Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to keeping our community safe, informed, and prepared.

This FAQ page provides answers to the questions we hear most often about fire prevention, inspections, permits, and safety guidelines.

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or developer, you’ll find helpful information to support your fire and life safety needs.

Neighbor Concerns 

I believe my neighbor's house is a fire hazard — like high, uncut grass or overgrown vegetation. What do I do?

Please call Hillsboro Police Code Enforcement's non-emergency line at 503-629-0111 to report the concern.

What do I do if my neighbors are setting off illegal fireworks (no fire)?

Please call the Washington County Non-Emergency line at 503-629-0111 to report it.

I believe my neighbor is burning illegal materials in their fire pit. What do I do?

Hillsboro allows small recreational fires in fire pits, chimineas, and barbecues, but only with acceptable fuels: cut firewood, charcoal, manufactured fire logs, wood pellets, natural gas, or propane. Burning trash, yard debris, or other waste is prohibited year-round under City ordinance and state regulation, and materials such as plastics, tires or rubber, treated wood, garbage, wire insulation, waste oil, and similar items are always illegal to burn.

To report an illegal burn, smoke, or air quality concern, file an online complaint with the Oregon DEQ or call 888-997-7888. For general questions about local burning rules, residents can also contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 503-615-6746.

Public Safety Emergencies

I'm locked out of my car or apartment. Can you get me in?

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue does not respond to routine vehicle or apartment lockouts; a locksmith or roadside assistance provider is the appropriate resource. The department does respond when a person, child, or pet is locked inside a vehicle or residence and may be in danger, such as in hot weather. In a life-threatening situation, please call 911 immediately.

Car Seats

I was told I could come to any fire station and they could adjust my car seat. Is that true?

Not at any fire station — car seat installation and inspection must be done by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and consultations are by appointment only. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue is a member of the Washington County Injury Prevention Professionals Coalition, which offers car seat checkup events. Please email CRR@hillsboro-oregon.gov or call 503-681-6178 to schedule an appointment.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

How often do I need to change the batteries in my battery-operated smoke detector?

Test smoke alarms once a month using the test button, not just when the clocks change. If the alarm has a removable battery, replace it at least once a year, and replace it right away if the alarm chirps to signal a low battery. Smoke alarms with a sealed, long-life battery are designed to last up to 10 years. Regardless of battery type, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 10 years.

How many smoke detectors do I need for my home?

Install a smoke alarm inside every bedroom, in the hallway or area outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including a finished basement. Where sleeping areas are far apart or on different levels, install an alarm near each one.

Who do I call if I think there's a carbon monoxide issue at my home? My CO detector keeps going off.

Treat every carbon monoxide alarm as real. Move everyone outside to fresh air right away and call 911 from a safe location. Do not reenter the home, and do not try to find the source of the CO, until emergency responders say it is safe to go back in.

Disposal and Hazardous Materials

How do I get rid of fireplace ashes?

Treat all ashes as hot, even if they look cool. Allow them to cool for at least several days before disposal, since a pile of ashes can hold enough heat to reignite well after a fire is out. Place the cooled ashes in a covered metal container kept outdoors on a non-combustible surface, such as concrete, at least 10 feet from the home or other combustible materials. Never store ashes in a plastic or paper container, and never use a vacuum to clean them up.

How do I dispose of lithium-ion batteries?

Never put lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash or recycling cart loose, as damage during collection or sorting can start a fire. In Hillsboro, undamaged household batteries, including lithium and lithium-ion batteries, can be recycled curbside: tape the battery ends, place them in a sealed quart-size plastic bag, and set the bag on top of the glass in the recycling bin on collection day. Damaged, swollen, or leaking batteries should not go curbside; take those to a household hazardous waste collection event or drop-off location instead.

How do I get rid of hazardous waste?

Do not bring hazardous waste to a fire station such as expired or malfunctioning smoke or smoke/CO alarms or unusable fire extinguishers. Visit Metro's household hazardous waste page for disposal options: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/waste-disposal-and-prevention/need-get-rid-something/household-hazardous-waste.

Mobile Food Units (Food Trucks & Food Carts)

Do I really need an inspection if I already passed one last year?

Yes. This is a recurring maintenance inspection, similar to the inspections required for restaurants and other commercial kitchens. Keeping your unit current protects you, your staff, and your customers, and keeps your inspection decal valid.

