Grand Traverse Band Fire/Rescue

05/16/2026

🚩 RED FLAG FIRE DANGER WARNING 🚩

The Grand Traverse Band Fire & Rescue Department is urging community members to use extreme caution due to elevated fire danger conditions in our area. Dry vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds can cause fires to spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

🔥 Please avoid:
• Outdoor burning or burn barrels
• Leaving campfires unattended
• Burning brush or debris
• Parking vehicles on dry grass
• Improper disposal of ci******es or smoking materials
• Using equipment that may create sparks near dry vegetation

Even a small spark can quickly become a large wildfire.

If you see smoke or an unattended fire, report it immediately by calling 911.

Help protect our community, natural resources, and neighboring properties by postponing outdoor burning until conditions improve.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

05/13/2026

Before burning brush in Suttons Bay Township, please verify the current burn ban status. The most up-to-date information can be found on the suggested website or by calling the given phone number.

05/09/2026

The Grand Traverse Band Fire Rescue Department, in collaboration with the Whitewater Township Fire Department and Mobile Medical Response, conducted joint training exercises. The training session enhanced EMT students' skills in vehicle extrication and patient assessment techniques, while firefighters practiced advanced rescue techniques through vehicle extrication. Both students and firefighters benefited from the training by acquiring new techniques to improve patient care in future emergencies.

A big thank you to the whitewater township fire department for hosting the training.

05/06/2026

Congratulations to all of the new firefighters that graduated from the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center. Although we did not have anyone in the class they are the future of the fire service and we are proud to help train the next generation.

05/02/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family..

05/02/2026

04/23/2026

Please help us welcome Quinton Clark to Grand Traverse Band Fire Department. Quinton has 3 years of experience as a FF/EMT from Chelsea, Mi who has previous experience working as an Intern for Chelsea Area Fire Authority (MI) and as a full time FF/EMT with the Ocean Springs Fire Department (MS). Quinton Graduated from Lake Superior State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science while also playing hockey on their ACHA D2 team. Quinton enjoys hockey, baseball, grilling, and hanging out with family and friends.

04/02/2026

If you have to travel in this area, please use extreme caution!!

❗️The NWS in Ga***rd has upgraded the winter weather advisory to an ICE STORM WARNING for Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, and Alpena counties until 6 pm EDT this evening 4/2/26.

Significant icing of 0.25" has already occurred. An additional 0.1" is possible through 6 pm EDT. Wind gusts up to 35 mph possible.

Do not travel under weighted tree limbs and powerlines. Power outages may occur this evening across the warned area, along with difficult travel.

03/20/2026

After a little over six years serving the Grand Traverse Band community as Fire Chief, I am stepping away from that role.

This position has been more than just a job to me, it’s been a responsibility, a commitment, and an honor. I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside dedicated men and women, standing shoulder to shoulder through long nights, tough calls, and moments that stay with you. Together, we built something I will always be proud of.

This community has trusted me to lead, and that is not something I ever took lightly.

I will be transitioning into the Emergency Manager role for GTB. While I’m stepping away from the fire service side, I am not stepping away from the mission. Protecting and serving this community will always come first.

I carry forward the relationships, the lessons, and the pride from my time as Fire Chief into this next chapter. I’m grateful for where we’ve been, and I’m committed to where we’re going.

Thank you for the trust, the support, and the opportunity to serve.

Chief Fairchild

03/16/2026

A great reminder from our friends down at Glen Lake FD.