Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department

07/17/2026

This past Wednesday, our volunteers came together for another weekly training, dedicating time away from family and personal time to sharpen the skills that help keep our community safe.

This week’s training focused on remote area rescue techniques, including patient packaging and back-boarding in difficult terrain. We also practiced establishing a safe helicopter landing zone and providing ground support during air rescue operations.

As training wrapped up, those skills were immediately put to the test when KVFD was dispatched to a remote area rescue. Our volunteers had the opportunity to apply what they had just practiced in a real scenario and did so with excellence - reinforcing the importance of regular training.

The backcountry offers incredible opportunities for exploring, but complex terrain can quickly turn an adventure into an emergency. Injuries, lost hikers, and other unexpected situations happen more often than many may realize. When they do, this small but dedicated team of volunteers is ready to answer the call.

🚁📸 Photo from this Wednesday, 07/15/26.

07/12/2026

Earlier this afternoon, Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire near Caples Lake. Thanks to a quick-thinking caller and the coordinated efforts of everyone on scene, the fire was quickly extinguished with no spread to vegetation.

Vehicle fires can spread quickly, especially in dry or windy conditions. If you notice signs of a vehicle fire, please call 911.

07/11/2026

Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department has been busy through the end of the week, responding to several remote-area rescues. With increased seasonal traffic and nearby events, we expect to remain active throughout the weekend.

A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers who answer the call - day or night - whenever someone needs help. Your commitment to our community does not go unnoticed.

Stay safe out there, and if you’re recreating in the backcountry: plan ahead, carry the essentials, and let someone know where you’re going.

07/05/2026

KVFD would like to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who attended today’s FIRST EVER Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser! We had the pleasure of hosting about 250 members of this wonderful community for a delicious meal and an opportunity to connect.

Our favorite part was seeing the future of Kirkwood outside - getting tours of fire trucks, playing with sidewalk chalk, and popping bubbles! There’s a couple of fantastic art pieces in the parking lot but we wanted to share this heartfelt message with you because we couldn’t agree more.

Gracias Bomberos = Thank You Firefighters
We couldn’t do what we do without our dedicated volunteers. ❤️

Thank you to everyone for your support!!!

07/05/2026

We can’t wait to see you all this morning, July 5th from 9:00am to 12:00pm for our first ever pancake breakfast! Please see our pinned post for more details.

The menu is stacked with yummy options- bacon, sausage, hash browns, coffee, orange juice, lemonade, and of course… pancakes! We have fruit toppings, whipped cream, butter, and lots of syrup.

Please come out and support your all-volunteer fire department. Money raised will go towards purchasing personal protective equipment and necessary supplies for your volunteer firefighters to stay safe while protecting Kirkwood and it’s residents + guests. If you can’t make it to the pancake breakfast but would still like to help, please visit https://www.kmpud.com/departments/fire-department/volunteer-fire-department-donation/ to learn more about making a donation. Thank you!

07/04/2026

This Independence Day, we’re thankful for the freedoms we enjoy and the community we’re proud to serve. As you celebrate this weekend, please do so responsibly! Leave fireworks to the professionals, be mindful of fire danger, and help keep our forests and neighborhoods safe.

Happy 4th of July from KVFD to you! 🇺🇸

📸 photo taken at Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department during the Caldor Fire, 2021 🔥

06/18/2026

Join Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department for our first ever Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, July 5, from 9am-12pm. We will be cooking fresh pancakes and serving sides at the Fire Department, located at 33540 Loop Rd. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting the dedicated volunteers who help protect our community year round. Tickets for the event will be sold at the door - we can accept cash, card, or check payments. Tickets may be purchased in advance via card by visiting www.kmpud.com/departments/fire-department/volunteer-fire-department-donation/

Please check out the event flyer for more details & feel free to message us with any questions.
We hope to see you there! 🚒

06/18/2026

Helicopter activity in the area is related to the Deer Fire burning in the Mokelumne Wilderness. The fire is currently reported at 8.5 acres.

With recent lightning and more storm activity anticipated, please remain alert for signs of wildfire. If you observe smoke, flames, a tree on fire, or any other indication of a possible wildland fire, report it immediately by calling 911. Early reporting can make a significant difference in preventing a small fire from becoming a larger incident.

06/15/2026

Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department is responding following reports of a fire potentially caused by a lightning strike during this afternoon’s storm. Please use caution when driving near emergency personnel & vehicles so they can operate safely.

As we head into fire season, KVFD volunteers urge you to be prepared. Visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/prepare to learn more.

Create Defensible Space and Harden Your Home

01/12/2026

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to our community members and visitors who quickly and safely move out of the way to allow emergency apparatus through when we are assisting with helicopter landing zones or responding to other incidents. Your awareness and cooperation help ensure first responders can do their jobs safely and efficiently when every second counts.

Your support truly makes a difference!