Can I just get inspected the day of my event instead of scheduling ahead?

No. Inspections are by appointment only, and drop-in inspections cannot be accommodated. Please call 503-615-6746 or email FirePrevention@hillsboro-oregon.gov to schedule before your event date.

My food truck is based in another city, but I'm coming to Hillsboro for an event. Do I need a Hillsboro inspection?

Yes. Any mobile food unit operating within Hillsboro — including units visiting for a single event — must meet Hillsboro's fire and life safety inspection requirements.

Where does the inspection happen?

We can inspect your unit on-site at the location where you operate, or, if your unit is mobile, you can bring it to Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Ronler Acres Fire Station 3, 4455 NE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

My unit operates in a food cart pod. Do I still need my own inspection?

Yes. Each individual unit in a food cart pod needs its own inspection, and the pod as a whole is also inspected.

What are the most common reasons units don't pass inspection?

The three most common critical issues are: 1) gas leaks, 2) a missing or out-of-date fire extinguisher, and 3) a missing carbon monoxide detector where one is required by code. All three are preventable with regular self-checks.

What happens if my unit doesn't pass?

Depending on the nature of the issue, your unit may be eligible for a temporary permit, valid for up to 90 days, while you make corrections. Our inspectors will walk you through exactly what needs to be fixed.

What do I get if I pass?

Your unit receives an adhesive decal to display, showing that it has been inspected and meets Hillsboro's current fire and life safety standards.

What code requirements apply to my unit?

Mobile food units and food cart pods operating in Hillsboro must comply with the 2025 Oregon Fire Code, Mobile Food Units, as adopted and amended by the City of Hillsboro through Hillsboro Municipal Code.

How do I schedule an inspection?

Call the Fire Marshal's Office at 503-615-6746 or email FirePrevention@hillsboro-oregon.gov. Inspections are by appointment only.

Fire Code Compliance & Inspections

Are small propane grills or electric food smokers that use wood chips allowed on apartment balconies?

Generally, no for propane grills. Under the Oregon Fire Code, open-flame cooking devices, including propane grills, charcoal grills, and similar wood-fueled smokers, may not be used on a combustible balcony or within 10 feet of the building in multi-family housing, unless the building is fully sprinklered. Listed electric grills and smokers are typically allowed, since they do not produce an open flame, though the property owner or management company may impose stricter rules. Residents with questions about a specific setup should contact the Fire Marshal's Office.

What is your fire department's ISO rating?

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue's Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification reflects an evaluation of the department's staffing, training, equipment, water supply, and emergency communications. Because this rating can change after a periodic ISO review, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office directly or check with your insurance provider for the current classification.

Why did my business receive a fire inspection?

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue conducts fire and life safety inspections to help ensure businesses comply with applicable fire codes and maintain a safe environment for employees, customers, and visitors.

How often will my business be inspected?

Inspection frequency varies depending on the occupancy type, fire risk, and applicable code requirements. Some occupancies are inspected annually, while others may require more frequent inspections.

What happens if violations are found during an inspection?

If violations are identified, the Deputy Fire Marshal will provide documentation describing the issue and the corrective action required. Most violations can be corrected within a specified timeframe, and a follow-up inspection may be conducted to verify compliance.

How do I schedule or reschedule an inspection?

Please contact the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal's Office for assistance with scheduling or rescheduling inspections.

Can I request a fire and life safety consultation for my business?

Yes. The Fire Marshal's Office can provide guidance on fire code requirements, fire protection systems, and life safety issues to help businesses maintain compliance and improve safety.

Operational Permits & Fire Permits

What is an operational permit?

An operational permit is a permit issued by the Fire Marshal's Office for specific activities, operations, materials, or conditions regulated by the fire code. It provides documentation of compliance and helps ensure ongoing fire and life safety oversight.

Why is Hillsboro Fire & Rescue implementing operational permits?

Operational permits are being introduced as part of a soft launch aligned with OpenHillsboro, the City's new online permitting and development services platform. They improve documentation, permit tracking, and communication while aligning more closely with fire code requirements.

Do operational permits create new requirements for my business?

No. Operational permits do not create new rules or change how businesses are expected to operate. They provide a more consistent way to document and manage activities that are already regulated by the fire code.

