Eagle River Fire Department

06/03/2026

Eagle River Fire Department Participates in Northland Pines Field Day

The Eagle River Fire Department was proud and excited to be invited to the Northland Pines School District Field Day celebration.

The department brought Truck 26 to the event, where Lieutenant Spencer Holmes helped students operate a hose line and experience spraying water just like firefighters do. He also raised the truck’s ladder and provided a water spray area for the kids to cool off and enjoy on a warm day.

We would like to thank the Northland Pines School District for allowing us to be part of such a fun community event. It was a great opportunity to interact with the students and share a little of what the fire service is all about. We always enjoy opportunities to connect with our community and help make special days like this even more memorable. 🚒💦👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

05/31/2026

Here is a time-lapse video of the training burn from yesterday. 

05/31/2026

🔥🚒 Training Burn Successfully Completed 🚒🔥

Yesterday, the Eagle River Fire Department conducted a controlled training burn of a barn located at 926 Highway 45 South.

Prior to the burn, department members participated in both simulated smoke and live-fire training exercises. Firefighters were able to gain valuable hands-on experience in forcible entry, search and rescue operations, hose movement and deployment, water flow management, fire behavior, and mayday drills.

A firefighter rehabilitation (rehab) station was established and operated by Mark Zima and Catherine O’Hagen, who monitored firefighter vital signs throughout the day and helped ensure all personnel operated safely.

We were assisted by tanker/tender units from Conover, Land O’ Lakes, Phelps, and Three Lakes Fire Departments, whose support was greatly appreciated.

The controlled burn was completed successfully with no fire extension to surrounding structures and no spot fires reported. Aspirus Eagle River Ambulance remained on scene throughout the training event, and Wisconsin DNR Forest Rangers monitored the area for any potential spot fires.

Lunch was generously provided by members of Northwoods Assembly of God Church. We greatly appreciate their hospitality and support throughout the day.

We would also like to thank the Vilas County Highway Department for providing traffic signs to alert motorists of the training activity, and the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and support during the event.

The Eagle River Fire Department would like to thank all participating agencies, the property owners, and everyone involved for helping make this training opportunity a safe and successful event. These realistic training exercises provide invaluable experience that helps our firefighters better serve and protect our community. 🚒🔥

05/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Eagle River Area Fire Department will be conducting a live training burn on Saturday, May 30, at 926 Highway 45 South on the property of Northwoods Assembly of God Church.

The property owners have requested the removal of an old barn located on the property. All required abatement testing and permitting procedures have been completed prior to the burn.

Training operations will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. Fire crews will conduct multiple training evolutions including entry techniques, search and rescue, hose advancement, mayday drills, and other firefighting operations. Training will begin using simulated smoke from smoke machines before progressing to live fire training scenarios.

The barn burn is expected to begin around noon.

The Eagle River Area Fire Department is coordinating operations with the Wisconsin DNR, Vilas County Sheriff’s Department, and Vilas County Emergency Management to ensure the training is conducted safely.

Emergency scene signs will be placed along Highway 45 both north and south of the location to alert motorists to the training activity and possible smoke in the area.

We appreciate the public’s cooperation and understanding as we conduct this important hands-on training opportunity for our firefighters.

05/24/2026

Our annual raffle is underway!! This year we are raising money for a new sign for station 1 and 2. Our current sign at station 1 is outdated and hard to get parts for. Station 2 has no sign.

05/15/2026

Boulder Donation to ERFD

Wiegand Excavating of Iron River, Michigan, recently donated large boulders to the Eagle River Fire Department for use at Station #2 in the Town of Washington.
Construction of the helipad at Fire Station #2 last year required the removal of several trees, which created an unintended access point to the Town of Washington Transfer Station. The boulders were needed to secure the area when the transfer station is closed.
Lawrence Wiegand, owner of Wiegand Excavating, supplied and delivered the boulders at no cost in support of the Eagle River Fire Department and the Town of Washington.
Fire Chief Jim Randall said, “The Eagle River Area Fire Department thanks Wiegand Excavating for donating the boulders used to block access to the Town of Washington Transfer Station. We appreciate the company’s support of the fire department and our local communities.”

05/15/2026

 🚩 RED FLAG WARNING 🚩

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect today from 1200 to 2100 hours due to dangerous fire weather conditions.

⚠️ All burning permits are canceled during this timeframe.

Dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds can cause fires to spread rapidly. Please avoid any outdoor burning and use extreme caution with anything that could create a spark.

Help protect our communities, woods, and firefighters by staying fire safe today.

The Wisconsin DNR, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, has issued a Red Flag Warning for today, Friday, May 15, 2026 from noon to 9 p.m. for the following 11 counties:

Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, Vilas and Washburn

A Red Flag Warning is issued when a variety of weather factors come together to create especially dangerous wildland fire conditions. Warm temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds and exceptionally dry fuels from lack of precipitation in the region are forecast and can result in catastrophic fires.

Recent rains have not minimized wildfire concerns, as grasses, pine needles and leaf litter can dry out again very quickly between precipitation events, creating hazardous conditions.

In addition to the Red Flag Warning, all DNR-issued burn permits for debris piles and broadcast burning are suspended in 26 counties, with additional suspensions possible throughout the weekend. Find updated information on DNR burning permit suspensions on the DNR's WisBurn tool: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/ #/BurnRestrictions

The DNR has responded to nearly 500 wildfires thus far in 2026, with 45% of those caused by debris burning.

The DNR is asking the public to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire and check any fires from recent days to make sure they have been properly extinguished.
Campfires, ashes from fireplaces, outdoor grills, smoking, chainsaws, off-road vehicles or other small engines with hot exhaust systems have the potential to throw a spark, ignite a fire and spread quickly. Please use extreme caution until conditions improve.

The DNR is at full staffing and preparedness across the state to respond to any incidents.

05/04/2026

🔥 Elevated Fire Danger Today 🔥

Warm temperatures in the 70s, low humidity, and strong southwest winds (gusts up to 40 mph) are creating elevated fire weather conditions across our area today.

These conditions can cause fires to spread quickly and increase the risk of power line and brush fires, especially in areas with dry grass and limited green-up.

🚫 Please avoid any outdoor burning and check current burn restrictions before starting a fire.
💨 Use extra caution with anything that could spark a fire.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe.

05/04/2026

The Eagle River Fire Department thanks its firefighters and all those who serve for their dedication and commitment to serving our communities.