trip. Any items left behind in the ambulance are given to the Emergency room hospital staff. Most if not all hospitals have a safe within the hospital that they will place any valuables that is removed and transported with the patient. Contact the Emergency Room and Security office of the hospital you was transported to for additional information.

The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) will take your blood pressure at the fire station. However, they may be unavailable if they are out of the station on a call or in training.

Unfortunately, due to manpower and budget constraints, the Boulder City Fire Department does not have an Explorer program at this time.

Typically the Explorer program is designed for those individuals aged 14-18 who are interested in a future career in the fire service.

The City of Boulder City conducts an annual recruitment to establish an eligibility list for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. This is the entry-level position for Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD). This recruitment can be either open - meaning any qualified individual can submit an application - or, in-house - meaning that only those qualified persons in the department’s Fire Reserve Program are eligible to apply.

Once an application is accepted, based on the recruitment and position guidelines, candidates will be required to pass a written examination, oral examination, and physical agility test. Those candidates who pass all examinations will be placed on a hiring list which is then certified by the City’s Civil Service Commission. Once the list is established, all open positions during the next 12 month period (or longer if the list is extended) for the Firefighter / Paramedic position are filled from this list. If selected to fill a vacant position, candidates must also complete a selection interview and, post-job offer, a medical examination and background investigation.

For more information on this program, please visit our

Reserve Firefighters must possess or be able to obtain Nevada medical and firefighter certifications. Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic, and Firefighter I certifications are required to be considered for the BCFD Reserve program.

Dependant upon the recruitment, all full-time career Firefighters must also either possess or be able to obtain their paramedic certification within the time frame specified by the Fire Chief.

An EMT-Paramedic, the highest certification level, must complete an approved course consisting of approximately 670 didactic and laboratory hours and 300 clinical hours training. Upon completion of the didactic / clinical training, including the final written and practical examinations, the student then must pass the written ALS Licensure examination which then allows the student to enter the field internship portion of the Paramedic training program.

The internship consists of completing a minimum of 360 hours (12 hours shifts) on a Paramedic ambulance and the student is evaluated daily by a Paramedic Preceptor / EMS Instructor with major performance evaluations completed regularly which indicates the intern consistently performs procedures in a competent manner according to established standards and has made the established minimum number of patient contacts.

Upon successful completion of the internship, the intern must successfully pass the National Registry practical examination within 24 months of course completion to earn the EMT-Paramedic certification.

The Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) has adopted the latest (2012) edition of the International Fire Code as well as the Southern Nevada Amendments and charges cost recovery fees for inspections, permits for certain businesses storing or using hazardous materials, fire alarm and sprinkler plans reviews, fire alarm and sprinkler acceptance tests, and permits for a variety of hazardous one-time activities.

The Boulder City Fire Department issues 2 types of permits, an annual renewable operational fire permit is issued for higher than normal fire hazards or hazardous materials operations and a one-time installation permit for fire detection and protection systems. Before either type of permit is issued, a thorough plan review and 1 or more inspections are conducted to ensure safe operation or installation. A mid-year inspection is also conducted for businesses requiring an annual permit.

Permits are required for all commercial properties on new construction, certain residential properties, changes in occupancy or use of a commercial property, changes in ownership and properties undergoing significant renovation. For more information, please visit our

For a Site Plan Review, plans are submitted to the Building Department. The BCFD will ensure the hydrant, roadway and access is adequate for fire apparatus.

For a Building Plan Review, plans are submitted to the Building Department. The Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) will determine the need for any possible fire life safety protection systems based on the type and size of the structure according to the 2012 International Fire Code plus Southern Nevada Amendments as adopted by the City of Boulder City.

For Fire Protection Plans, plans are submitted to BCFD by the contractor / business owner. Four sets of plans are submitted along with appropriate system specifications, material submittals, flow test paperwork, hydraulic calculations and plans review fees. Plans may take 7 to 14 days for review and the permit processing. Plans will not be processed without payment in full in advance. Work on the project may not begin until the plans have been approved. Penalties are assessed for working without a permit.

Currently, all new commercial construction is required to have sprinklers. Existing commercial buildings undergoing renovation may also be required to have a fire suppression system installed. Sprinklers may also be required in new or renovated residential construction depending on the size of the building. The BCFD recommends that all new construction - both commercial and residential - have sprinklers installed.

Special events are coordinated through the Parks and Recreation Department. All special event coordinators requesting EMS or Fire coverage during special events within the department’s jurisdictional boundaries will be directed to contact BCFD to determine needs which may impact the department, e.g. concerts, sporting events, outdoor festivals, vehicle races, photo/film shoots, events utilizing tents or canopies in excess of 400 square feet, etc.