Is there a fee for an operational permit?

No. At this time, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue is not charging fees for operational permits.

Will I receive reminders when my permit is due for renewal?

Yes. OpenHillsboro provides notifications at 90, 60, and 30 days before permit renewals and scheduled inspections. Notifications are sent to both the business and the assigned Deputy Fire Marshal.

How do I know if my business needs an operational permit?

The Fire Marshal's Office can help determine whether your operation requires a permit. Permit requirements vary based on the type of business, materials used, and activities conducted on-site.

What types of activities commonly require permits?

Examples may include:

• Hazardous material storage or use
• Hot work operations (welding, cutting, grinding)
• Commercial cooking operations
• Spray finishing operations
• Temporary membrane structures and tents
• Battery energy storage systems
• Certain industrial processes 

Permit requirements vary and should be confirmed with the Fire Marshal's Office.

When should I contact the Fire Marshal's Office during a construction project?

The Fire Marshal's Office should be involved early in the development process. Fire and life safety requirements are often reviewed during land use, building permit, and site development review processes.

Does the Fire Marshal's Office review building plans?

Yes. Fire prevention staff review plans for new construction, tenant improvements, fire protection systems, access requirements, water supply, and other fire and life safety considerations.

Do I need approval before modifying my building?

Possibly. Changes involving occupancy, floor plans, exits, fire protection systems, hazardous materials, or building use may require permits and review by the Fire Marshal's Office.

What are fire access roads and fire lanes?

Fire access roads and fire lanes provide emergency vehicle access to buildings and must remain unobstructed at all times. Maintaining clear access helps ensure firefighters can respond quickly during emergencies.

Temporary Events, Tents & Special Activities

Do I need a permit for a temporary event?

Many temporary events require review and approval by Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, especially those involving large crowds, tents, food vendors, cooking operations, generators, or temporary structures.

Do I need a permit for a tent or canopy?

Permits may be required for tents and membrane structures depending on size, occupancy, and use. Additional requirements may apply for exits, emergency access, and flame-resistant materials.

Can I use fireworks in Hillsboro?

Fireworks regulations are governed by Oregon law and local regulations. Certain fireworks may be prohibited or restricted. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office for current requirements before purchasing or using fireworks.

Do food trucks require fire inspections?

Food trucks that use cooking equipment, propane systems, generators, or other fire-related equipment may require inspection and approval before operating at events.

Fire Protection Systems

What should I do if my fire alarm system is out of service?

Contact your alarm service provider immediately. Depending on the duration of the impairment, you may also be required to notify the Fire Marshal's Office and implement a fire watch.

What should I do if my sprinkler system is impaired?

Notify your sprinkler service provider immediately and contact the Fire Marshal's Office if the impairment cannot be quickly restored. Additional safety measures may be required.

What is a fire watch?

A fire watch is a temporary measure used when a fire protection system is impaired. Trained personnel continuously monitor the building for signs of fire and initiate emergency procedures if needed.

Are fire extinguishers required in my business?

Most commercial occupancies are required to have portable fire extinguishers. They must be properly located, maintained, and serviced according to applicable standards

Residential Fire Safety

Are smoke alarms required in homes?

Yes. Smoke alarms are required in residential occupancies and should be installed, tested, and maintained according to current building and fire code requirements.

How often should I replace smoke alarms?

Most smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.

Does Hillsboro Fire & Rescue offer home fire safety information?

Yes. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue provides educational resources to help residents prevent fires, prepare for emergencies, and improve safety at home. Visit the Safety & Community page.

How can I learn about wildfire preparedness?

Residents and community members can access wildfire preparedness information, defensible space recommendations, evacuation planning resources, and local wildfire risk information through Hillsboro Fire & Rescue and partner agencies. Visit the Wildfire Safety page.

Fire Investigations & Records

Does Hillsboro Fire & Rescue investigate fires?

Yes. Fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires and work with law enforcement, insurance representatives, and property owners when appropriate.

How can I obtain a fire report?

Fire reports may be requested through the City's records request process. Some records may be subject to public records laws and privacy restrictions.

How do I report a fire hazard or fire code concern?

Community members may contact the Fire Marshal's Office to report potential fire hazards or fire code concerns. Staff will review the information and determine whether follow-up action is needed.

