Bucks Lake Fire Department Inc.

08/29/2026

BLFD and MVFD have been teaming up this summer for some great joint training.

These trainings have been a great opportunity for our departments to build teamwork, learn new skills, and continue strengthening the partnership between our volunteers.

Chopper and Jesse from Quincy Volunteer Fire Department led a hands-on training course on a new low-angle rope rescue system. It was a well instructed course and those who attended gained valuable experience with a rescue system we hope to bring into our departments in the near future.

That same day, volunteers also trained on the CAFS foam system on the BLFD rescue squad.

This past Sunday, our two departments trained together, this time working through a basic water rescue drill and practicing backboarding techniques.

A big thank you to Chopper and Jesse for taking the time to instruct our departments, and to the volunteers who showed up, participated and continue to serve our communities. We look forward to more mutual training opportunities in the future!

08/10/2026

One more post...2 in one day I think that is a record!

Wanted to let everyone know that due to very high demand for our BLFD 250th shirts we now have new shirts, hats, and sweatshirts for sale at Lakeshore. We ran out of our very popular 250th shirts over the 4th of July, so I reordered inventory to finish out the year. And once this 250th inventory is gone, it's gone for good! So, swing by Lakeshore Resort at Bucks Lake or by the Firehouse if the doors are open to get yours while they last. And a big Thank-You to Jason at Lakeshore for once again allowing us to sell our very popular BLFD swag!

08/10/2026

In the Summer of 2025, we were graciously awarded a $15K grant from CFF (California Fire Foundation) to purchase wildland gear and equipment, which we desperately needed. I have just recently finalized the last purchase with this money which officially closes out the grant. I am still waiting on some of the items to come in, but most everything has now arrived. Our new PPE arrived last month, and it looks great.

Using money from the CFF grant, BLFD was able to purchase the following: 6 complete sets of wildland PPE gear for our firefighters, gloves, helmets and neck covers, boots, gear bags, flashlights, glove straps, goggles, hose nozzles and couplings, as well as 50 feet of hose for the hose reel on our squad.

I want to thank CFF for this tremendous gift and express how extremely grateful we are for the opportunity given us to improve our firefighter safety with new gear and equipment. A huge thank you also to all the companies and individuals who donate and support the mission of the California Fire Foundation.

A big "thank you" to our firefighter model and Asst. Chief Don Beskeen.

07/21/2026

More form Saturday's rescue

07/21/2026

Important Notice for the Bucks Lake Community:

Due to recent events which occurred in the meadow and specifically in the BLFD helicopter landing zone (LZ), I want to take a minute to clarify some apparent misunderstandings by Bucks Lake community members and the general public that have become a safety concern for me as the Fire Chief of the department.

For some background information, the Bucks Lake Fire Dept. sits on a small plot of land leased to us by PG&E who owns the land. PG&E also owns all of the vacant land in the meadow directly beside the Firehouse all the way to (and including) the water in the Haskins Inlet. In other words, PG&E owns the whole meadow. Many years ago, PG&E permitted BLFD to create a helicopter landing zone near the Firehouse within the meadow to accommodate the safe landing of helicopters. Using the meadow and the landing zone for emergency purposes by BLFD and other emergency agencies is authorized by PG&E. Any other usage of this land especially our active LZ for private gatherings or events is prohibited without formal approval by PG&E.

My ultimate concern, as BLFD Chief, is the safety of the general public, our firefighters, medical first responders, and the medical flight crews that use this landing zone on a regular basis. Part of my responsibility is to ensure our LZ is safely accessible and clear of obstacles so helicopters can safely land 24 hours a day, every day of the year. So far this year we have had 5 medical airlifts out of our LZ — in a typical 12-month period we may have 5 total airlifts, so we are currently trending high for 2026.

