Byron MN Fire and Rescue

06/01/2026

🚧 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🚒

Renovation and expansion at the Byron Fire Hall (707 Frontage Road) are officially underway! 👷‍♂️

Led by Brennan Construction of Mankato, the project kicked off earlier this spring and will bring some important upgrades to support our local fire department, including:
✅ Two new apparatus bays (located west of the current building)
✅ A dedicated decontamination area to enhance safety

The project is on track to be completed later this year—helping ensure our fire services continue to meet the growing needs of the community.

👏 Thank you to everyone involved in making this investment in Byron’s safety and future!

05/25/2026

🇺🇸🇺🇸This Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy thank to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.🇺🇸🇺🇸

🪖🌹We thank our fallen heroes and their families for their courage, dedication, and sacrifice. 🪖🌹

05/23/2026

Campfires create memories — but one spark can change everything.

As you head outside this Memorial Day weekend, wildfires have already spread in parts of the state.

Dry conditions and wind can cause a fire to spread faster than you think.

Remember these safety tips before you sit down for s’mores:
• Check for burning restrictions and red flag warnings
• Keep water and a shovel nearby
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Drown the fire with water and make sure all embers are extinguished before leaving.
• Properly dispose of smoking materials

05/22/2026

It was wonderful to see so many kids, teachers, and family members out having fun, laughing, and enjoying today's Color Run. 🌈🏃

🚒Byron MN Fire and Rescue members had a wonderful time cheering everyone on along the course. 🎉

Days like this remind us how lucky we are to be part of such a great community. Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun today!

05/21/2026

Meet Cat Kurtz, one of the newest members of the Byron Fire Department proudly serving the community of Byron, Salem, and Kalmar. Inspired by a family connection to the fire service, she stepped into this role to challenge herself, serve others, and be part of something meaningful.

👩‍🚒 What motivated you to join?
“My father served as a firefighter, which gave me an early appreciation for the profession. When I learned about the opportunity and schedule flexibility in Byron, it felt like a great way to serve the community while trying something new.”

📚 What has surprised you the most?
“The level of training and preparation required. It gave me a new appreciation for the responsibility of the role and the skills needed to do it well.”

👥 How has your experience been with the team?
“The team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. From day one, people have offered guidance and encouragement, consistently willing to help, which has made learning and training a great experience.”

🧠 What are you most excited to learn next?
“I am excited to continue building my skills, especially as I complete my EMT certification and expand into rescue training. The ability to work across fire and medical calls has been especially rewarding, particularly as the collaboration between the two plays a critical role during many calls.”

💬 What would you tell someone thinking about joining the Byron Fire Department?
“It is never too late to start. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. Many people don’t realize that the volunteer program offers flexibility and is not an on-call schedule, which was something I misunderstood before learning more about the role. If you are unsure, reach out and ask questions. There are many people willing to help you get started.”

❤️ What does serving Byron mean to you?
“It is an honor to serve the community of Byron. I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team and advance my training and education to continue growing in this role.”

🚒 We are proud to have dedicated firefighters like Cat serving with the Byron Fire Department. Her commitment to training, teamwork, and service reflects the strength of our department and the future of the fire service in Byron. 🚒

05/18/2026

Blood donation saves lives.

Blood drives help ensure hospitals have blood available for trauma patients, surgeries, cancer treatments, and many other medical emergencies.

Please consider donating blood here in our own backyard during the May 20, 2026 American Red Cross blood drive at Somerby Golf Club. https://shorturl.at/PVPZm.

05/14/2026

Current conditions place us in a high fire danger zone where wind-driven fire spread can occur rapidly and unpredictably, carrying embers well beyond the immediate burn site and increasing the risk to nearby properties, fields, and wooded areas (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html). Postponing outdoor burning until winds decrease and conditions improve is the safest course of action.

‼️Update. The National Weather Service has expanded the Red Flag across central and northern Minnesota. Additional counties include: Aitkin, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake Of The Woods, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, St. Louis, Stearns, Todd, and Wadena ‼️
Due to dry conditions, high winds, and low humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, May 14, for parts of northwest, west central, and southwest Minnesota.

While the Red Flag Warning is in effect:
❌Don’t burn brush and yard debris!
⚠️Be extra cautious with outdoor activities that could produce heat or a spark. Campfires are discouraged.
✔️Check ash piles from wood-burning stoves or heaters and any recent fire for lingering heat. Embers can stay hot for days, even months, and rekindle in Red Flag conditions. If you find heat, drown with water, stir, and repeat until it's out COLD.

‼️The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Friday, May 15, for most of central and northern Minnesota. Fire Weather Watches are evolving situations and can quickly progress to Red Flag conditions. Use caution and check conditions before burning.

Remember, only you can prevent wildfires!

Burning restrictions are in place for many counties. Check current fire danger and restrictions at www.mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions

05/13/2026

Looking ahead to early next week, there is a possibility for severe weather across the region Sunday into Monday (May 17 & 18). While we know all hazards like large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes are possible, the exact timing of key weather features remain uncertain, which directly plays into if/where we see severe storms and the magnitude of the hazards. Keep a close eye on the forecast over the coming days so you can stay prepared.

05/13/2026

A strengthening low pressure system may produce strong to severe storms along and south of Interstate 94 on Sunday and for the entire area on Monday.

05/11/2026

Meet Chris Pries, Assistant Fire Chief of the Byron Fire Department. A lifelong Byron resident, Chief Pries brings many years of experience and continues a proud family tradition of service spanning generations. His leadership and commitment help ensure the department remains ready to serve and protect the community.

👨‍🚒 Chief Pries, please tell us about yourself
“I grew up in Byron and have been with the department for over 18 years. I have served as a Firefighter, Maintenance Officer, Captain, and now Assistant Chief. Fire service runs in my family, with more than 130 years of combined service dating back to the 1960s.”

🔥 How did your family service influence your path?
“Growing up around the fire station, service to others was part of everyday life. You answered the call day or night, because people needed help. That example showed me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and serving the community.”

💪 What values have shaped who you are and guide you today?
“I learned early the importance of integrity, hard work, and putting others first. Those values continue to guide how I lead, support my team, and serve our community.”

👨‍⚕️ Can you describe your primary occupation outside of your volunteer service?
“I work in healthcare, where I support patient care in a hospital setting. That experience has strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and work as part of a team. Those skills carry directly into my role with the Byron Fire Department.”

👥 How have your experiences both within and outside the fire service shaped your leadership?
“I focus on being approachable, building trust, and supporting training so our team stays strong and ready. Serving in multiple roles within the fire service helps me understand the challenges our firefighters face and keeps my focus on safety, teamwork, and serving the Byron community. My leadership experience outside the fire service has also strengthened my decision-making, communication, and ability to lead effectively in high-pressure situations.”

⚠️ When you are on duty, what is your top priority?
“My top priority is the safety of our firefighters and our community. That means leading by example, making sure our team is ready, and ensuring everyone goes home safely after every call.”

🗣️ If you could share one message with the community, what would it be?
“It is an honor to serve the Byron, Salem, and Kalmar communities and work alongside such a dedicated team. The Byron Fire Department has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am grateful to continue a family tradition of service. At its core, this job is about people, supporting our firefighters and protecting our community so we are ready when we are needed most. I am proud of our team and proud to serve this community.”

🚒 Thank you, Chief Pries, for your leadership, dedication, and long-standing service to the community and the Byron Fire Department. Your commitment to your team, the City of Byron, and the Kalmar and Salem Townships reflects the very best of public service. We are grateful for your continued guidance, professionalism, and the strong example you set for future generations of firefighters. 🚒