Contact the Fire Marshal's Office

How can I contact the Fire Marshal's Office?

The Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal's Office can assist with inspections, operational permits, fire code questions, development review, fire protection systems, temporary events, and general fire safety concerns. Please contact our office during normal business hours for assistance.

Operational Permits

The Fire Marshal's Office at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue is introducing operational permits as part of a soft launch aligned with OpenHillsboro, the City of Hillsboro's new digital hub for permitting and development services.

An operational permit is a fire code permit issued for specific activities, operations, materials, or conditions that require ongoing oversight to help ensure compliance with the adopted fire code. Operational permits provide a formal record of activities that may present fire and life safety hazards and help the Fire Marshal's Office maintain accurate information about businesses and operations within the community.

For businesses already operating in compliance with applicable fire code requirements, operational permits do not create new rules, expectations, or operational requirements. Rather, they provide a more consistent and transparent process for documenting activities that are already regulated by the fire code.

The implementation of operational permits offers several benefits for both business owners and the Fire Marshal's Office, including:

• Improved alignment with adopted fire code requirements and permitting practices.
• Enhanced documentation and recordkeeping for both the business owner and the Fire Marshal's Office.
• Better tracking of permit status, inspections, and compliance activities.
• Automated notifications sent 90, 60, and 30 days before permit renewals and scheduled business inspections, helping both the business owner and the assigned Deputy Fire Marshal stay informed and prepared.

As Hillsboro Fire & Rescue continues to modernize its services through OpenHillsboro, operational permits will help streamline processes, improve communication, and support the shared goal of maintaining a safe community while minimizing administrative burdens on businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an operational permit?

An operational permit is a permit issued by the Fire Marshal's Office for specific activities, operations, materials, or conditions regulated by the fire code. It provides documentation that an operation has been reviewed and helps ensure ongoing compliance with fire and life safety requirements.

Why is Hillsboro Fire & Rescue implementing operational permits?

Operational permits help align the Fire Marshal's Office with current fire code requirements and industry best practices. They also improve documentation, recordkeeping, communication, and permit tracking through the City's new OpenHillsboro permitting system.

Does this create new requirements for my business?

No. Operational permits do not create new rules, expectations, or operational requirements. Businesses are still expected to comply with the same fire code requirements that existed before the operational permit program was implemented.

Do I need to change how my business operates?

No. For businesses already operating in compliance with applicable fire code requirements, operational permits are primarily an administrative and documentation tool. They do not change how your business is expected to operate.

Why am I being asked to obtain an operational permit now if I didn't need one before?

Many activities have long required permits under the fire code, but documentation and tracking methods have evolved over time. The operational permit program provides a more consistent and transparent way to document and manage those requirements.

What types of businesses or operations may require an operational permit?

Examples may include businesses that store or use hazardous materials, conduct hot work operations, operate commercial cooking systems, use specialized equipment, or engage in other activities regulated by the fire code. Permit requirements vary based on the specific operation and occupancy.

How do I know if my business needs an operational permit?

The Fire Marshal's Office can help determine whether your business or operation requires an operational permit. Businesses may also be notified during inspections, plan review, or permit application processes.

How do I apply for an operational permit?

Applications are submitted through OpenHillsboro, the City's online permitting and development services portal. The system allows applicants to submit information, track permit status, and receive notifications electronically.

Will operational permits affect fire inspections?

Operational permits do not change the Fire Marshal's Office inspection program. However, they provide better tracking and documentation of inspections and compliance activities associated with regulated operations.

How long is an operational permit valid?

Most operational permits are issued for a defined period and require renewal. Permit holders will receive automated notifications before the permit expires.

Will I receive reminders when my permit is due for renewal?

Yes. OpenHillsboro automatically sends notifications 90, 60, and 30 days before permit renewal deadlines and scheduled inspections. Notifications are sent to the business and the assigned Deputy Fire Marshal.

What are the benefits of the new operational permit system?

Benefits include:

• Improved alignment with fire code requirements.
• Better documentation and recordkeeping.
• Easier access to permit information.
• Automated renewal and inspection reminders.
• Improved communication between businesses and the Fire Marshal's Office.
• More efficient permit management through OpenHillsboro.

Is there a fee for an operational permit?

