Winterset Fire Department

04/28/2026

04/07/2026

Today the Winterset Fire Department remembers and honors the life and service of one of our own. May you continue to rest in peace Firefighter Griffith.

April 7, 2000 - LODD
Firefighter/ Training Officer James Ted Griffith, 25
Winterset Volunteer Fire Department. Winterset, Iowa
Firefighter/Training Officer Griffith and members of his department were called to the scene of a grass fire. The fire started when salvage workers ignited grass and nearby wood as they worked to dismantle two old, rusting 12,000-gallon elevated fuel storage tanks. The grass fire was extinguished, and the salvage workers decided to use a blowtorch to cut a small hole near the drain of the tank that had already been pulled to the ground. The hole was intended to allow the attachment of a tow chain, which would be used to pull the tank to a salvage yard. As the hole was being made with a blowtorch, the tank emitted a hissing sound and suddenly exploded. Firefighter/Training Officer Griffith was killed instantly when he was struck by flying debris. The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt trauma. The top of the tank, which was torn away in the explosion and weighed over 900 pounds, flew over 114 feet before coming to rest. A salvage worker was also killed, eight firefighters and a civilian received injuries. Analysis of the tank contents revealed that the tank contained residual gasoline and other petroleum products.

03/11/2026

Thank you to Jones Creek and The WHS Art students for honoring our group with custom shirts! We’re very thankful for the continued support from the community!

03/05/2026

TEST ONLY! Sirens are located at Giffin Fields, The Winterset Aquatic Center, Winterset High School, and The Winterset Fire Station. If you are unable to hear one in your location please contact The Sheriff’s office.

02/18/2026

👋Morning Iowa.

What is a Red Flag Warning? It means do not burn outdoors today.

Any fires that start will grow and spread rapidly due to the dry, cured fuels, strong, gusty winds from the west, and very low relative humidity.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Iowa State Fire Marshal

02/17/2026

Big thank you to Agriland FS!

Turning Gallons into Giving - Winterset ⛽

Friday night, Ryan Breeding of AGRILAND FS presented a check for $11,271 to the Winterset Fire Department at Winterset Community Schools high school between the varsity basketball games. This was a result of our Fuel Up & Give Back Program, where 3¢ for every gallon of fuel purchased at the Winterset FAST STOPs from October 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, went to support this community organization.

“We are extremely thankful for the partnership with AGRILAND FS,” said Jeff Johnston, Assistant Fire Chief at Winterset Fire Department. “We will use the funds to buy more equipment to better serve our community members."

We are kicking off another round of our Fuel Up & Give Back program in March to benefit another local organization in our FAST STOP communities — can you guess who our next recipient will be? ✏️📚

02/16/2026

Today our members hosted an Ice Rescue Operations class in Winterset. Thank you to Bryan and Don with Professional Rescue Innovations and the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau for bringing this important training to our department!

While we completed the classroom portion, WFD members were dispatched to six back-to-back grass fires this afternoon, preventing us from finishing the hands-on portion.

We appreciate PRI and the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau for their time, flexibility, and continued support of Iowa’s fire service. We look forward to completing the practical portion soon!🔥🚒

01/30/2026

01/24/2026

Outdated- reduction request has expired

⚠️ WINTERSET POWER CONSERVATION ALERT ⚠️

Winterset Municipal Utilities has been generating local power since yesterday afternoon at the direction of our electric power cooperative that supplies much of central Iowa.

Although we are generating at full capacity, the regional power grid is struggling to keep up.

Due to extreme winter weather, electricity demand is peaking and supplemental generator power is required.

WMU has the ability to self support the City of Winterset, however we are also obligated to support the regional power cooperative.

If demand continues to exceed supply, rolling blackouts could occur in Winterset and across the region.

We need your help right now:
• Lower thermostats a few degrees — especially homes using electric heat
• Reduce use of space heaters
• Delay laundry, dishwashers, and electric dryers
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics
• Avoid using large electric appliances during peak hours

🔥 Heating Safety Reminder:
Use only safe, approved heat sources. Never use ovens, grills, or generators indoors, and keep space heaters clear of anything flammable. Winterset Fire Department

Every small reduction helps protect system reliability for everyone. Thank you for doing your part.

Winterset Police Department
Madison County Sheriff's Office
Madison County Iowa Emergency Management
Winterset Public Library
Winterset Parks and Recreation