Haines Volunteer Fire Department

09/19/2026

🎨 HELP DESIGN OUR NEW PUMPER-TANKER! 🚒

The Haines Volunteer Fire Department is inviting local artists and residents to help put a little piece of Haines on our new pumper-tanker!

There is a large open space on the passenger-side body of the truck, and we would love to fill it with a simple, unique design that represents our community and the Chilkat Valley. That could include inspiration from Haines’ motto, “Adventure Capital of Alaska,” local scenery, history, culture, Native words or language, or another idea that you feel represents Haines. Included in this post are some other fire tankers from around Alaska for reference and inspiration.

We’re leaving the creativity up to you!

One piece of the truck’s history will also be staying with it. On both sides of the apparatus is a small, uniquely hand-painted pig inside a Maltese cross, with TANK 3. We have decided to preserve that artwork as a tribute to the truck’s 20 years of faithful service with the North Yarmouth Fire Rescue in Maine before beginning its next chapter here in Haines. Plus, this truck will also be Tanker 3, as it was at NYFD. Win win!

Contest details:
• Submissions must be from residents of the Haines Borough.
• Artwork must be original. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. We want this truck to showcase the creativity of our many talented local artists!
• Designs may be submitted using the full photo of the truck included with this post, or simply as artwork on a blank canvas.
• If you would like additional photos, dimensions, our department logo, or other graphics to work from, please reach out.
• Submit your design by email to [email protected] or send it by direct message to one of our social media pages.
• Deadline: 5:00 PM on October 12.

Submissions will be presented to and voted on by HVFD membership during our joint department meeting on October 12.

The Winning Prize: 🏆
The winning artist will receive an HVFD swag pack, including a hoodie and/or T-shirt, stickers, an HVFD patch, and a ride around town in the new pumper-tanker once it arrives!

We can’t wait to see what our community comes up with! 🚒🎨

09/18/2026

🚑 AMBULANCE BILLING PSA 🚑

We have learned that if complete insurance information was not provided or available at the time of an ambulance transport you will likely receive a letter in the mail request requesting additional insurance details. THIS IS NOT A BILL. This letter is just a request for information.

Our zero balance ambulance billing will not bill any patients out of pocket for the ambulance transport, only what is covered by insurance. Any additional costs not covered will be written off.

If you receive a letter and have any questions, please contact the Clerk’s office at (907) 766-6400

09/17/2026

Big thanks to Colas USA and Southeast Road Builders for investing in keeping our community safe with plenty of visible reflective gear. Stop by the public safety building to see their kiosk and grab some wearable items as we venture into the darkness and inclement weather of winter. BE SAFE. BE SEEN!

09/12/2026

Check out last week’s issue of Chilkat Valley News: Our two cadets made the front page!

Since starting our Cadet Program this year, we have seen huge success even with just two members. Under the guidance of Assistant Chief Clay, our two cadets have hit the ground running and have quickly rose to be a couple of our most active volunteer responders. We find them at the station almost every day training, responding to ambulance and fire calls alongside senior members, or just helping out with whatever needs to be done.

The HVFD Cadet program is open to those 16 and 17 years of age, with eligibility for full membership once they turn 18. For more information or to pick up an application, stop by the fire hall, send us a message, or give us a call at (907)766-6441.

09/11/2026

Never Forget.

09/11/2026

Each year, Anheuser-Busch pauses b**r production to produce emergency drinking water. Through partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council, they ensure volunteer firefighters like us have the critical hydration we need during extreme heat, wildland fires, extended responses, disasters, and other emergencies. We are proud to announce that we are one of the departments that received this donation through the NVFC’s 2026 grant program and a big thanks to Alaska Marine Lines for getting it to Haines for us.

This canned water will be stocked on all of our fire apparatus and ambulances to keep our responders hydrated and will be available for disasters, should one arise. As an added bonus, the cans are very easily recyclable!

Learn more about Anheuser bushes Emergency drinking water for wildland firefighters program at www.nvfc.org/water

09/08/2026

26 years and still running strong as ever!

The City of Haines, Alaska Fire Department ordered this KME Excel 4x4 Custom Pumper in November, 1999. It was delivered in August, 2000.

09/01/2026

This morning at 0950, the Haines Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a home on Tower Road for a report of a chimney fire. Engine 1 responded with a crew of 4, both volunteer and career staff, and arrived on scene within 5 minutes of dispatch. Chief 2, Rescue 1, Medic 1, and other volunteer staff arrived on scene shortly after.

The arriving Engine 1 crew found heavy smoke coming from the chimney and all occupants safely out of the structure. The crew quickly made entry and extinguished the fire in the wood stove and fire up the chimney. There was no extension and no structural damage found to the home. Tower Road was closed for a short time to allow for safe firefighting operations.

HVFD would like to remind residents that the season is starting to change and wood stoves and chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year. Only burn dry seasoned wood and never trash. HVFD has chimney brushes that can be loaned out to residents, free of charge if they wish to sweep themselves; or there are other local businesses that are available to help.

We would like to thank the Haines Police Department for traffic control and the dispatchers for coordinating the response. We also thank every volunteer that responded, leaving their families, lives, and work to assist the community when it is needed the most.

09/01/2026

HVFD is currently responding to a house fire on Tower Road and is closed to traffic. Please avoid the area. Updates will be available later in the day.

08/29/2026