Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers. Still stuck? Contact us and we'll help.
General
What does South Foster Volunteer Fire Company do?
We provide 911 fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services for the Town of Foster, Rhode Island. Our fire company is volunteer; our EMS division, Foster EMS, is career-staffed around the clock. Learn more on our About page.
Is South Foster Fire the only fire company that covers Foster?
No — the Town of Foster has three fire districts: South Foster (Station #1), Foster Center (Station #3), and Moosup Valley (Station #2). Foster EMS answers every 911 medical call townwide. See the district map and contacts on our Burn Permits page.
Where is the station, and how do I reach you?
5 Mt. Hygeia Road, Foster, RI 02825. For non-emergency questions, see our Contact page. In an emergency, always call 911.
Membership
How do I join the company?
Stop by the station on a Tuesday evening around 7:30 PM to pick up an application and meet some members. No prior experience is needed — we train you, and the company covers the cost of state and national certification. Details on the Membership page.
What's the minimum age to join?
14. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian's written permission.
Training & meetings
When do you meet or train?
Every Tuesday evening at the station. The first Tuesday of the month is the company business meeting (7:00 PM); every other Tuesday is training night. See the calendar on our Training page.
Foster EMS
Who provides ambulance service in Foster?
South Foster Volunteer Fire Company, operating as “South Foster Fire Department #1 DBA Foster EMS.” It's career-staffed around the clock. Details on our Foster EMS page.
I have a question about my ambulance bill — who do I call?
Ambulance billing is handled by Coronis Healthcare at 401-572-3120.
Can I see how many calls Foster EMS runs?
Yes — we publish aggregate, de-identified call statistics on our EMS Run Statistics page. No patient information is included.
Burn permits
Do I need a permit to burn brush on my property?
Yes. A permit is required for any open burning in Foster, and it only covers brush — not trash, lumber, or other combustible materials. Full details on our Burn Permits page.
How do I get a burn permit?
Call the fire department for your district (South Foster, Foster Center, or Moosup Valley) during daylight hours, after that day's fire-danger classification has been announced. Phone numbers and the district map are on our Burn Permits page.
Smoke & CO detector inspections
Do you inspect home smoke and CO detectors?
Yes. South Foster firefighters will come to your house to check your alarms for $30. Request one on our Smoke & CO Detector Inspections page.
Hall rental
Can I rent the company hall for an event?
Yes — capacity is 122 people. Rates, availability, and the request form are on our Hall Rental page.
Fall Foliage Road Race
When is the road race, and how do I register?
The 14th Annual Fall Foliage 5K & 10K is Saturday, October 17, 2026, in historic Foster Center. Register online, download a mail-in form, or check sponsorship levels on our Road Race page.
Donations
How can I support the company financially?
See current giving options on our Donate page. The Town of Foster funds part of our operation; the rest comes from donations and community fundraising.