Port Huron Fire Department

06/11/2026

🚒🍔 FOOD TRUCK FIRE SAFETY MATTERS 🍔🚒

A recent incident in Tennessee, where a couple suffered serious burns following an explosion involving their food truck, serves as an important reminder of the very real hazards associated with mobile food operations.

Food trucks contain multiple fire and explosion risks, including propane systems, cooking equipment, grease-laden vapors, generators, flammable liquids, and electrical systems. When not properly maintained, installed, or operated, these hazards can quickly lead to devastating consequences for operators, employees, and the public.

The City of Port Huron has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), which includes specific requirements for mobile food preparation vehicles, generators, fire extinguishers, cooking equipment, fuel systems, and separation distances. These requirements are not intended to create unnecessary burdens on vendors—they exist to protect lives, prevent injuries, and reduce the risk of fires and explosions at community events.

Our goal is to work with vendors to ensure safe operations while protecting event attendees, neighboring businesses, and first responders. Compliance with fire safety requirements helps ensure that everyone can enjoy our community events safely.

We encourage all food truck operators, event organizers, and community members to review the valuable resources provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

🔥 Food Truck Fire Safety Information:
[https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/building-and-life-safety/food-truck-safety](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/building-and-life-safety/food-truck-safety)

Fire safety requirements are often written because someone was injured, a property was damaged, or a tragedy occurred. Working together and following these standards helps prevent those incidents from happening here in our community.

Recent news of a Tennessee couple who were badly burned in an explosion involving their food truck demonstrates the critical importance of fire safety when it comes to mobile and temporary cooking operations.

Requirements outlined in NFPA 1, NFPA 96, NFPA 10, and other codes and standards can help keep food trucks safer from fire and explosion hazards.

Visit our informational webpage to explore FAQs related to food truck fire safety and download a free, two-page fact sheet:
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/building-and-life-safety/food-truck-safety

05/16/2026

Yesterday, Port Huron Firefighters responded to a residential structure fire where crews safely rescued a dog from the home.

TRI-Hospital EMS personnel were already on scene for the incident and quickly provided immediate care to the rescued dog, utilizing a pet oxygen mask and oxygen therapy until St. Clair County Animal Control arrived to transport Buddy for further evaluation and continued care.

We would like to thank Lakeport Animal Hospital for accepting Buddy for overnight monitoring and treatment. We remain hopeful for a full recovery for this sweet pup.

This incident highlights the outstanding teamwork between multiple responding agencies and disciplines working together to protect both lives and property.

We also want to recognize the quick actions of nearby neighbors who observed smoke coming from the residence, immediately called 911, attempted to alert the homeowners, and helped confirm no one was inside the home. Due to their prompt actions, firefighters were able to contain the fire damage to a portion of the residence; however, significant smoke damage had already spread throughout the home.

Thankfully, no occupants or responders were injured, and no one was home at the time of the fire. Our thoughts are with the displaced family as they begin the recovery process following this difficult event.

Assisting Agencies
St. Clair County Central Dispatch
Tri-Hospital EMS
Port Huron Police Department
Port Huron Twp Fire Dept
Marysville Firefighters
Fort Gratiot Charter Township - MI Fire Department
City of Port Huron Streets Department
St. Clair County Animal Control
Animal Hospital of Lakeport,

Port Huron firefighters rescued a dog from a house fire on Oak Street, bringing it to safety before animal control took over.

05/08/2026

This week, Port Huron Fire Department welcomed 3 new firefighters to the department. As part of the onboarding process, their first two weeks will consist of full 8-hour training days focused on preparing them for shift assignments, department operations, equipment familiarization, policies, and the expectations of the job. It’s a busy but important process as we work to build a strong foundation before they transition onto the floor with their crews.

05/07/2026

The City of Port Huron Fire Department would like to recognize and congratulate several members of Port Huron Professional Fire Fighters Union Local 354 who participated in the Fight For Air Climb at Ford Field this past Sunday.

Firefighters Lackowski, Nastasy, Wasil, Smith, Moses, and Crossley joined 345 firefighters from across the State in completing the climb while wearing full turnout gear and SCBA. All of our members completed the challenge with finishing times between 13–15 minutes.

Each climber in Detroit took on approximately 2,800 stairs, symbolizing the daily challenge faced by individuals living with lung disease—where every breath matters.

Events like these highlight the physical fitness, determination, and teamwork our firefighters demonstrate both on and off duty. Great job representing the City of Port Huron and Local 354 with pride.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CrEcixczP/

05/01/2026

Thank you for thinking of us!

