FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please contact our office at 253-851-3111 or submit a message using our Contact Us form.

How do I report a burn complaint? 

If you suspect an illegal burn, call 911 to dispatch the fire department. 

This will allow us to investigate, educate, and/or send on to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for further action and code enforcement.

To view the rules and regulations for residential burning in our jurisdiction (98332, 98333, and 98335) visit the Burn Permit & Outdoor Burning section of our website.

Where can I dispose a fire extinguisher, marine flare, or hazourdous waste? 

Hidden Valley Transfer Station

  • Accepts marine flares* and fire extinguishers.
  • 17925 Meridian Avenue E, Puyallup, WA 98375
  • (253) 847-7555
  • Free drop off (Tuesday and Thursday) 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • *Will only accept up to 5 marine flares per vehicle.

Tacoma Recovery Transfer Station

  • Does not accept marine flares, does accept fire extinguishers.
  • Visit their website for more details: Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide | City of Tacoma
  • 3510 S Mullen Street, Tacoma, WA 98409
  • (253) 502-2100
  • Free drop off of household hazardous waste (Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon) 8:00 am – 5:30 pm

Household Hazardous Waste Facility Kitsap County

  • Does not accept marine flares, does accept fire extinguishers.
  • 5551 Imperial Way SW, Bremerton, WA 98312
  • (360) 337-5777
  • Free drop off for households* (Thursday – Saturday) 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • *Large loads require an appointment.

Peninsula Fire & Safety

  • Does not accept marine flares, does accept fire extinguishers.
  • 371 NW Lindvig Way #107, Poulsbo, WA 98370
  • (360) 598-3300
  • Fee: $5.00 core charge per extinguisher

This List Was Last Updated 05/2024

What is your annual call volume? 

Calls responded to in 2025 - 7,860

Calls responded to in 2024 - 7,472

Calls responded to in 2023 – 7,095

Calls responded to in 2022 – 7,016

Calls responded to in 2021 – 6,316

Calls responded to in 2020 – 6,134

Do you get cats out of trees? 

While we understand the concern, we do not respond to calls for cats stuck in trees. Our crews need to stay available for emergencies that involve immediate risks to life, health, or property.

Cats often come down on their own. If you are worried, you can contact:

Do you offer fire station tours? 

If you are interested in a tour of one of our stations, please complete our Contact Us Form and submit the following information.

  1. Point of contact
  2. Phone
  3. How many children and ages
  4. Ideal date and time
  5. Which station are you hoping to tour
Where do I dispose of old medication? 

Gig Harbor City Hall / Gig Harbor Police Department 

  • Bin is located in the police department lobby
  • 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

For additional locations to dispose of old medication in a secure and safe way click here.

Can I donate stuffed animals? 

Yes. Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One accepts donations of small stuffed animals in new or like-new condition that may be provided to children during emergency incidents. At this time, however, we are fully stocked and are not accepting additional donations.

If you have stuffed animals you would like to donate, we encourage you to check with local police departments, children’s hospitals, or other community organizations, as they may also accept these types of donations.

Do you rent medical equipment or accept medical equipment donations? 

No. Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One does not rent, loan, or accept donations of medical equipment.

If you have medical equipment you would like to donate, you may want to contact local nursing homes or Lifting Spirits Helping Hands in Tacoma at 253-260-5186 to see if they are currently accepting donations.