Nisswa Fire Department

06/05/2026

05/27/2026

Thank you Nisswa Lions Club for your continued support and all the amazing things you do to make Nisswa great!!

05/20/2026

As the Flanders wildfire winds down and our crews finally catch their breath, the members of Nisswa Fire and Rescue want to come back to this community with the same message we shared on Sunday, only louder this time: THANK YOU!

The support over these last several days has been overwhelming, and the truth is there were so many people, businesses, and crews who stepped up that we could never name them all in a single post. So we’re not going to try to do it alone. We need your help. 👇

❤️ SO HELP US CAPTURE EVERYONE ❤️

Don’t just scroll past, this only works if you jump in:

✅ COMMENT + TAG every individual, business, charity, or group who showed up. Dropped off food or water? Tag them. Opened your doors or your wallet? Tag them. Did something quietly behind the scenes? Tag them. Big or small, it ALL counted.

✅ COMMENT + TAG every fire department, agency, and crew that came from across the state to help us battle this fire and relieve our exhausted firefighters during Saturday’s outbreak.

✅ SHARE this post far and wide so it reaches everyone who lent a hand.

Help us build a living record of everything this community did, so no act of kindness gets forgotten. Tag away. 👇❤️

A few we have to call out by name:

A&W Nisswa our very own, stepping up once again. You provided burgers and hot dogs for the hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and support personnel working the fire. Your generosity never goes unnoticed.

Nisswa American Legion thank you for feeding all of us last night and for feeding firefighters again yesterday. You showed up when our crews needed it most, and we are beyond grateful.

Lakes Area Heroes you were there through the entire incident: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, and steady support to crews working long, exhausting operational periods. You were a lifeline. For those of you who aren’t aware of what they’re doing for first responders, go check them out right now!

Schaefer's Foods thank you, alongside the many local restaurants, businesses, and grocery stores that donated food and supplies to keep our people fed and going.

Wildfire operations are physically and mentally demanding, and without this community, many crews would’ve been left figuring out meals and water on their own while protecting homes, property, and the people we love. Because of you, our responders were taken care of extremely well and that means more than words can express.

The silver lining in all of this is something we already knew but got to see proven again: when crisis hits, this community shows up for one another. That’s the part we’ll carry with us long after the smoke clears.

From all of us at Nisswa Fire and Rescue — THANK YOU!! 🚒❤️

- photo credits, A. Schaefer, J Settergren, J Waagmeester

Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office
Crosslake Fire Department
Mission Township Fire Department, MN
Pequot Lakes Fire District
Brainerd Fire Department
Minnesota Incident Command System - MNICS
Crow Wing County, MN Government
City of Breezy Point
City of Brainerd
City of Nisswa, Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
North Memorial Health

05/17/2026

As the Flanders wildfire continues, the members of Nisswa Fire and Rescue want to take a moment to thank this incredible community for the overwhelming support shown to all of the responders working around the clock on this incident.

Over the past day, the majority of our department members have been assisting with wildfire operations alongside firefighters, law enforcement personnel, EMS crews, dispatchers, public works teams, and support staff from throughout the state. These long days and nights are made possible because of the people and businesses that continue to step up for those serving on the front lines.

A very special thank you goes out to our very own A&W Nisswa for once again supporting our emergency responders and community in a huge way. Last night, they provided burgers and hotdogs for the hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and support personnel working the fire. Your generosity and continued support never go unnoticed.

We also want to give a huge thank you to Lakes Area Heroes for being there throughout this entire incident, helping provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, and ongoing support to crews working long operational periods.

And thank you as well to the many local restaurants, businesses, and grocery stores that have donated food and supplies, including our friends at Schaefer's Foods.

Wildfire operations are physically and mentally demanding, and many crews would otherwise be left figuring out meals and drinks on their own while protecting homes, property, and our communities. Because of the incredible support from this community, our responders are being taken care of extremely well, and that means more than words can express.

From all of us at Nisswa Fire and Rescue, thank you for supporting everyone involved in this ongoing effort.

05/16/2026

04/15/2026

Congratulations to our very own Andy Schaefer! Well deserved! Andy does so many great things for our community!

Congratulations to Andy Schaefer on being the 2026 Nisswa Citizen of the Year! 👏

Andy truly embodies the heart and spirit of Nisswa. From his service with the Nisswa Fire Department to his leadership as Board Chair of the Nisswa Chamber and his involvement with the Nisswa Lions Club, there is rarely a time you won’t see Andy stepping up, lending a hand, or helping make something better. All of this while also running Schaefer's Foods, a true community favorite.

Whether it’s fundraising, community celebrations, or supporting local organizations, Andy consistently gives his time, energy, and generosity to help Nisswa thrive.

Last night, we had the honor of surprising Andy at the Nisswa Fire Department, surrounded by his family and friends—such a special and well-deserved moment. ❤️

This nomination is made even more meaningful as it marks the 17-year anniversary of his father, Ted Schaefer, receiving the same honor—a true legacy of community pride, service, and dedication.

Join us Tuesday, May 12 from 5–8 PM for Cheers to Nisswa: A Chamber Celebration as we celebrate Andy, his incredible impact, and the community that makes Nisswa so special! 🎉

04/04/2026

WOW!!
Today our community showed up in a BIG way. Thanks to all of you, the Nisswa Fire Department raised $5,168.42 at our 2nd Annual Easter Breakfast!

That is incredible and we couldn’t be more grateful.
A huge thank you to A&W Nisswa and Schaefer’s Foods (the Schaefer Family) for generously donating all of the food — meaning every single dollar raised goes directly to supporting your Nisswa Fire Department.
And to everyone who came out this morning, brought their families, and filled those tables — YOU are what makes this community so special. Rain, snow, or shine, Nisswa shows up.

We are proud to serve this community and today you reminded us exactly why. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. See you next year for the 3rd Annual! 🐣

04/04/2026

Wow!! Thank you to everyone that came out for breakfast!! We truly appreciate the support and a special thank you to A&W Nisswa for their continued support!!

Happy Easter Everyone! Look what you did!! $5,168.42 in sales and donations for our Nisswa Fire Department! THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! ♥️🥹❤️‍🔥🚒 Huge thank you to Nisswa Fire, Andy Schaefer & Schaefer’s Foods, and Joe Hall & Copper Creek!

Easter Basket Winners:
Henry Schneider, Harper Voeltz, Ryker Flowers, Harlow Harrison, Reid Williams, Quinn Hite, Miles Ingman, Thea Strothers, Jaxson Kuhn, Olive Padrnos, McCoy Ruckdashel, Brooklyn Hall, Lily Rollins, Clay Pickar, Maverick Kronstedt, Isabel Moore, and Viviann Gontarek!

Scooter Winners:
Zoey Cook and Athen Harlow

Frog Sprinkler:
Colton Kallevig

Congratulations Kids! 🐣 🐰

04/04/2026

We’re here! Nisswa Fire is set up and ready to go at A&W Nisswa. Come grab breakfast with us — 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Famous breakfast burritos, pancakes, sandwiches, tater rounds, coffee, and more. Every dollar supports your Nisswa Fire Department. See you soon! 🔥🌯