Eau Claire Fire Rescue

06/28/2026

Today, several members of the Eau Claire Fire Department took part in the Tough Mudder challenge!

Even though the obstacles were challenging, they were all smiles from the beginning to the end.

Good job everyone! The goal is not about winning or quitting. It's about finishing and you all made it to the finish line!! 👍😁💪💪💪💪

06/26/2026

🚒 Friday FYI – From the Firehouse 🚒

Have you ever wondered why firefighters are consistently training?

It's because the job demands incredible strength, endurance, and stamina every single day.

To put it in perspective: A fully charged fire hose can weigh anywhere from 50 to 450 pounds, depending on its size, while operating at 50 to 250 PSI. A 35-foot ground extension ladder weighs between 125 and 175 pounds. Add in the more than 50 pounds of protective gear and tools, then factor in extreme heat, smoke, and challenging conditions, and you start to understand the physical demands of the job.

Firefighters come in all shapes and sizes, but every firefighter is expected to be able to pull and control a charged hose, carry ladders, and perform physically demanding tasks. Sometimes on their own.

That's why functional fitness is such an important part of the job.

It's not about building bigger muscles. It's about developing the strength, mobility, endurance, and stamina needed to safely and effectively respond when every second counts. Every workout, every lift, every climb, and every drill is preparing our firefighters for real-life emergencies.

The next time you see firefighters training, know that they're not just working out, they're making sure they're ready when our community needs them most. 💪🚒

06/25/2026

Let's Try This Again...

Food Truck Operators: Annual Fire Inspections expire June 30.

This is a reminder that it is the responsibility of each mobile food establishment to contact our Prevention Division to schedule and complete your annual fire inspection.

Last year, we inspected 77 food trucks. This year, only 40 inspections have been completed so far.

If your inspection is not completed by June 30 and you are found operating within Eau Claire city limits without the required permits, licenses, and inspections, enforcement action may be taken, including being shut down until compliance is achieved.

We want to avoid that outcome. Our goal is to help you stay open and operate safely.

Please submit your 2026 Food Truck Fire Inspection Permit and schedule your inspection as soon as possible.

Questions? Contact our Prevention Division at 715-839-4825 or email us at [email protected].

Link for the application to the fire inspection permit can be found here

A permit from the fire department is required for the operator(s) of a food truck/trailer to prepare and sell food within the city of Eau Claire.  The permit is valid July 1 - June 30, and an annual fire inspection is required.

06/24/2026

⚠️IMPORTANT: DO NOT IGNORE⚠️ Better yet, help us pass along this message - Mobile Food Establishments (trucks, trailers, and carts). This is a reminder that fire inspection permits expire on 👉June 30th👈. If you haven't already, submit your fire inspection permit application to our Prevention Division ASAP!

If you do not get your fire inspection done by 👉JUNE 30th👈, you will not be permitted to operate within the city limits.

ONCE AGAIN...Fire Inspection Permits Expire on 👉June 30th👈

Follow the link to apply, https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-departments/fire-department/prevention-and-inspections/food-truck-permits

06/22/2026

It's sunny and beautiful out as we welcome you to a brand new week!

Today, we have another team member for you to meet: FF/EMT-P Michael Haller

-Rank/ Name: FF/EMT-P Michael Haller
-Years of Service: 3 years 4 Months
-Specialty, Area of Expertise or Favorite Subject to train in: Engine company ops
-Favorite apparatus, tool, or equipment: LUCAS device
-Favorite meal to cook at the fire station: Chicken thighs and Asparagus
-Fun Fact: On my days off I enjoy spending time with my Girlfriend and Son, Gaming with the boys, working out, and hunting.
-Safety Tip for the community or advice for someone who is interested in the department: Wear your seatbelt!

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures within ECFD and our community.

Many of our firefighters are fathers themselves. Balancing long shifts, missed holidays, sleepless nights, and the responsibility of serving others while still being there for their families at home. The sacrifices you make, especially those surrounding your families, do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, leadership, and the example you set every day both on and off duty. We appreciate everything you do.

