Charlotte Fire Department, 111 E. Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte, MI (2026)

06/23/2026

🔥 W**D TORCH SAFETY WARNING 🔥

The Charlotte Fire Department has responded to four separate fires in the last 30 days that were caused by the use of w**d torches.

Recently, we have also noticed an increase in social media videos promoting these devices as a quick and easy way to eliminate w**ds. Many of these videos appear to be AI-generated or heavily edited and often fail to show the real dangers associated with using an open flame around homes, landscaping, fences, decks, and dry vegetation.

While w**d torches can be effective when used properly, they can quickly ignite:

• Dry grass and w**ds
• Mulch and landscaping materials
• Wooden fences and decks
• Leaves and yard debris
• Siding and other combustible building materials

Many fires do not become visible immediately. A small ember can smolder unnoticed in mulch, grass, or around a structure for several minutes—or even hours—before developing into a larger fire.

If you choose to use a w**d torch, please follow these safety precautions:

✅ Keep a charged garden hose nearby and ready to use.
✅ Have a fire extinguisher available.
✅ Avoid use during windy conditions.
✅ Stay well away from structures, fences, decks, vehicles, and landscaping.
✅ Thoroughly wet the area after use.
✅ Monitor the area for at least 30 minutes after completing your work.
✅ Never leave a lit torch unattended.

06/21/2026

Congratulations not only to our four members, but to all of the firefighters from departments across Eaton County who graduated from the Eaton County Fire School yesterday!
Over the last nine months, these dedicated individuals have sacrificed countless evenings and every other Saturday to complete the demanding Fire Fighter I & II program. Together, they completed approximately 295 hours of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practical evaluations while balancing family, work, school, and personal commitments.
Their commitment, perseverance, and determination have prepared them to better serve and protect their communities. The long nights, challenging training evolutions, and countless hours of studying have all led to this achievement.
We are proud of our four graduates and all those who stood with them yesterday as well as instructors from all Eaton county departments. Thank you for your dedication to the fire service and your commitment to keeping our communities safe.
Please join us in congratulating the Eaton County Class of 2026! 🚒🔥

06/17/2026

If you've driven past our West Side Station recently, you may have noticed something new out front. If not, check out the photo below!

Yesterday, a new (to us) digital message sign was installed in front of the Charlotte Fire Department's West Side Station. This project has been more than a year in the making.

The sign was previously located at Charlotte High School. When we learned it was being replaced, we reached out to Charlotte Public Schools to see if there might be an opportunity to give it a second life. After learning that the Fire Department had explored several options over the past few years—including multiple grant applications—to obtain a digital sign, Charlotte Public Schools generously agreed to donate the sign to our department.

We cannot thank Charlotte Public Schools enough for their support and partnership. Their donation will allow us to improve communication with the public while saving taxpayers a significant amount of money compared to purchasing a new sign.

To help keep costs down even further, Fire Department personnel have assisted throughout the installation.

We expect to have the sign connected to power and fully operational within the next few days. Once online, it will be used to share department information, safety messages, community events, announcements, and other important updates.

Thank you again to Charlotte Public Schools for helping us give this sign a second home!

06/17/2026

Over the last two weeks, the Charlotte Fire Department has responded to 100 incidents throughout our service area.

Among those calls were a fire involving a soy bean roaster at a local grain elevator facility, two residential structure fires where firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire and prevent more extensive damage to the homes, multiple wire and tree-down incidents due to storms, a tornado warning response, several motor vehicle accidents, and numerous medical assistance calls.

Whether it's a major fire, medical emergency, vehicle crash, public service call, or alarm activation, your firefighters remain committed to providing the best service possible to our community.

Below are a few photos from some of the recent incidents.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the Charlotte Fire Department.

06/11/2026

Tonight, we had the honor of presenting six local youth with Certificates of Civilian Commendation for their actions on May 30, 2026, during a residential fire in the Charlotte community.

When a grill caught fire on a home's deck and the flames began to spread, these young individuals noticed the danger and immediately took action. They alerted nearby adults, helping ensure that 911 was called quickly, and one even assisted in stretching out a garden hose.

The adults and residents who were notified were then able to take action and knock the fire down prior to our department's arrival. The quick thinking and awareness demonstrated by these young individuals played an important role in protecting both life and property and preventing the situation from becoming much worse.

It was truly a pleasure to recognize and commend these young community members for their outstanding behavior, responsibility, and willingness to help others.

05/16/2026

Charlotte Fire Department responded to two fires this morning.
Around 2:20 AM, we were dispatched to a garage fire within the City of Charlotte. Then, just before 7:00 AM, firefighters responded to a vehicle fire in Chester Township.

05/14/2026

Today, all of our fire apparatus completed their annual pump testing to ensure they are operating safely and effectively when called into service. 🚒💦

Annual fire pump testing is conducted in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, specifically NFPA 1911. These tests verify that each apparatus pump can deliver the required water flow and pressure needed for firefighting operations. During testing, pumps are operated at various capacities and pressures to confirm performance, reliability, and overall readiness.

