Bemidji Fire Department

06/23/2026

🏓🚒 Station 4 Pickleball Champions! 🚒🏓

Yesterday marked the First Annual Station 4 Pickleball Tournament, bringing together some friendly competition, plenty of laughs, and a lot of team spirit.

After a hard-fought tournament, congratulations go out to Deputy Chief Chris Loebs and Firefighter Ryan Paasch, who battled their way to claim the title of First Annual Station 4 Pickleball Champions! 🏆

Events like these are a great reminder that the camaraderie built off-duty strengthens the teamwork we rely on every day while serving our community. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the tournament a success.

We're already looking forward to next year's tournament—and seeing who will challenge the reigning champions! 👀

Congratulations again, Chris and Ryan! 🎉

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day from the Bemidji Fire Department!

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures who lead with strength, serve with compassion, and inspire those around them every day.

To the dads who answer the call—whether it's at home, at work, or in our community—thank you for the sacrifices you make, the lessons you teach, and the example you set for the next generation.

And to all the children who look up to their heroes in turnout gear, may you always know that courage, kindness, and service begin at home.

From all of us at the Bemidji Fire Department, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Father's Day! ❤️🚒

06/19/2026

What a fun way to celebrate the last day of school! 🚒📚

Three lucky students got to ride to school in style aboard a Bemidji Fire Department firetruck after their family won this special experience as an auction item at the Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area 2026 fundraiser.

We were honored to be a part of creating this unforgettable memory and to support an organization that does so much for the youth in our community. Seeing the smiles on these students' faces was a great reminder of how special these moments can be.

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who supports the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area. We hope you all have a safe, fun, and relaxing summer break!

06/11/2026

PRESS RELEASE - June 10, 2026

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at approximately 10:38 am, the Bemidji Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire on the 200 block of Spirit Ave NW in the City of Wilton. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story, multi-family structure with smoke showing from a second-story window.

The Bemidji Fire Department initiated an offensive attack and deployed a 1 3/4” attack line. As additional crews arrived, a second 1 3/4” hose line was deployed. The fire was quickly
extinguished.

A total of 30 firefighters and 11 pieces of equipment were on scene for approximately 2 1/2 hours. The apartment involved suffered significant damage. The remainder of the building
suffered moderate damage. No firefighters or civilian injuries are reported. The fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be accidental.

North Country First Responders, Bemidji Ambulance Service, Inc., Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Otter Tail Power Company, and Red Lake Housing assisted the Bemidji Fire Department
at the scene.

06/09/2026

ON THE LATEST CHATPOD, presented by First National Bank Bemidji:
JUSTIN & JEREMY...

Part 1--The Chief Checks In: Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood is in to talk all thing fire and emergency. Fire calls are up, wild fire threats are concerning...but so far not reality, Deputy Chief Yavarow retires...and Deputy Chief Loebs is in. Just a few of the things we discuss.

Part 2-- Bemidji Area Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson recaps graduation, discusses new funding, the district's on line school opening this fall, summer school, and a new budget year looms.

Listen HERE: https://bemidjinow.com/podcasts/chatabout/

06/04/2026

Congratulations to two outstanding members of the Bemidji Fire Department on their recent promotions!

Please join us in congratulating Chris Loebs on his promotion to Deputy Fire Chief and Joe Krotzer on his promotion to career Firefighter/EMT.

Chris has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to serving both our department and community throughout his career. His experience and passion for the fire service will remain invaluable as he steps into this important leadership role.

Joe has shown a strong work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to providing high-quality service to the residents and visitors of Bemidji. We are excited to welcome him into his new role as a career Firefighter/EMT.

Promotions such as these reflect the hard work, training, and dedication required to serve in the fire service. We are proud to have both Chris and Joe as members of our team and look forward to their continued success.

Congratulations, Chris and Joe! Thank you for your dedication to the Bemidji Fire Department and the community we proudly serve. 🚒

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

The Bemidji Fire Department’s controlled burns have been completed for the day. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation while crews conducted these operations safely and efficiently.

If you have concerns related to today’s burns, please contact dispatch at their non-emergent number, 218-333-9111, to report them.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!

05/27/2026

🚨 Controlled Burns Happening Today 🚨

The Bemidji Fire Department is conducting controlled burns today (Wednesday, May 27), starting late this morning in the following areas:

📍 Library Park shoreline (near 6th St NE / Bemidji Ave)
📍 Waterfront park area (see map)
📍 Near Lake Shore Dr NE & Central Ave NE (see map)

🔥 You will see smoke and fire crews working in these locations throughout the day.

⚠️ Please remember:
• These are planned, controlled burns
• Avoid the immediate areas so crews can work safely
• No need to call 911 unless you see fire outside of the marked areas

We appreciate your cooperation as we complete this important training and wildfire prevention work.

05/26/2026

🚨 Controlled Burns Scheduled – Wednesday, May 27 🚨

The Bemidji Fire Department will be conducting controlled burns on Wednesday, May 27, beginning in the late morning at the following locations:

📍 Library Park shoreline area (near 6th St NE / Bemidji Ave)
📍 Park area near the waterfront (shown in second image)
📍 Area near Lake Shore Dr NE & Central Ave NE (shown in third image)

(See attached maps for exact burn locations)

These burns are planned, permitted, and closely monitored as part of ongoing wildfire risk reduction efforts.

🔥 What to expect:
• Visible smoke in these areas
• Fire crews and apparatus on scene
• Active fire within controlled zones

⚠️ Important:
• These are intentional burns — not emergencies
• Please avoid these areas while crews are working
• If you see smoke from a distance, there is no need to call 911 unless something appears outside of the designated burn zones

We appreciate your patience as we continue working to keep our community safe.