Pocatello Fire Department

06/02/2026

Information Only

On June 2, 2026, at approximately 6:51am, Pocatello dispatch was notified of a medical emergency at Pocatello High School. Due to the nature of the medical emergency, there is a large police, EMS, and fire presence at the school.

There is no threat or concern to the public. All students and the public are safe. For school information please contact School District 25.

No other information will be released as this is a medical situation.

05/28/2026

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The American flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies because of the courage and sacrifice of those who defended it.

From all of us at the Pocatello Fire Department, we wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we remember our fallen heroes. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

As we get closer to the mandatory June 1st Wildland-Urban Interface burn ban, members of the Pocatello Fire Department are working hard behind the scenes to make sure we are fully prepared for whatever this wildfire season throws at us.

This past week, several of our members participated in an intensive, hands-on wildland saw class. While it might look like just cutting up wood, this training is a critical part of wildland firefighting strategy.

During a fast-moving grass or brush fire on our hills and benches, our crews use chainsaws to:
✅ Create Fuel Breaks: Cutting down heavy brush, sage, and trees ahead of a fire to starve the flames of fuel.
✅ Mitigate Hazards: Safely falling dead or compromised trees that threaten firefighters on the ground or block crucial access roads.
✅ Secure the Perimeter: Clearing out thick vegetation along fire lines to ensure a blaze is completely contained.

Saw work in a wildland environment is exhausting, highly technical, and deeply dangerous. This class sharpens our team's situational awareness, cutting techniques, and team coordination so we can operate safely and efficiently under pressure.

As we enter the holiday weekend, please help us out by doing your part to prevent sparks!

05/21/2026

We had a great time at the KnowMe Fair last night at Caldwell Park with Pocatello Police Department!

It was an incredible evening of community connection, made even more special as the fair joined forces with the inspiring athletes of the Idaho Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

A quick but vital reminder for our community: If you haven’t already, please look into filling out a KnowMe file.

The KnowMe program allows families to share critical medical, behavioral, or sensory information about their loved ones with local first responders before an emergency happens. Having this information on file helps our firefighters, paramedics, and police officers adapt our response to better serve your family when every second counts.

Thank you to everyone who came out to say hi, support the athletes, and make the night so memorable!

05/15/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Open Burn Ban Begins June 1st for Pocatello, Bannock County Wildland-Urban Interface Areas

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho – Starting June 1, 2026 the City of Pocatello and Bannock County will implement a mandatory ban on certain types of fires to mitigate increasing wildfire risks.

This year’s ban comes earlier than prior years due to lower snowpack and moisture levels than what we normally average. Coupled with a recent stretch of unseasonably high temperatures, local vegetation has dried out much faster than usual, creating volatile fuel conditions across the region.

Ban Details

• Prohibited: No open burning, recreational fires, or fireworks are allowed within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas of Pocatello and Bannock County.
• Exemptions: Commercial gas fire pits and food-preparation appliances (such as gas grills or charcoal briquettes) remain permitted when used strictly according to manufacturer instructions.
• Fireworks: Only non-aerial fireworks are permitted in non-WUI areas. Per Idaho State Code, aerial fireworks are strictly prohibited everywhere except for approved professional displays.

“The lack of winter moisture followed by the warmer temperatures has dried out the vegetation weeks ahead of schedule,” said Pocatello Fire Marshal Dean Bullock. “Our hills and benches are covered in dry cheatgrass and sagebrush that are ready to ignite at the slightest spark. We are asking residents to be extra vigilant. One small mistake could quickly escalate into a fast-moving wildfire that threatens our entire community.”

The ban will remain in place until October 1, 2026, or until significant moisture returns and conditions allow for the ban to be safely lifted.

Residents with questions regarding the burn ban, specific boundaries of the Wildland-Urban Interface, or fireworks safety are encouraged to contact the Pocatello Fire Department at 208-234-6201.

Residents with questions about the burn ban or fireworks are encouraged to contact their local fire department or district.

04/21/2026

Over the past couple weeks you may have seen our crews training at Edison Fitcher Park or Ross Park Pool. We are currently conducting Swift Water Rescue Training.

Training in real-world environments is critical to allow firefighters to be prepared for real emergency situations. When dealing with fast-moving water, there is absolutely no room for error.

What our crews have to consider:

Rapidly Changing Conditions: Water levels and flow speeds can shift in seconds.

Hidden Hazards: We have to account for submerged debris, rocks, and unpredictable currents that aren't visible from the surface.

Time Sensitivity: In a swift water emergency, every second counts, and the physical demands can be intense.

Safety Protocols: Maintaining communication and team integrity is the #1 priority to ensure everyone comes home safe.

We take this training seriously so that if the worst happens, we are ready to act.

04/20/2026

DEA Take Back public service announcement reminding communities about the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 25, 2026. For more information, go to https://www.deatakeback.com.

02/12/2026

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Himalayan Flavor for stopping by and bringing lunch. We live in such a great community.

02/05/2026

The Pocatello Fire Department is excited to add a new brush truck to our fleet. The new truck will be housed at Station #1.