Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department - Nebraska

08/31/2026

🔥👕 6th Grade Fire Prevention T-Shirt Contest Shirts 👕🔥

It’s that time of year again! Our annual Fire Prevention T-Shirt Contest is underway with our local 6th graders. Over the years, members of our community have shown interest in purchasing these shirts—and we’re happy to make them available!

❤️ PUBLIC SHIRT ORDERS ❤️

Want to support our 6th graders and fire prevention by wearing this year’s winning design?

You can order one!

📌 Shirts are available by pre-order only
📌 Payment is required up front when placing your order
📌 We will only order the number of shirts that have been prepaid

🚒 BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY 🚒

We are also looking for local businesses interested in sponsoring this year’s 6th Grade Fire Prevention T-Shirts!

Businesses that choose to sponsor will have their business name printed on the back of the shirts as a thank-you for supporting our students and fire prevention education.

This is a great opportunity for local businesses to:
❤️ Support our local 6th graders
🔥 Promote fire prevention
🚒 Support our volunteer fire department
🏘️ Show their commitment to our community

Interested in sponsoring? Please contact us for sponsorship details.

Thank you to all of our amazing community members and businesses who continue to support our kids and fire prevention! ❤️

🔥 Together, we can make fire prevention education something our kids carry with them for a lifetime! 🚒

08/06/2026

Thanks to the generosity the Morrill Fire Donation Fund the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase 25 Wildland gear bags totaling $1,528.19.
When you're fighting a Wildland fire you never know how long you'll be on the fire line. Having the right gear and personal essentials can make a big difference in keeping our firefighters safe, comfortable and ready to do the job. Each firefighter will be issued a bag to keep packed and ready with items they need during extended incidents, including extra socks, a sweatshirt or sweater, snacks, medications, toiletries, gloves and other personal necessities. Having these items organized and ready to go allow our members to respond quickly and stay focused on protecting our community.
We're incredibly grateful to those who donated. Your generosity directly benefits our firefighters and helps ensure they are prepared for the challenges of Wildland firefighting.

07/13/2026

Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department
Weekly Fire Prevention Tips
Extreme Heat Danger and Fire Prevention:
1 Be cautious with Outdoor Equipment. Avoid mowing, welding or using equipment that can create sparks during the hottest, driest part of the day. Hot mufflers, chains and blades can ignite dry grass in seconds.
2 Never park on dry grass. A vehicle's cadillac converter can reach temperatures over a 1,000°F. Parking over tall and/or dry grass can ignite a fire without you even realizing it.
3 Respect burn restrictions. During periods of extreme heat and drought, outdoor burning can quickly become uncontrollable. Pay attention to local burn bans and Red Flag Warnings before burning debris or having recreational fires.
4 Stay Hydrated. High temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration especially if you're working outdoors. Drink plenty of water throughout the day even if you don't feel thirsty. If working outside take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioned area.
5 Recognize the symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.

07/11/2026

In the Hot Seat with a Firefighter

John Pankowski

How many years have you served with the Fire Department?
I have been on the department for 20 years.

What inspired you to join the Fire Department?
Dave Smith talked me into joining to help the community.

What do you get out of being a member of the department?
Giving back to the community.

Is there anything you've learned from the department that you use in your daily personal life or work?
Learning to be able to read the terrain that I am driving on.

How has being a firefighter affected your outlook on life?
To be thankful, thankful for everything. Life is too short.

What do you enjoy the most about serving the community?
The thank yous that we receive.

What is the one thing you wish the public knew about being a volunteer fire fighter?
The commitment it takes. Not just showing up for a fire but also the time it takes to keep everything going.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
Combining the City Hall with the Rural Hall has been efficient and I'm grateful that it was able to happen. I also wish the younger generation would be more willing to volunteer.

07/02/2026

Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department
Weekly Fire Prevention Tips
Holiday Recap:
1 When lighting fireworks never relight a dud.
2 Keep unused fireworks away from any flame source.
3 Soak all fireworks that have been lit as well as duds, completely before disposing.
4 When lighting a grill make sure the lid is open.
5 Remove any grease buildup.
6 Never leave a lit grill unattended.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day

06/24/2026

Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department
Weekly Fire Prevention Tip
🇱🇷Fireworks:🎆🎇
1 Choose a Safe Location:
Only use fireworks in a clear, open area away from homes, dry grass, trees, or other flammables. As well as away from buildings, vehicles or other hazards. A safe location ensures that any sparks or debris don't land on flammable surfaces like drying lawns or roofs.
2 If lighting fireworks in the county, be aware of dry field conditions. Sparks can ignite grass or crops and can spread quickly. Extra care is crucial in rural areas.
3 Keep Water Nearby:
Always have a bucket of water or a hose close by. After the fireworks are done, soak them with water so they don't smolder and ignite, before throwing away.
4 Light One at a Time:
Never light multiple fireworks simultaneously. Light them one by one, then step back quickly to a safe distance. This prevents unexpected explosions or misfires that can cause injury or fires. Controlled lighting reduces the chance of stray sparks and helps you to quickly put out any fire risk.
We can protect our homes and fields by prioritizing Fire Prevention with fireworks.

06/18/2026

In the Hot Seat with a Firefighter

Kristie Mitchell

How many years have you served with the Fire Department?
I have been on the department for 21 years.

What inspired you to join the Fire Department?
I joined because I wanted to give back and help my community.

What do you get out of being a member of the department?
An extended family, lots of training and knowledge.

Is there anything you've learned from the department that you use in your daily personal life or work?
Fire Prevention tips and safety practices, the use of smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, reading the placards on trucks after taking a HazMat class.

How has being a firefighter affected your outlook on life?
Always learning and getting more knowledge.

What do you enjoy the most about serving the community?
I enjoyed being able to help people when they need it most. Whether it's responding to an emergency or assisting in another way, to serve and help whenever I am needed.

What is the one thing you wish the public knew about being a volunteer fire fighter?
Volunteer firefighters have full-time jobs and family responsibilities. There may be times when it takes us a little longer to respond because we first have to safely make her way to the hall, gear up and then respond to the emergency.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would like to thank all of the retired members for their dedication and knowledge that they have taught me.

06/10/2026

Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department: Weekly Fire Prevention Tips
Camp Fire
1 Proper Fire Ring Use: Campfire should be built in designated fire ring or pit. Never build fire in dry vegetation or in windy conditions. Keep small and manageable.
2 Extinguish Campfires Completely: Pour water over the fire until hissing stops, stir ashes with a shovel or stick then add more water and stir again. Continue until cold to the touch. If it's too hot to touch it's too hot to leave.
3 Keep Water And Shovel Nearby: have a bucket or several gallons of water available and a shovel. These tools can quickly extinguish stray embers if conditions change.
4. Never Leave Campfire Unattended: A campfire should be supervised by a responsible adult. A brief absence can cause embers to carry into grass or trees. Closely monitor children around the fire and pets should be kept at a safe distance.

Send a message to learn more

06/02/2026

Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department: Weekly Fire Prevention Tips
Grill safety
1. Grill Placement: Always set up the grill at least 10 feet away from your house, deck railings, and any overhanging branches.
2. Propane or Charcoal
Safety: Check propane tanks for leaks and never leave a lit grill unattended.
3. Fire Extinguisher Readiness: Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby when grilling, just in case.
4. Clean Grills After Use:
Remove grease buildup regularly to prevent flare-ups and potential fires.

05/27/2026

A little fun with the Santa Rosa nozzle after training.