New Rockford Fire Department

08/21/2026

Governor Armstrong recently declared a statewide fire emergency for North Dakota. The ongoing drought continues to increase wildfire concerns across the state. As we move into later summer and fall, agricultural and recreational activities will increase. As these activities increase , the probability of fire starts will increase as well.

Preparedness is key to a successful outcome in an emergency. Although you may have dry chemical or CO2 fire extinguishers on your equipment or in the vehicles, they are not as effective on vegetation fires as a water based extinguishers. 2.5 gallon “water can” extinguishers are a quick and effective tool to contain a smaller vegetation fire. Additionally; bladder packs with hand pumps are another very effective tool to assist in rapid containment.

We will occasionally hear from folks that ask about where they can get these products. There are many sources online and several local options. We know that Grand Forks Fire Equipment in Grand Forks and Dakota Fire Equipment in Minot typically have these on hand. There are likely others as well.

Adding a little class A foam to these adds extra fire knockdown ability. Even a little dish soap mixed in will provide benefit. In an attempt to make sure you are as prepared as possible, if you reside or work within our response area, we will provide you with some foam concentrate at no charge. Just get a hold of a member, bring a quart jar and we will get you setup.

08/20/2026

Can a rifle prevent a fire?

Well… a local rancher recently shared a video with us that may provide some proof that it may have. Hot bearings are one of the primary causes of haying and harvesting equipment fires. It’s not always easy to detect that a bearing is starting to fail and run warm. Sometimes a bit of creative thinking can provide the solution.

Enter… that new rifle that you haven’t yet mentioned to your significant other. You know the one with that sweet thermal scope that we will not mention how much we paid for. Not only can it see varmints in the dark… it can see hot bearings on the bailer!

This post is not intended as justification to your significant other, your tax man or the IRS for such purchases. You’re totally on your own there!

07/20/2026

The morning of July 4th we responded to a structure fire at an apartment building in New Rockford. The call came in slightly less than two hours before the parade. This picture was taken at the parade, the truck and firefighters in the picture literally left the fire scene and joined the parade shortly after it had started.

Unfortunately; we did not have time to go load up any candy, so we apologize for not throwing candy. However; we have cases of parade candy at the ready for the next parade. So expect copious amounts of candy this fall at the homecoming parade!

07/04/2026

New Rockford firefighters want to extend their appreciation to the Carrington Fire Department members for their assistance with this morning's structure fire in New Rockford. Although knockdown of this fire occurred pretty quickly for us, there were many unknowns and significant fire facing us upon arrival. It is always nice to know that there is more help coming if it is needed. Thank you!

07/04/2026

Press Release- Structure fire

At 8:11 a.m. on July 4, 2026, the New Rockford Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke inside a building at 208 5th Street South in New Rockford. Shortly after the initial call, Lake Region 911 received additional reports indicating visible smoke and fire coming from the structure.

Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and fire venting from two windows on the west side of the building. Firefighters initiated an interior fire attack while simultaneously conducting accountability checks for all tenants and residents. The fire was brought under control within approximately ten minutes of arrival. Crews remained on scene for several hours to conduct overhaul operations and assist with property preservation.

The structure is a story and-a-half, eight-unit apartment building. One unit sustained significant fire damage, and an additional unit experienced substantial heat and smoke damage. All units in the building were affected to some extent. A total of 15 residents have been displaced as a result of the incident. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced with temporary housing and other needs.

One resident was treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. A damage estimate is not available at this time.

Agencies that responded to the incident include the New Rockford Fire Department, Carrington Fire Department, Community Ambulance of New Rockford, Eddy County Sheriff’s Department, Eddy County Emergency Management, City of New Rockford Public Works, Otter Tail Power Company, and the American Red Cross.

2:35 PM CSDT 7/4/26 TPA

06/24/2026

Today, Jerome Wholesale delivered a pallet of drinking water that we were recently awarded through the National Volunteer Firefighters Council’s (NVFC) drinking water for wildland firefighters grant program. This grant program is managed by the NVFC, but all the water is provided at no cost by Anheuser-Busch.

Thank you Anheuser-Busch, NVFC and Jerome Wholesale for supporting our firefighters!

05/29/2026

Jeff is our local face and voice of the Red Cross. No matter the time of day, he has always answered the phone. Furthermore; if the situation requires, he has made the hour plus trip up to assist first responders or those impacted. There is calm and comfort that has followed the faces of American Red Cross for decades. Jeff exemplifies what the Red Cross stands for. Well deserved Jeff and thank you for your service!

“It’s a lonely feeling, when you’re standing in your driveway, watching your home and everything in it burn up. And any time I get to spend with the people experiencing it, to help them feel just a little less alone, and well it’s why I do what I do. And I’ll do it for the rest of my life.”

Across our region, we gathered to honor the Red Cross volunteers who show up in life’s hardest moments.

Jeff Wolsky, our Exceptional Leadership Award recipient for the Eastern North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota Chapter, is one of them, serving on the Disaster Action Team and turning compassion into action when it matters most.

We’re grateful for Jeff and every volunteer who helps ensure no one faces a disaster alone. ❤️

05/12/2026

Tuesday, May 12th 2026: another RED FLAG WARNING has been posted for today. Winds are forecast to gust to 45 MPH today.

The forecast for the rest of the week is not looking the best either. Winds are forecast to be a factor on Thursday, Friday and into the weekend as well. Burn restrictions will likely be in place each day and additional red flag days are likely.

Thank you for your continued vigilance during these times of elevated fire risk!

05/02/2026

We are in a fire weather watch for tomorrow, Sunday, May 3rd. Winds will be a significant factor tomorrow. Please be aware and use caution.

05/01/2026

Hope to see you on Sunday!