Fairgrove Fire Department

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

KEEPING AN EYE ON WEDNESDAY (1PM-7PM) - Medium Uncertainty 👀

Although there is a low chance for severe weather today (Tuesday), I am more focused on a better severe weather threat tomorrow.

The reason why is we have better forcing and could be more moist at the surface with an intensifying low-level jet. However, tomorrow’s forecast is going to heavily rely on how today plays out. At this time of this post, it seems storms look most likely during the overnight into early morning hours of Wednesday. If we have leftover storms in Wisconsin, these storms would intensify in an environment that would become more unstable as the day goes on in the Saginaw Bay region and Thumb region.

All severe hazards would be at play including tornadoes as there would be a lot of spin in the atmosphere. Damaging winds would remain the main concern though overall.

However, if no storms are present early tomorrow morning then we will get very hot which in this case may decrease our tornado threat as our low-levels would be more dry. Overall, there is a lot of “WHAT IF” scenarios, so we will take it slowly and see how things play out today going into tonight.

In terms of chasing plans, I may chase this! I will be getting out of class at 3PM tomorrow and assuming storms can hold off I may have enough time to head east to check out these storms.

08/22/2026

The Fairgrove Fire Department is pleased to provide an update on the equipment made possible through the Janks Foundation. This funding is helping us provide our firefighters with the proper personal protective equipment needed to safely respond to vehicle accidents, structure fires, and other emergency situations.

Extrication Gloves
Extrication gloves are specifically designed to protect firefighters during vehicle extrication and rescue operations. They provide protection from sharp and jagged metal, broken glass, pinch points, and other hazards encountered while using hydraulic rescue tools and working around damaged vehicles. Proper extrication gloves help reduce the risk of cuts, punctures, abrasions, and other hand injuries while allowing firefighters to maintain the dexterity needed to operate rescue equipment.

Structural Firefighting Gloves
Structural firefighting gloves are an essential part of a firefighter’s personal protective equipment when entering or working around a structure fire. They are designed to protect the hands from extreme heat, flames, hot surfaces, sharp objects, and other hazards found during interior firefighting operations. Properly fitted and maintained structural gloves allow firefighters to safely perform critical tasks such as advancing hose lines, handling tools, opening doors, and searching for occupants.

Cancer-Particulate Protective Nomex Hoods
Cancer prevention is also an important part of modern firefighter safety. Firefighters can be exposed to cancer-causing particulate matter and toxic contaminants during structure fires. These contaminants can settle on the skin and protective clothing, including areas around the head and neck.

Cancer-particulate protective Nomex hoods provide an additional layer of protection for firefighters by helping reduce exposure to harmful particulates around the head, neck, and face. This equipment is especially important because traditional turnout gear alone does not eliminate exposure to the hazardous contaminants produced during a fire.

Providing our firefighters with updated protective equipment is an investment in both firefighter safety and long-term health. The equipment purchased through grant funding helps our department better protect our members while allowing them to perform their duties safely and effectively.

The Fairgrove Fire Department sincerely appreciates the support provided through grant funding. These resources directly benefit our firefighters and, ultimately, the residents and communities we serve. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue improving our equipment and maintaining the highest possible level of readiness and safety.

A huge thank you to the Tuscola County Community Foundation, and the Janks Foundation for the awarding us this grant funding!

08/18/2026

08/16/2026

The Fairgrove Fire Department would like to thank the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Anheuser-Busch for their donation of canned water for hydration!
Why hydration matters
* Prevents heat stress: Firefighters work in extreme temperatures while wearing heavy PPE and SCBA, which makes it difficult for the body to release heat.
* Maintains physical performance: Dehydration can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and reduced coordination—dangerous conditions on the fireground.
* Protects the heart: Dehydration increases cardiovascular strain. Staying hydrated helps maintain blood volume and circulation.
* Improves decision-making: Even mild dehydration can contribute to headaches, poor concentration, and impaired judgment.
* Helps regulate body temperature: Adequate fluids allow the body to sweat and cool itself effectively.
* Reduces recovery time: Rehydrating during and after an incident helps replace fluids lost through sweat and supports recovery between assignments.
* Prevents heat-related emergencies: Severe dehydration can contribute to heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heat stroke.

Big shout out to Firefighter Mike Evans and Lieutenant Ryly Coleman for securing the grant donation! And getting the delivery scheduled!

08/12/2026

Monthly Fire Report

For the month of July, the Fairgrove Fire Department responded to 10 emergency calls.