At Earl Smith Distributing Co, we believe in supporting those who serve. Today, we had the honor of donating a supply of Phorm Energy to the Port Huron Fire Department. 🚒

We specifically selected flavors that give back, like the Folds of Honor Cherry slush, which helps provide educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members.

To the men and women of the Port Huron Fire Department: thank you for your bravery, your sacrifice, and your service! 🫡🔥

04/29/2026

🚒 **FOOD TRUCKS & MOBILE VENDORS ** 🍔🌮

An **approved Mobile Food Establishment Application is required for ALL mobile food operations within the City of Port Huron and other local St. Clair County areas**, including operation on **public streets, private property, at special events open to the public, and on business premises**. No mobile food vending may occur without prior approval from the local jurisdiction.

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✅ **Submit with Application:**
• Completed Application
• Proof of Insurance
• Current Health Department **License**
• Fire Extinguisher Verification
• Hood / Suppression Inspections (if applicable)
• Propane / Gas Inspection (if applicable)
• Tent Flame Resistance Documentation (NFPA 701 or approved equivalent, if used)

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🔥 **2021 IFC Highlights / Operational Requirements:**
• 10 ft clearance from buildings and vehicles
• Proper generator placement with a required physical barrier to prevent public access and protect from contact hazards
• Fire extinguishers required and accessible
• **Propane systems must be leak tested and properly secured**
• If propane-fueled appliances are used inside a mobile food trailer, an **annual propane leak inspection is required**
• **No cooking under open tents used for public access or customer service areas**
• Cooking equipment producing **grease-laden vapors requires an approved Type I hood suppression system**, including but not limited to:
– Fryers (including electric fryers)
– Cooking bacon, sausage, and other high-fat meats
– Burgers, grilled meats, and seared proteins
– Donuts and fried dough products
– Deep-fried foods such as fries, wings, onion rings, and similar items
• Tents must be **flame resistant (NFPA 701 compliant or approved equivalent)**
• Tents must be **properly weighted or anchored** to prevent movement in wind or weather conditions

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⚠️ **Common Violations Observed at Food Trucks & Tent Setups:**
• Missing or expired fire extinguisher inspection tags
• Cooking grease-producing foods without required hood suppression systems
• Improper generator placement or no protective barrier
• Tents not properly weighted or anchored
• Missing NFPA 701 flame-resistance documentation for tents
• Propane cylinders stored or used improperly (not secured, overfilled, or indoors)
• Lack of annual propane leak inspection documentation when required
• Extension cords used in unsafe or overloaded configurations
• Cooking under tents or canopies open to the public
• Obstructed exits or blocked emergency access around vending areas

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📅 Applications expire December 31 each year.

The same fire department applications and inspections are reviewed and approved by these local jurisdictions:

Port Huron Twp Fire Dept
Fort Gratiot Charter Township - MI Fire Department
Marysville Firefighters
St Clair Fire Department
Kimball Township Fire Department

04/24/2026

🧩TOMORROW🧩

📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Rain or Shine)
📍 Pine Grove Park
💲 Free to attend

Join us for:
👮‍♂️ Meet & greets with officers and first responders
🚨 Emergency vehicles on display
🎯 Interactive activities and hands-on experiences
🎉 Sensory-friendly fun for all ages
🤝 Meet first responders from multiple law enforcement agencies, the fire department, EMS, and tow truck drivers in a calm, controlled environment designed to reduce fear or hesitation
📝 Learn about and register for our Home Alert Program, which allows community members to share important information (such as triggers, sensitivities, communication preferences, and more) so first responders can provide a more tailored, informed response during emergencies for those with special needs and/ or autism
🤝 Connect with our community partners who will be on-site offering support, programs, and educational resources that you or your loved one may benefit from

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EHJAG4RMr/

04/16/2026

🐾❤️

04/14/2026

Please join us in congratulating our members on their years of dedicated service to our community!

Firefighter/Repairman Nastasy – 5 years of service
Battalion Chief Oleaga – 15 years of service
Lieutenant Oleaga – 15 years of service
Division Training Chief Blackmer – 20 years of service

Thank you for your continued commitment, professionalism, and service. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to have each of you as part of our department.

Congratulations and thank you for all that you do! 🚒👏

04/14/2026

Please join us in congratulating Lt. Albert Chamberlin and Lt. Tim Oleaga on their well-deserved promotions!

Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving our community have not gone unnoticed. These promotions are a reflection of their hard work and the respect they’ve earned within the department.

We’re proud to have them leading the way—congratulations, Lt. Chamberlin and Lt. Oleaga! 👏🚒