Northwest St. Clair County Fire Protection District

06/04/2026

At 1051 this morning, the Northwest Fire District with automatic aid of Signal Hill Fire Dept responded to the Belleville Humane Society for the smell of something burning in the laundry room. No smoke or fire was seen. Multiple Northwest Fire units along with Signal Hill’s Fire Chief and an engine responded to the scene. Units arrived on scene and determined the burning smell was coming from one of the dryers. The dryer was isolated and taken out of service. Building was turned back over to staff and resumed normal operations.

At no point was there any threats to the animals within the shelter. Staff did an amazing job of isolating the animals and assisting us on scene. Thank you to the humane society for their assistance today and what you do for the community.

As always, thank you to the Signal Hill Fire Dept for their assistance.

06/03/2026

During our annual appreciation dinner and award ceremony, we presented retired Captain Rick Meister and retired Firefighter Mat Missey with their retirement helmets. Captain Meister served the fire protection district for 41 years and Firefighter Missey served the fire protection district for 15 years. Thank you both for the countless hours you spent at trainings, fire calls, and PR events. Most importantly, thank you to your families for understanding the holidays, birthday parties, and get togethers that were missed helping someone on one of their worst days. Rick and Mat, we hope you enjoy your retirement.

06/03/2026

Every year the fire district holds an annual appreciation dinner and awards ceremony. During that time, members are recognized for their years of service, retirement, accomplishments in their continued education, and firefighter of the year. Each year, one firefighter is recognized for their dedication to the community in which they protect. The Northwest St. Clair County Fire Protection District recognized Firefighter Jeff Morgan as the 2025 Firefighter of the Year. Jeff has been and continues to be an outstanding firefighter for the Northwest Fire District. Jeff came to the fire district eager to learn and jumped right into the BOFF program which he graduated in December of last year. Jeff continues to thrive for knowledge about the fire service and immerse himself in it anyway he can. Jeff, congratulations and thank you for being apart of the Northwest Fire District.

05/28/2026

Missing Person:

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department Investigative Division is requesting information from the public in an attempt to locate:

Douglas “Scott” Litsey
64 year old White Male

On May 24th, Douglas Litsey was reported missing from his home in the Signal Hill Neighborhood of Belleville. An investigation determined Douglas was last seen on May 21st by surveillance in the area near his residence. Litsey was seen wearing light colored pants (possibly blue jeans) and a dark colored short sleeved t-shirt.

If anyone has any information about Douglas’ whereabouts, please contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department at 618-825-2051 and reference case #26-04907

05/27/2026

05/23/2026

At 0336 this morning, the Northwest Fire District responded automatic aid to Signal Hill Fire Dept for a residential structure fire. Chief 4200, assistant chief 4201, engine 4213, and ladder 4229 responded to the scene with a total of 7 people. Northwest fire units arrived on scene and placed ladder 4229’s aerial master steam into service to extinguish the remaining fire and hot spots. Units operated on scene for about 2 hours before returning to service.

We would like to thank the East Side Fire Protection District for providing standby coverage for us while we assisted Signal Hill.

04/30/2026

Tonight, members of the Northwest Fire District paid respect to Trustee Carl Voelkel by doing a final walk-thru. Carl passed away on April 24th, 2026. Carl was the secretary of the Northwest Fire District for many years. Carl was instrumental to the fire district by helping purchase new equipment, fire apparatus, and the passing of the bond referendum that allowed the fire district to purchase a new ladder truck, rehab our rescue truck, and renovate station 1. Carl, thank you for the many years of service you provided to the fire district and the citizens we protect. Our condolences go out to your family and friends.

04/28/2026

Today has been an extremely busy day for the firefighters with the Northwest Fire District and the surrounding area. Units from both stations have responded to 6 calls in total with 4 of them being in the last few hours. Multiple incidents are weather related and have occurred at the same time as other emergencies in our fire district.

Two calls have been for large trees through residence on the West End of Belleville. Thankfully no injuries were reported.

Many of the other calls have been for power lines or cable lines down and/or damaged. If you see power lines or cable lines down, call for help. Do not attempt to move the line. Let the power company or cable company determine if it is a power line or cable line. Touching an energized power like is extremely dangerous.

Please use caution as power lines and cable lines can become entangled in tree branches. Check the area first with a flash light before attempting to move any tree branches or debris. Best option is to wait until morning time when the sunlight is out.

04/27/2026

It is with great sadness the Northwest St. Clair County Fire Protection District announces the passing of former firefighter Terry Mueller. Terry Mueller was on the fire district from 1990-1997. He received the firefighter of the year award in 1991. Terry not only helped protect the people of the Northwest Fire District and its surrounding communities but helped with public relations, the annual BBQ, open houses, and birthday parties. Terry was one of the huge driving forces behind the preplans that the fire district still uses today. Firefighting ran in Terry’s blood as he followed in his fathers and uncles foot steps who were also past members of the fire district. Our sincere condolences go to your family and friends. Rest in peace.

04/02/2026

Annual Preventative Maintenance starts TODAY. Crews are working on sirens in the Freeburg area and audible testing will occur while technicians are on site.