The Anchorage Fire Department

05/31/2026

Thank you, Merrill Field, for hosting the MRI Aviation Celebration! Our recruitment/outreach team had an incredible time interacting with the people we serve every day. Even though we currently aren't accepting applications for firefighters, it is important to cultivate and encourage people right here in our community to aspire to apply when the application period opens again.

Anchorage Firefighters

05/30/2026

❤️❤️❤️

They save lives every day and they’ve been showing up for heart health right alongside us. 🚒👨‍⚕️❤️

We enjoyed hanging out with the Anchorage Fire Department and Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute yesterday and helping them spread the word about the Alaska Heart Run & Walk this September 19.

05/30/2026

Great work today by crews from . The were the first on scene for a small wildland fire out in Eagle River. While rounded up other resources to back them up, the ER crew sized up the fire and made quick work of containing the fire. The rock stars from Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company came in hot to assist with resources and manpower. WE APPRECIATE YOU, CVFR! And, as always, thank you to Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP (AK DFFP) for responding and taking over mop up operations.
Even in moderate conditions, fires can get out of control. For local wildland fire danger and other prevention information, visit wildfire.muni.gov.
Here are a few pointers from AK DFFP:
• Be aware of burn permit suspensions and red flag warnings in your area before burning brush on your property. Check https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn for suspension alerts and safe burning practices.
• The Anchorage Municipality is partnering with AK DFFP and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in sponsoring free brush disposal sites, so brush and slash can be disposed of properly without the dangers of burning in dry, hot weather. For more information on the drop off sites check out Woody Debris & Lawn Waste Disposal App

05/30/2026

Great work today by the crew from . They were the first on scene for a small wildland fire in Eagle River. And, within minutes of them arriving, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP's helicopter arrived, circled overhead, and fed critical information to on scene.

While rounded up other resources to back the ER crew up, they sized up the creeping fire and made quick work of containing it. The rock stars from Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company came in hot to assist with resources and manpower on the ground. WE APPRECIATE YOU, CVFR! And, as always, thank you to AK DFFP for responding and taking over suppression and containment operations.

Shortly after AFD crews left the scene to AK DFFP, a small grass fire on Commercial Dr. sparked up. Our prepared men and women of the contained it in under 20 minutes then turned control over to AK DFFP.

Even in moderate conditions, fires can get out of control quick. For local wildland fire danger and other prevention information, visit wildfire.muni.gov.
Here are a few pointers from AK DFFP:
• Be aware of burn permit suspensions and red flag warnings in your area before burning brush on your property. Check https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn for suspension alerts and safe burning practices.
• The Anchorage Municipality is partnering with AK DFFP and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in sponsoring free brush disposal sites, so brush and slash can be disposed of properly without the dangers of burning in dry, hot weather. For more information on the drop off sites check out Woody Debris & Lawn Waste Disposal App.

05/29/2026

This week AMKUS Rescue Systems sent a representative with 25 years of technical experience up from southern California to help our staff train firefighters from our department and the fire departments that service the north slope and ConocoPhillips to meet the requirements and standards for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) auto extrication awareness and operations level.

Many entities deserve thanks for contributing to the many pieces of preparation and ex*****on to make the training possible:

Thank you to the Public Works Anchorage Street Maintenance. They graded the road, provided recycled asphalt, and cleaned our drain. They also donated some out-of-spec jersey barriers for the auto extrication pad.

Thank you to the fire departments that service the north slope and ConocoPhillips. They contributed to the purchase of gravel to make a proper training pad.

Thank you to NC Machine Rental for working with us on equipment rental to prep our site and do a spring cleaning.

Thank you to Eagle Solutions Inc. for the loan of some amazing new Amkus tools to allow multiple scenarios to run simultaneously. In addition, he shared his wealth of knowledge with the students.

Thank you to Preston, from Amkus Rescue Systems, who traveled from southern California to support us with tools.

Thank you to Firefighters Pasternak, Vega, and Mcleod who were our extrication instructors.

Thank you to all the staff at the for supporting this massive training effort!

And, last but not least, all of the firefighters who showed up eager to learn with a positive attitude about learning new skills.

05/29/2026

This is a special . Div. Chief Oral Scott shows how the adapted the rigs used by our Medical Services Officers for a new live-saving service offered in our community: Blood Product Transfusions.

The success of the program relies heavily on a healthy supply of plasma which is only made possible if our community gives the gift of blood and plasma donations to the Blood Bank of Alaska . Please consider donating in memory of Firefighter Elliott Taylor: https://www.bloodbankofalaska.org/donate-blood/

The new field blood product program marks a transformative advancement in prehospital care for patients experiencing life-threatening blood loss. Our emergency medical services have long been defined by a progressive, solution-oriented approach, and this capability brings critical, lifesaving treatment directly to patients at the scene — where every second counts.

We are proud to advance this program in honor of Firefighter Elliott Taylor who died from massive blood loss while off duty following a tragic accident. As the concept of this blood product program unfolded, AFD deemed it fitting to administer the program in Elliott’s honor to highlight the need for ongoing blood and plasma donations. His experience highlights the value of blood product administration in critically hemorrhaging patients.

If you don't live in the Anchorage area, blood and plasma donation is still a critical lifesaving gift. Please consider finding your nearest blood bank to schedule reoccurring donation appointments!