Below are a few pictures from today’s testing operations. 📸

05/06/2026

🚒 This morning, a 12-year-old child was crossing the roadway on his way to school when he was unfortunately struck by a vehicle. We are very thankful to report that, considering the circumstances, the child sustained only minor injuries.

Not only did we have a very quick response due to the incident occurring directly in front of our West Side Fire Station, but Lieutenant Smith also witnessed the incident and responded immediately to assist.

Unfortunately, the child’s bicycle was damaged beyond repair during the accident. 🚲 After the incident, members of the Charlotte Fire Department decided to come together to help and went to our local Wal-Mart to purchase the boy a new bike, with department members contributing toward the purchase.

After hearing the story and why we were purchasing the bike, the Wal-Mart manager generously advised that the department could have the bike at no cost.

Earlier today, we had the opportunity to deliver the new bike to the child. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Walmart Supercenter for their generosity and support for our community.

⚠️ This incident also serves as an important reminder about bicycle and pedestrian safety. As the weather improves and more children are outside riding bikes and walking to school, we encourage everyone to stay alert, slow down in residential and school areas, and watch carefully for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing roadways. We also encourage parents to remind children to use crosswalks when available, wear helmets, and remain aware of traffic around them. 🚸🚴

We wish the young man a speedy recovery and hope he is back out enjoying his new bike very soon!

05/04/2026

🚨 Saturday Night Structure Fire – Chester Township 🚨

On Saturday night at 11:47 PM, our department was dispatched to a report of a garage fire attached to a home with flames visible in Chester Township.

First arriving units were on scene at 11:57 PM, traveling approximately 9.2 miles. Upon arrival, crews found the garage portion of the structure fully involved. Firefighters quickly confirmed that no occupants were inside the home.

Once again, our mini-pumpers proved their value. Within 5 minutes of arrival, crews had the fire knocked down and successfully contained it, preventing extension into the main living area of the home.

Additional units arrived shortly after, along with mutual aid from neighboring departments, to assist with full extinguishment, salvage, and overhaul operations.

🐾 Two cats were safely rescued from the home
✅ No firefighter injuries were reported

The cause of the fire has been determined to be unintentional.

We appreciate the continued support from our neighboring departments, EMS, Eaton County Dispatch and the community. Great work by all crews involved. 🚒

05/01/2026

🚒 Fleet Friday – Charlotte Fire Department & Rural Fire Association Mini-Pumpers: Then & Now 🚒

Recently, an article out of Florida—shared with us by former Rural Fire Association member Ron Converse—highlighted North River Fire District and their new Rescue unit, noting a return to the mini-pumper / fast attack concept. The article specifically pointed out how these smaller units help reduce mileage and wear on larger apparatus.

Here in Charlotte, this isn’t a new idea… it’s something we’ve been doing for decades.

Charlotte’s first mini-pumper dates back to 1980, and today we continue that tradition with two mini-pumpers in service, staffed 24/7, operating out of our two fire stations.

These units are truly the backbone of our daily response:
🔥 First on scene to nearly every call
💧 275-gallon water tanks with onboard foam systems
🩺 Licensed Basic Medical Response units
🛠️ Equipped with the “Jaws of Life” and a wide range of rescue tools
🚑 Ready to investigate or mitigate almost any emergency we’re dispatched to

As a combination department, with a full-time staff supported by a strong volunteer force, these mini-pumpers allow us to deliver fast, effective service while keeping costs manageable for our community.

🚨 And they make a real difference where it matters most.
Fires can double in size every minute, and for a smaller department, getting water on the fire 3–5 minutes sooner can be the difference between a room-and-contents fire and a total loss. These units allow us to act fast—often arriving ahead of larger apparatus and beginning suppression or rescue operations immediately.

Over the 40+ years that our department has operated with this concept, we’ve proven its value time and time again. These units allow us to:
✔️ Respond to emergencies faster
✔️ Initiate fire suppression or rescue operations quickly
✔️ Operate with a compact, efficient, and versatile piece of apparatus
✔️ Maintain lower operational and maintenance costs

🚒 On larger incidents, their role is just as critical.
Mini-pumpers are often used to protect exposures—neighboring homes, buildings, or vehicles threatened by a large fire—helping stop fires from spreading and limiting overall damage.

We’ve also responded to countless vehicle crashes where conditions rapidly escalated. In several instances, while en route we’ve been advised that a patient is pinned and the vehicle is on fire. These units allow crews to arrive quickly, begin fire suppression, and perform rescue operations without delay.

These trucks have truly seen it all—from everyday calls to high-risk, time-critical emergencies—and have become a lasting legacy within our department.

💡 The reality is:

A new mini-pumper costs approximately $375,000
A traditional full-size pumper can exceed $900,000
Maintenance costs are significantly lower on these smaller units

The number of lives protected and property saved by utilizing this concept over the years is significant. It’s safe to say these vehicles are absolutely irreplaceable in helping our department provide full-time service at a fraction of the cost.

📸 Below are multiple photos and dash cam images of our mini-pumpers—past and present—highlighting the evolution of these essential units.

Charlotte didn’t just adopt this concept… we’ve been leading it for over 40 years—and we’re still proving its value today. 🚒

Charlotte Fire Department

06/23/2026

06/21/2026

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

06/11/2026

05/16/2026

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