Emergency Call
#58 Dumpster Fire Assist City of Caro Fire
#59 Residential Fire Alarm Fairgrove Twp.
#60 Smoke Investigation (Good Intent) Gilford Twp.
#61 Grain Dryer Fire Fairgrove Twp.
• Assisted By: Akron and Caro Fire
#62 Residential Structure Fire Assist Reese Fire
#63 Medical Assist MMR Village of Fairgrove
#64 Commercial Fire Alarm Assist City of Caro Fire
#65 Apartment Fire Assist City of Caro Fire
#66 Smoke Investigation (Good Intent) Fairgrove Twp.
#67 Illegal Fire Gilford Twp.
Last year we ended July with a total of 10 calls. That put us at 73 total calls for the year. This year we ended the month on call number 67. This puts us 6 calls behind last year.

Training
For the month of July firefighters went out to Star of the West on Vassar rd. for our annual preplan night/ walk-through. You may ask what we do during a walkthrough. Fire department walkthroughs are an essential part of emergency preparedness. They give first responders the opportunity to become familiar with a building's layout, identify potential hazards, locate fire protection systems, and understand access points before an emergency ever happens.
When firefighters know where utility shutoffs, life safety hazards, and high-risk areas are located, they can respond more efficiently and safely. These visits also give business owners and facility managers a chance to ask questions, discuss emergency plans, and build relationships with the firefighters who may one day respond to their property. Preparedness saves time. Time saves property. And, most importantly, time saves lives.

If your business or facility hasn't scheduled a fire department walk-through, consider reaching out to your local fire department. Working together before an emergency occurs makes all the difference.
We would like to thank the Star of the West employees who took time out of their busy schedules to help us preplan any emergency in the future.

Monthly Events
-Township Board meetings
-Meeting with Next Era Energy for the BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) project.
- Chiefs Meeting
Announcements
• Tornado Siren Testing Wednesday August -5th @ 10am
• August 6th Grain Rescue Training in Bay County
• Labor Day weekend Pancake Breakfast- Sunday September 6th
• On August 22nd we will be hosting two classes. Basic Strategies for Farm Emergencies-Awareness, Haz Mat/ Confined Spaces-Awareness.

We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of the fire department. It’s a true blessing to have such a wonderful community that supports us.

Respectfully Submitted Chief Maguire
Fairgrove Fire Department
Serving Our Community with Pride and Dedication

08/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Industrial Fire — Gilford Township

August 8, 2026

At approximately 2:20 a.m. on August 8, 2026, the Fairgrove Fire Department was dispatched to an industrial fire in the 100 block of Bradleyville Road in Gilford Township.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire inside a multi-story industrial building. Fire crews worked to contain and extinguish the fire, which was contained to the interior of the building with minor extension into the attic area.

Firefighters remained on scene to complete overhaul operations and ensure the fire was fully extinguished. All units were cleared from the scene shortly after 6:30 a.m.

The Fairgrove Fire Department would like to sincerely thank the Akron, Reese, Richville, Caro, Merritt Township, Vassar Fire Departments, and MMR for their assistance and mutual aid response. The cooperation and support of our neighboring departments is greatly appreciated.

We would also like to thank Tuscola County Central Dispatch for their assistance and coordination throughout the incident.

The Fairgrove Fire Department appreciates the dedication and professionalism of all personnel who responded and worked together to safely bring the incident under control.

Respectfully Submitted: Chief Maguire
Fairgrove Fire Department
Serving Our Community with Pride and Dedication since 1902.

08/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Commercial Industrial Fire – Gilford Township

On Sunday, August 2, 2026, at approximately 1:35 p.m., the Fairgrove Fire Department was dispatched to the 100 block of Bradleyville Road in Gilford Township for a reported industrial structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire involving an industrial building and immediately initiated an aggressive fire attack. Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested to assist with fire suppression operations.

Fire departments responding to the scene included Fairgrove, Reese, Richville, Caro, and Munger Fire Departments. Crews worked together to bring the fire under control while protecting nearby property and ensuring the safety of personnel operating on scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Fairgrove Fire Department would like to thank all responding agencies for their quick response, teamwork, and professionalism during this incident.

Respectfully Submitted: Chief Maguire
Fairgrove Fire Department
Serving Our Community with Pride and Dedication.

We’d also like to add this call today shows the importance of our dispatchers. They are the front line to every call and every request. Without them it would be chaos… please remember how important these individuals are to this county on Tuesday August 4th.