Frequently Asked Questions
The list below of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers are intended to address the most common questions about the Fire District. If you have a question that is not answered here, you may email info@uppercaptivafire.org and we will reply to your inquiry promptly.
Fire Safety
Are Bon fires allowed on the island?
All open fires are to be contained within a designated and constructed fire pit. No other burning is allowed on the island. This includes beaches, or other areas that do not have an enclosed fire pit.
Are fireworks allowed on the island?
Fireworks are allowed as per Florida law. ONLY privately purchased fireworks are allowed on ONLY the following dates: New Years Eve, New Years Day, and July 4. Violations are subject to enforcement by Lee County Sheriff’s office and the Upper Captiva Fire Department.
Miscellaneous
Are donations to the Fire District tax deductible?
The Internal Revenue Service states that “Charitable contributions to governmental units are tax-deductible under section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code if made for a public purpose.”
The IRS also provides “a “governmental information letter” that “describes government entity exemption from Federal income tax and cites applicable Internal Revenue Code sections pertaining to deductible contributions and income exclusion. Most organizations and individuals will accept the governmental information letter as the substantiation they need.”
Details are at https://www.irs.gov/government-entities/federal-state-local-governments/governmental-information-letter.
You may view a copy of the IRS Entity Letter on Tax Deductibility of Donations for the UCFRD by clicking HERE.
If the fire department handles fire and EMS emergencies, who handles law enforcement issues on the island?
The Lee County Sheriff’s office has jurisdiction and deputies that enforce laws on the island.
Which beaches are public?
This is best answered by your host as this varies from location to location.
Public Health
How can I tell if there is mold in my home?
- Search areas where you notice mold odors, if you smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem.
- Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled.
- Look for visible mold growth as it may appear cottony, velvety, rough or leathery and have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow or green.
- Mold often emerges as a staining or fuzzy growth on furniture or building materials, such as walls, ceilings or anything made of wood or paper.
Emergency Care
If I have a critical emergency, what do I do?
For ALL emergencies, please call 911. Your necessary resources will be dispatched to you. If you have a critical emergency, EMS care is provided by the fire department, depending on weather and your condition, you may be flown via medical helicopter to the most appropriate emergency facility.
Those of lower acuity or if weather conditions prohibit flying, you will be transported by fire department boat to Pineland Marina.
If I have a minor medical emergency, how do I get medical care?
Minor medical issues require ferry passage to Pine Island or Lee Co-op marina, then travel to an urgent care in Cape Coral.
Is there an Urgent Care facility on the island?
No, the only medical services are the emergency medical services provided for by the fire department.