It is the recommendation of BCFD that event coordinators should 1st secure private contractors for all emergency service needs during special events.

Private contractors must be licensed and capable of providing the appropriate emergency services. These contractors must also have a current Boulder City Business License. When necessary, a coverage request may be submitted to BCFD. If approved, the fee for a Firefighter / Paramedic / EMT $60 per hour / per person, the fee for ALS Ambulance / Rescue Unit is $220 per hour (includes 2 personnel), and the fee for a Fire Suppression Unit is $380 per hour (includes 3 personnel).

Chapter 24 of the 2006 Uniform Fire Code applies to tents and temporary membrane structures in excess of 200 square feet and canopies in excess of 400 square feet. These structures shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without 1st obtaining a permit and approval from the BCFD. A $77 permit and inspection fee for each structure exceeding the listed size requirements is required.

A limited term and site specific permit must be obtained by a contractor prior to the commencement of any activities involving the use of explosives.

Yes. All spray paint booths erected, located or relocated in the city are required to be permitted and must have an annual inspection. The minimum inspection fee is $77. Specifications for the spray booths and other guidelines are listed in the Uniform Guideline.

Maintenance Agreements are contracts signed between the property owner and a state fire marshall-licensed company to service the fire alarm, sprinkler or hood extinguishing systems in a commercial building. State law requires maintenance agreements between the property owner and a licensed contractor for alarm systems, sprinkler systems, hood extinguishing systems, automatic smoke control systems and off-site monitoring of these systems.

The agreement provides that the fire monitoring company service the system within 24 hours after receipt of a trouble call. The property owner is responsible for providing a copy of the agreement to BCFD and the fire monitoring company is responsible for notifying BCFD if the agreement lapses or is canceled.

Any commercial building required to have a fire alarm system or fire sprinkler system must also have a Maintenance Agreement for those systems and a Monitoring Station for the system. The monitoring station does just what its name implies - it monitors the fire alarm and extinguishing systems to make sure they are turned on, in proper working order and notifies the company in case of a fire-related emergency.

The monitoring facility is required to have a Boulder City Business License and proof of liability insurance and must comply with applicable NFPA standards and state Fire Marshall regulations. These stations require an annual permit application and fee of $77.

Open burning is the burning of a bonfire, rubbish fire or other fire in an outdoor location where fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit. Permits will only be given for vegetation burns complying with the criteria established in the guidelines.

Vegetation burns are defined as those necessary for the clearing of agricultural fields, disposing of unused crops or for mitigating brush or intermingled weeds especially as it relates to agricultural operations.

Yes, the Uniform Fire Code provides for an acceptable level of fire and life safety for the use and storage of portable barbeque equipment.

Outdoor Cooking: Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be located above the first story, operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. LP-gas burners with a water capacity of greater than 2.5 pounds shall not be located above the first story, on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The storage of LP gas containers with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds is prohibited unless it is listed for interior storage. An exception to this rule would be single and 2-family dwellings

Adult supervision is required at all times while the barbecue is generating heat.

Note: The property owners and managers have the responsibility of enforcing this code on the tenants of the residential units in question. Complaints of violations to the Boulder City Fire Department will be addressed to the owners or agents of their complex to correct it by any means at their disposal. Failure to comply with said ordinances will result in citations being issued.

Knox boxes are required by local and state fire codes on all commercial buildings with an alarm or sprinkler system. These boxes are attack and tamper resistant and are used to protect inventory, equipment, supplies and records from unnecessary water damage caused by delays in sprinkler shut-off. To find more information please go to Knoxbox.com. Or should you have any questions, please contact the Boulder City Fire Department at 702-293-9228 or fire@bcnv.org.

No. The BCFD does not stock patches for exchange any longer. The patches are only approved for use on authorized BCFD uniforms.

The BCFD does not sell logo items. However, the Boulder City Firefighter’s Association does have t-shirts for sale. You may contact us at 702-293-9228 for more information.

No. It is a potentially unsafe situation for civilians to be along even as an observer during an emergency situation. It takes manpower away from the performance of the firefighter’s duties to keep track of untrained civilians in dangerous situations.

The BCFD will respond to an emergency situation, such as if a child or pet has been accidentally locked inside a vehicle. However, if it is not a life-threatening situation, the owner will need to contact a locksmith to open the car door.

If you feel that you may be in danger from exposure to a dangerous or unknown substance, call 911 and the Fire Department will respond to investigate. However, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove and properly dispose of any hazardous material or substance from their property.