From all of us at ECFD, Happy Father’s Day. ❤️

06/19/2026

Friday FYI – From the Firehouse 🚒

Recently, the Eau Claire Fire Department was called to assist our neighbors at the Altoona Fire Department on a challenging incident.

A common question we get is: Why do firefighters from different departments respond to the same emergency? The answer is: mutual aid.

Mutual aid is a partnership between fire departments that allows us to support one another when additional personnel, equipment, or specialized resources are needed. These partnerships are essential to ensuring communities receive the help they need when emergencies exceed the resources of a single department.

Across the country, fire departments are facing a growing shortage of firefighters, particularly volunteer firefighters. As volunteer numbers continue to decline, neighboring departments increasingly rely on one another to maintain strong emergency response capabilities.

ECFD is staffed entirely by career personnel and we are proud to work alongside our brothers and sisters in neighboring departments. We recognize the dedication of volunteer firefighters who leave their jobs, families, and daily responsibilities behind when the call comes in.

Working together makes all of our communities safer. 🤝🚒

06/18/2026

Even though it was gloomy outside, it didn’t stop us from celebrating this special occasion.

Over the last four weeks, our six newest firefighters have worked tirelessly to complete the ECFD Recruit Academy. Today, we proudly recognized their hard work and dedication during a badge-pinning ceremony.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming our newest firefighters:
- Jordan Badeau
- Grant Carr
- Austin Estep
- Cody Jensen
- Bryce Jungbluth
- Matthew Shore

A heartfelt thank you to all the families, friends, city leaders, and community members who attended and supported our firefighters. We couldn’t do what we do without your encouragement and support.

In addition to honoring our newest members, we also celebrated several recently promoted firefighters and recognized Deputy Chief Jon Schultz on his retirement. Congratulations to all on your well-earned accomplishments, and thank you for your dedication and service to our community.

06/12/2026

Friday FYI - From the Firehouse

This week, crews took part in a hands-on pediatric trauma simulation in partnership with the CVTC Clinical Simulation Center.

The scenario involved an ATV rollover with a pediatric patient, challenging our paramedics to assess, treat, and make critical decisions in a realistic emergency setting. The training also provided an opportunity to put our newly implemented pediatric needle chest decompression guidelines into practice, giving our Medics hands-on experience with a procedure they may rarely…or never… perform during their careers, but one that can make a life-saving difference.

After the scenario, crews participated in a debrief with our Medical Director, discussing what went well, areas for improvement, and important topics including Pediatric Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI), refusal of treatment considerations, scene access and logistics, and the use of app-based protocols in the field.

A huge thank you to our volunteer actor who played the patient's grandmother and helped bring realism to the scenario. We also want to thank the CVTC Clinical Simulation Center staff for their time, expertise, equipment, and partnership, and the Eau Claire Event District for allowing us to use their facility for this valuable training opportunity.

Training like this allows us to learn, grow, and improve together, helping ensure we are prepared when our community needs us most. We are grateful for the partnerships that make opportunities like this possible and help us continue providing the highest level of care to those we serve.

06/08/2026

Good Monday Morning! Let's make this week another amazing week😁

Come meet another team member with us and this week we have FF/EMT-P Erica Becker!

-Rank/ Name: FF/EMT-P Erica Becker
-Years of Service: ~2 1/2 years
-Specialty, Area of Expertise or Favorite Subject to train in: My favorite area to train in is water rescue/boat operations.
-Favorite apparatus, tool, or equipment: E10
-Favorite meal to cook at the fire station: Pesto pasta with chicken, tomato, zucchini, and feta
-Fun Fact: My favorite hobby is fly fishing (I catch bigger fish than Matt).
-Safety Tip for the community or advice for someone who is interested in the department: Come do a ride along, train hard, and do something to better yourself every day!