05/28/2026

🔔🔔In Memoriam🔔🔔
Ret. Spenard Fire Chief Thomas Dunnigan
May 28, 1967

On this day in 1967, an early morning fire consumed the Spenard Builders Supply triggering five engine companies and an aerial unit to respond. Upon arrival, the firefighters found the structure fully engulfed. Forty-five minutes into the suppression efforts, one of the volunteer firefighters battling the blaze, Ret. Spenard Fire Chief Thomas Dunnigan, died instantly when he stepped on a downed powerline on scene.

Thomas Dunnigan, born in Walla Walla, Washington, moved to Anchorage in 1953. He became a volunteer firefighter with the Spenard Volunteer Fire Department. He was elected as Spenard Fire Chief in 1961, a position he held until 1965, when the Greater Anchorage Area Borough contracted with the city to provide fire protection for the Spenard service district.

Chief Dunnigan was one of the founders and a Charter member of the Alaska State Firefighters Association. Thank you for your service, sir.

📸Photo Credit: Fire photos courtesy of The Anchorage Times

Anchorage Firefighters

05/28/2026

🚨🌲 Wildfire Wednesday is here 🌲🚨

This week, we’re talking about two important things:

🔥 Current fire danger conditions — and yes… we are trending higher.
💧 FREE wildfire sprinkler kits — the rumors are true.

In this episode, learn how embers can ignite homes far from the main fire, how firefighters use sprinkler kits during wildfire incidents, and how Anchorage WUI residents can get on the list for a free kit this summer.

Now is the time to prepare before smoke is in the air.

Girdwood Fire and Rescue Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Anchorage Office of Emergency Management Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP

05/28/2026

Anchorage Police Department’s Anchorage Cops for Community (AC4C) and Anchorage Firefighters IAFF Local 1264 presented a check for $64,752.82 to Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital today. These funds were generated from community support of the 2026 Anchorage Guns N' Hoses charity hockey game held earlier this year at Sullivan Arena.

More than 60 businesses contributed as sponsors of the game and individual player jerseys. A huge thank you to AC4C, IAFF Local 1264, Providence Alaska Foundation, and all game sponsors and patrons for coming together to support the children's hospital and have a great time as a community!

The 2026 Guns N’ Hoses Game was brought to you by Platinum level sponsors Alaska Airlines, ConocoPhillips, Wren and the Raven and IAFF 1264. Gold level sponsors included Alaska Peace Officers Association, Chugach Electric, Matson,
Alaska Shoulder and Orthopedic Institute, Gameday Men's Health, Anchorage Cops for Community, and ginger.

A sincere thank you to each and every one of Anchorage Guns N' Hoses sponsors for raising money to contribute to this worthy cause.

Anchorage Police Department

05/26/2026

🚨🚨ELLIOTT TAYLOR BLOOD PROGRAM and DRIVE🚨🚨
❤️❤️Donate in Elliott's Memory❤️❤️
The Anchorage Fire Department is proud to announce a new live-saving service offered in our community. The Elliott Taylor field blood product program marks a transformative advancement in prehospital care for patients experiencing life-threatening blood loss. Our emergency medical services have long been defined by a progressive, solution-oriented approach, and this capability brings critical, lifesaving treatment directly to patients at the scene — where every second counts.

The program and a perpetual blood drive is in honor of Firefighter Elliott Taylor. His tragic passing serves as a powerful reminder of why rapid access to blood products can mean the difference between life and death. Firefighter Taylor's legacy lives on in this work, and his memory will continue to inspire us as we strive for better outcomes for the patients and community we serve.

The success of the program relies heavily on a healthy supply of plasma which is only made possible if our community gives the gift of blood and plasma donations to the Blood Bank of Alaska. Please consider donating in memory of Firefighter Elliott Taylor.

Elliott Taylor was an AFD firefighter who died tragically from an accidental incident off duty which led to massive blood loss. As the concept of this blood product program unfolded, AFD deemed it fitting to administer the program in Elliott’s honor to highlight the need for ongoing blood donation. His experience highlights the value of blood product administration in the critically hemorrhaging patient.

“The Anchorage Fire Department’s new field blood product program represents a major step forward in how we care for patients suffering from a loss of blood. Our emergency medical service is progressive and solution oriented, and this capability allows us to bring lifesaving treatment directly to the scene when every second matters,” said Chief Doug Schrage, Anchorage Fire Department. “We are proud to advance this work in honor of Firefighter Elliott Taylor. His tragic loss underscores exactly why rapid access to blood products can make a profound difference, and his legacy continues to drive us toward better outcomes for our community.”

“Blood Bank of Alaska is dedicated to serving the state and sustaining its emergency response network. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Anchorage Fire Department, whose tireless efforts protect our residents,” said CEO Robert Scanlon, Blood Bank of Alaska. “They are an invaluable, life-saving asset to every organization across Anchorage.”

Plasma is a potentially lifesaving therapy for patients suffering hemorrhage from both traumatic and medical causes. Post partum hemorrhage and GI bleeding are examples of medical causes of blood loss.

Anchorage Fire Department: Serving our Community Before, During, and After an Emergency

Special thanks to the Anchorage Firefighters Union for donating a station at the blood bank, which will host a plaque to remind people why they are making the critical, potentially life-saving donation.

Learn how to donate at https://www.bloodbankofalaska.org/donate-blood/

Blood Bank of Alaska Anchorage Firefighters