So, when the BLFD landing zone is used for an unauthorized private event, such as a wedding, the safety of first responders and the general public are put at risk. The wedding that occurred in the BFLD landing zone on July 11, 2026 and the wedding that almost occurred in the BLFD landing zone on July 18, 2026 were both unauthorized events. The wedding that was set up in the LZ on July 18th was torn down right before the ceremony began due to a serious medical emergency which required not one but two helicopters to land in our LZ.

PG&E is aware of the recent unauthorized usage of the BLFD landing zone and are taking steps to prevent future unauthorized use. I’m asking the Bucks Lake community and visiting public not to plan or hold unauthorized events in the meadow or in the BLFD landing zone. The LZ needs to remain clear and accessible for its intended purpose — landing helicopters safely that are responding to serious emergencies that can occur at any hour.

Thank you,
David Beskeen
BLFD Chief

07/19/2026

BLFD has just experienced a busy week at the Lake with 3 serious medical calls...2 of those calls ending with patients being airlifted to our closest trauma center. Great job to all the firefighters from BLFD and MVFD along with the PDH medical personnel and the medical helicopter crews for the awesome work they did this week in protecting the lives of our Bucks Lake community.

Just yesterday, BLFD personnel along with Plumas County Search and Rescue, Meadow Valley Fire Department personnel, Plumas County Sheriff's Office, and Forest Service Law Enforcement along with a Sierra Regional EMS helicopter and a rescue helicopter from the CHP - Northern Division successfully rescued a seriously injured ATV crash victim 8 miles south of Bucks Lake on a remote jeep road. Collaboration between agencies and especially the crew of the CHP helicopter and Plumas County Search and Rescue were critical in successfully extracting this individual from this remote location in the Bucks Lake region to our Landing Zone at the Bucks Lake firehouse where the patient was then transported by a Sierra Regional helicopter to a trauma center. This was the first time in many years that we had to have 2 helicopters land in our Landing Zone to complete a complex rescue operation. Thank you to all who were involved in whatever part you played in making this a successful operation.

07/06/2026

07/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Bucks Lake Fire Department at our 4th of July Pancake Breakfast! We truly appreciate the incredible turnout and the continued support from our community and visitors. We hope everyone had a safe and happy Independence Day celebrating America’s 250th birthday, and we look forward to seeing you again next year! 🇺🇸🚒🥞

06/23/2026

It’s that time of year again! The BLFD Fire Fighter Foundation, together with the Bucks Lake Fire Department, is proud to host our annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 4th from 8–11 AM. This long‑standing tradition directly supports the Bucks Lake Fire Department by helping fund essential gear, equipment, and other BLFD projects. Your generosity truly makes a difference, and every donation is deeply appreciated.

As always, families can look forward to plenty of fun—activities for the kids, a helicopter (or two!) fly‑in, and of course a great breakfast of pancakes and sausage. We’ll also have our increasingly popular BLFD shirts and hats available for purchase, and this year’s shirts feature a special one‑time‑only surprise logo. And who knows… there may be one or two additional surprises waiting for you at the breakfast.

This year’s celebration is especially meaningful. Our nation marks 250 years of independence (1776–2026), and BLFD is celebrating a milestone of its own—the 20th anniversary (2006–2026) of our very first pancake breakfast. There is so much to honor, remember, and enjoy together.

We also welcome help gathering raffle prizes for our always‑amazing raffle. Donations can be dropped off on July 3rd or anytime during the week leading up to the 4th when the station doors are open. Thank you for supporting this effort—every contribution is 501(c)(3) tax‑deductible.

So come join BLFD and the Bucks Lake community this Independence Day. Share a great breakfast, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate with friends and neighbors. We can’t wait to see you!

05/05/2026

Wanted everyone to know that BLFD is now open for the Summer season. We got an early start to the season this year because of the light snowpack. Our trucks have water and we are ready to respond when called upon.
Keep in mind our annual 4th of July fire dept. pancake breakfast will be held at the station on July 4th this year, which is very appropriate as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country's founding. So, plan on attending and celebrating with us on that day.

We will see you at the Lake.