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1. How do I sign up for emergency alerts?

You can sign up by clicking on the Alert Iowa link to the right. Alert Iowa

2. Can I burn leaves?

No. Leaf burning and open burning is not allowed at any time within the city limits of Newton. Recreational fires are permitted as long as they meet specific requirements. For more information on open burning requirements, please refer to our City of Newton Burning Regulations.

3. Where should I install smoke detectors in my home?

Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home, including outside your sleeping areas, and a smoke detector should be installed in each bedroom. For more information on smoke detectors, please refer to our section on Fire Safety.

4. Where do I find information on the Commercial Business Inspection Program?

Please refer to our City of Newton website page "Commercial Business/Property Inspections Program".  

5. Where do I sign up for the Commercial Business Property Inspections Program?

Commercial Business Inspections Program - Registration Form

6. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke or carbon monoxide detectors?

Ideally you should test your detectors once a month and change the batteries every 6 months. A good rule-of-thumb is to change the batteries when you change the time on your clocks in the spring and fall.

7. What rules apply to fireworks in Newton?

Newton City Council voted to allow limited usage of fireworks in city limits. Citizens within Newton City limits may discharge fireworks on July 4 from 8 P.M. to 11 P.M. For more information, contact the Fire Department at (641) 792-3347.

8. What does Iowa Code say about open burning bans?

IOWA CODE SECTION 100.40

100.40 Marshal may prohibit open burning on request.

1. The state fire marshal, during periods of extremely dry conditions or under other conditions when the state fire marshal finds open burning constitutes a danger to life or property, may prohibit open burning in an area of the state at the request of the chief of a local fire department, a city council or a board of supervisors and when an investigation supports the need for the prohibition. The state fire marshal shall implement the prohibition by issuing a proclamation to persons in the affected area. The chief of a local fire department, the city council or the board of supervisors that requested the prohibition may rescind the proclamation after notifying the state fire marshal of the intent to do so, when the chief, city council or board of supervisors finds that the conditions responsible for the issuance of the proclamation no longer exist.

2. Violation of a prohibition issued under this section is a simple misdemeanor.

3. A proclamation issued by the state fire marshal pursuant to this section shall not
prohibit a supervised, controlled burn for which a permit has been issued by the fire chief of the fire district where the burn will take place, the use of outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, properly supervised landfills, or the burning of trash in incinerators or trash burners made of metal, concrete, masonry, or heavy one-inch wire mesh, with no openings greater than one square inch.

9. Can I pay my ambulance service bill online?

Yes. Online payment is available for Newton Fire Department ambulance service billing. There are two ways to pay:

• Select "Pay a Bill" under the "I Want To..." menu to make a credit card payment online or click here. A 3.95% convenience fee for online payment processing will be added at checkout.
• You can also pay through Allpaid, a third party vendor, online or by phone. To pay online, click here. To pay by phone, call 888-604-7888 and use location code a002t8. HSA branded credit cards are accepted and convenience fees of 2.35% ($1 minimum) will be added at checkout.

10. How do I apply to become a Firefighter/EMT with the Newton Fire Department?

At various times we hire for volunteers/ paid-on-call staffing and create hiring lists for full-time personnel. Click the "I WANT TO" ... "Apply For".... "Employment Opportunities" link in the upper right section of the City of Newton home page to see if we are hiring.

11. Where do I find information on requirements for building inspections?

Please refer to our City of Newton Fire Marshal's Office Handbook regarding Building/Fire Code Policies & Guidelines.  This information can be found under "Code Enforcement - Inspections Required" at the following link.  Fire Marshal Services

12. Is a Knox Box required for my building?

The City of Newton requires the installation of a Knox Box Key Control System on new construction and major remodeling or change in occupant projects.  To find out more about the Knox Box Program and how or what model knox box to purchase, please click on the link.  Code Enforcement / Knox Box Program