No. There are currently no fees associated with operational permits issued by the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal's Office. As part of this soft launch, operational permits are being implemented to improve documentation, communication, and alignment with fire code requirements, not to create additional costs for businesses. 

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions about operational permits or whether your business requires one, please contact the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal's Office for assistance.

Mobile Food Unit (Food Truck & Food Cart) Inspections

If you own or operate a food truck, food cart, or other mobile food unit in Hillsboro, your unit is required to pass a fire and life safety inspection — the same standard maintenance inspection required of any commercial kitchen in the City. This section explains why these inspections matter, what to expect, and how to schedule one.

Why we inspect mobile food units

Mobile food units pack a full commercial kitchen — propane or other fuel sources, generators, hot oil, and electrical equipment — into a small, often mobile space. The 2025 Oregon Fire Code (OFC), as adopted and amended by the City of Hillsboro (Hillsboro Municipal Code), requires mobile food units and food cart pods to meet specific fire and life safety standards. Regular inspection helps protect you, your staff, and the public from fires, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide exposure.

This is not a new or special program. It's a normal maintenance inspection — part of the same ongoing inspection cycle Hillsboro Fire & Rescue uses for restaurants and other commercial occupancies citywide.

Who needs an inspection?

• Food trucks and food carts that operate regularly within the city limits of Hillsboro.
• Food trucks and food carts based outside Hillsboro that travel into the city to operate, including for organized community events.
• Units operating in an established food cart pod in Hillsboro. (The food cart pod as a whole is also inspected.)

How to schedule an inspection

Inspections are by appointment only. Drop-in inspections cannot be accommodated, so please schedule ahead of any event or planned operating date.

1. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 503-615-6746 to request an inspection.
2. Let us know whether you would like your unit inspected on-site at your regular operating location, or at Ronler Acres Fire Station 3 (4455 NE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97124), if your unit is mobile.
3. We'll confirm a date and time that works for your schedule.

What we look for

Our inspectors review your unit for compliance with the 2025 Oregon Fire Code and Hillsboro Municipal Code. The most common issues we find — and the easiest to prevent — are:

• Gas leaks — LP-gas and other fuel systems must be properly connected, maintained, and leak-free.
• Missing or out-of-date fire extinguishers — an approved, properly rated, and currently serviced fire extinguisher must be on board and accessible.
• Missing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors — required when your unit uses a generator or other fuel-burning appliance in an enclosed space.

After your inspection 

• Pass: Your unit receives an adhesive decal to display, indicating to customers and event organizers that it meets Hillsboro's fire and life safety standards.
• Issues found: Depending on the nature of the issue, your unit may be eligible for a temporary permit, valid for up to 90 days, while you make corrections. Our inspectors will explain exactly what needs to be fixed and help you get there.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Permits

The Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal has a separate permitting process that requires a signature from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue and Hillsboro Planning Department for the following installations:

• Installation of an above ground fuel tank over 1,000 gallons in either individual or aggregate quantities.
• Installation of a liquefied petroleum gas container over 2,000 gallons water capacity or the aggregate capacity of containers over 4,000 gallons water capacity. 

Above Ground Tank Application and Installation Guideline (Oregon State Fire Marshal)

Please contact our office at 503-615-6746 for submittal instructions.

Alternate Methods and Materials

The Oregon Fire Code Section grants the fire code official the authority to consider alternatives to or modifications of the code where the alternate is at least equivalent to the prescribed code.

To request an alternative to or modification of the Oregon Fire Code, please submit an application through the plan review process.   

Fire Investigation

Fire investigations are conducted on all fires to determine fire origin, cause, and circumstance in compliance with Oregon Revised Statue 476.210.  

The Fire Marshal's Office investigates more than 100 fires annually; focusing on more challenging fires that may include arson, injuries, fatalities, or high dollar loses. 

By investigating fires we learn valuable information needed to prevent future fires and guide our fire prevention education efforts. 

Reporting a Fire

If you have a fire or if you are uncertain the fire is extinguished, immediately evacuate the area or structure, and call 911.  

To report extinguished fires, please call the non-emergency dispatch number 503-629-0111 and leave the area undisturbed until you have spoken with a fire investigator from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue.  

Request a Fire Investigation Report

Requests for fire investigation reports are handled through the City's Public Records Request program with the City Recorder's Office.