Appleton Fire Department

08/31/2026

Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

08/22/2026

🔌 Dorm room + mini fridge + TV + gaming system + laptop + phone charger + whatever else you managed to fit in there...

Don't overload your outlets.

Use power strips with internal overload protection, and never use an extension cord to power large appliances like refrigerators.

If you're moving into a new place this semester, take a minute to make sure your electrical setup is safe.

08/20/2026

🎓 Heading back to campus?

Whether you’re moving into a dorm, apartment, or house, take a few minutes to check your new space for fire safety.

🔥 Know two ways out
🚨 Make sure smoke alarms are working
🚪 Keep exits and hallways clear
🔌 Don’t overload outlets or power strips
🍳 Stay in the kitchen while cooking
🕯️ Skip the candles and choose flameless options

A new semester comes with plenty to think about. Make fire safety one of them.

08/18/2026

Registration closing soon for Appleton HazMat Training Day!
The Appleton Fire Department will host HazMat Training Day on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Two sessions are available, and attendees only need to attend one:
Morning: 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon: 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Registration is open to fire department personnel in Outagamie, Calumet, and Manitowoc Counties. Attendance is limited to five members per department and 80 participants per session.

Please note: This training is for fire department personnel ONLY and is NOT open to the general public.

Registration closes Monday, August 24, 2026.
Space is limited, so register early using the QR code or https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/6hgWWG0yPZ

08/12/2026

A big thank you to Gold Cross Ambulance for supporting the Appleton Fire Department’s Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) Team with a $1,600 grant!

Our TEMS Team is made up of firefighter/paramedics who provide medical support alongside the Appleton Police Department during specialized operations and high risk incidents.

Grant funds will be used to purchase battery powered suction units that are more compact, portable, and better suited for the limited space and mobility needs of TEMS operations.

We appreciate Gold Cross Ambulance’s continued partnership and investment in emergency medical care in our community!

Pictured left to right: Division Chief Jahr, Captain Lee, Katie (GCA), Amanda (GCA), Firefighter Asimus, Nick (GCA), Firefighter Halloran, and Firefighter Rusch.

08/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 11, 2026

RESIDENTIAL FIRE IN APPLETON

{APPLETON, WIS., Tuesday, August 11, 2026} – Appleton Fire Department responds to an incident this afternoon.

At approximately 1:50 pm, Appleton Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in the 2600 block of North Bennett Street in Appleton.

The initial call indicated smoke was coming out of multiple windows. Upon arrival, crews found the home filled with smoke. Fire companies searched the home and confirmed no one was inside. Fire companies brought the fire under control within 10 minutes.

No injuries were reported. All occupants evacuated. Two cats were safely removed from the home , and one cat remains in a crawl space but appears to be unharmed.

Firefighters are working to determine a cause. Properly working smoke alarms were sounding. Damage to the building and contents are estimated to be $70,000. The Appleton Fire Department was assisted by the Appleton Police Department and Grand Chute Fire Department.

The Appleton Fire Department would like to stress that renters should invest in Renter’s Insurance, a cost effective way to get re-established, should a fire occur.
# # #

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Quintana
Public Information Officer
Appleton Fire Department
(920) 832-5816
[email protected]
www.appletonwi.gov/fire

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

August 7, 1929

Appleton fire crews answered an alarm for the Service Bakery on College Avenue where a kettle of grease was burning in the basement. Crews poured a tank of chemicals into the burning kettle then placed a cover over the top. While attempting to carry the kettle out of the basement, it accidentally overturned, spilling hot grease on Assistant Chief Michael Calnin and another firefighter. They dashed through a wall of flames to get to the steps and outside. Chief Calnin emerged from the building with his clothes on fire. Another firefighter wrapped the Chief in his own rubber bunker coat to extinguish the flames. Michael died at St Elizabeth Hospital from the burns he sustained, leaving behind his wife and children. He was 62 years old.

08/05/2026

Again, if you need ANYTHING, come and learn about the resources available in our community. You don't have to do it alone 💙