The Fire Department does not accept any type of hazardous waste or unknown substances for disposal at the Fire Station. The Public Works Department Conservation page has information available regarding the safe disposal of these types of materials.

These is no requirement that a residence must have a fire extinguisher. However, it is a good idea to have at least 1 general purpose extinguisher (ABC) near the kitchen area.

There are many different types of detectors available on the market. Detectors that sense both smoke and fire are recommended.

A hard-wired alarm with battery back-up is best. These alarms are wired directly into the house electrical system so the homeowner doesn’t need to remember to change the batteries regularly. However, there is a battery back-up in case of power failure which does need to be checked periodically.

The Boulder City Fire Department does not accept hazardous waste of any kind – either commercial or residential. Contact the Boulder City Disposal at 702-293-2276 or at bcwastefree.com for more information. For more information on this subject, please visit the Public Works Department

In case of emergency, fire personnel will first try to gain access by all available entry points. However, if no other means of entry is available, they will use force to gain entry to administer emergency medical aid or other assistance. We highly recommend a residential Knox Box. Residential KnoxBoxes are secure, residential key safes that can only be accessed by first responders. For more information you may contact the Boulder City Fire Department 702-293-9228 or at fire@bcnv.org. www.Knoxbox.com/residential-knoxboxes/

Only “safe and sane” fireworks are legal in Clark County, including Boulder City. “Safe and sane” fireworks do not shoot into the air and / or explode. However, if mishandled, they can still cause severe burns and injuries. All fireworks should be treated with care and supervised by a responsible adult.

No, fireworks are not allowed at the Eldorado Dry Lake.

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The BCFD responds to all types of calls - structure fires, vehicle fires, brush fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, etc. Each apparatus is designed to accomplish a specific task

The BCFD has 6 firefighters on a crew, 2 on the engine and 2 on each of the 2 rescue units. The majority of our calls take the manpower of more than 2 crew members. For instance, on a structure fire, we might need 2 firefighters to go into the burning structure to look for victims and 2 more firefighters dedicated to putting out the fire with a hose line. The remaining 2 personnel - the captain and engineer - are needed to stay outside to direct and pump water from the engine into the structure.

On an emergency medical call, such as a cardiac arrest, we perform several jobs at once - chest compressions for CPR, rescue breathes, placement of a breathing tube into the lungs, starting an IV to administer cardiac medications, control the heart monitor and administer shocks, if needed, and finally, prepare the backboard and gurney for transporting the patient to the hospital.

Not generally, however, there are occasions where pets have been rescued along with their owner. We do not want to risk injuring our firefighters unnecessarily. If your cat is up the tree, it will come down when it gets hungry.

In an emergency, call 911, whether it is a fire or medical emergency. 911 emergency calls go directly to the Public Safety Dispatch Center where trained personnel will determine the nature of your emergency and will send the correct type of assistance.

Yes, however you may be connected to another jurisdiction. If it is a life-threatening emergency, the 911 operator will be able to transfer you to the proper dispatch center, so be sure to tell them immediately what city you are in. You may be able to contact your wireless service provider and request that your 911 calls be connected directly to the Boulder City Public Safety Dispatch Center.

Safely, and with your turn signal on, pull to the right of the roadway and stop. If you are sitting at a stoplight or stop sign, remain where you are and let the emergency vehicle make its way through the intersection.

It is essential that there is adequate coverage for emergencies within the primary response district for the Boulder City Fire Department which is the incorporated area of Boulder City including the Eldorado Valley.

We do have a mutual aid agreement in place for fire assistance if mutual aid is requested through the NPS Dispatch center and may respond to the Park on requests for assistance in structure fires and to conduct vehicle extrication procedures. BCFD does not provide 1st response emergency medical services into the Park.

As with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclamation (Hoover Dam) has a mutual aid agreement in place. However, in the case of emergency medical calls for assistance to Hoover Dam, BCFD is a 1st responder.

The City of Boulder City Public Works department maintains the city’s public hydrants. There are some privately-owned hydrants in Boulder City in some neighborhoods that must be maintained by the property owner. If you want to report a leaking or damaged hydrant, please contact the Boulder City Public Works Dept. at 702-293-9200 or BCFD at 702-293-9228.

When possible, off-duty personnel may apply to work special events. However, due to manpower shortages, some events may have to contract with a private ambulance service for coverage. The special event organizers are responsible for paying all personnel

Yes. Boulder City has an Emergency Operations Plan and also attends Emergency Management meetings to coordinate with Clark County and other entities in Southern Nevada in the event of an emergency or disaster. The city’s plan is not available for public dissemination. However, BCFD encourages all citizens to develop an emergency preparedness plan and supply kit for themselves and their families.