Hampton Fire Division Invites Residents Behind the Scenes with Citizen Fire Academy
Plus, fire pit regulations, new fire station opens in Wythe; CARES Team expands response to mental health emergencies
Residents of Hampton have the unique opportunity to experience the life of a firefighter through the Citizen Fire Academy, a free, immersive eight-week program hosted by the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue. The initiative is part of the division’s broader commitment to community engagement and public safety innovation.
Participants in the Citizen Fire Academy get up close and personal with real-world emergency scenarios. From operating the Jaws of Life and climbing a 100-foot tower truck to stepping aboard a fire boat, attendees learn firsthand what it takes to respond to fire and EMS emergencies in the city.
“This program gives the public a deeper understanding of our work—and for some, it’s the first step toward a future career in fire or rescue,” said a department representative. The academy welcomes residents of all backgrounds, and teens as young as 16 are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian, helping to spark early interest in public safety professions.
The academy is held once a year for eight consecutive weeks, and registration is now open through a city-hosted link. Additional details can be requested by emailing the Fire Division directly.
Fire Pit Regulations Updated for Safer Burning
The Fire Division also reminds residents of updated open burning and fire pit regulations. Key rules include:
Pits must be no larger than 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall.
Portable pits must be placed 15 feet from structures; permanent ones must be 25 feet away.
Fires must be attended at all times, with extinguishing equipment nearby.
Burning yard waste, leaves, or items collected by Public Works is prohibited.
The city enforces the 4 PM Burning Law, which allows outdoor burning only between 4 p.m. and midnight from February 15 to April 30. The Fire Department will no longer intervene in smoke complaints when rules are followed, instead referring residents to local and state fire codes.
New Wythe Fire Station #3 Brings Modern Response Capabilities
The city also celebrated the grand opening of the new Wythe Fire Station #3 on July 11, 2025, marking a major investment in infrastructure and emergency response. The 17,000-square-foot facility features four pull-through bays, private climate-controlled bunkrooms, backup power, and historically themed community spaces honoring local Indigenous heritage and Wythe’s oyster industry.
Described as “more than a building” by city leaders, the new station replaces an aging facility and reflects the city’s long-term vision for public safety, resilience, and community pride.
CARES Team Launches Mental Health Crisis Response Pilot
In another step toward innovative public safety reform, the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue launched the Community Assistance Response (CARES) Team on May 8, 2025. The program pairs a behavioral health clinician with an emergency medical responder to address non-violent mental or behavioral health crises.
Operating on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the CARES Team aims to reduce the need for police involvement in mental health emergencies, de-escalate high-stress situations, and connect individuals with appropriate care services. The model follows statewide guidance under the Marcus Alert system, created in 2020 to improve outcomes in mental health-related emergency calls.
A Hampton Daily contributor produced this post with AI and these primary sources:
Citizen Fire Academy
Learn about the new open burning regulations
Hampton celebrates ribbon cutting for new Wythe Fire Station #3
New CARES Team will respond to behavioral health calls
