The Rhinelander Fire Department

07/17/2026

Many people in our area have had questions and concerns regarding the recent decline in air quality. As the activities of daily life must continue, generally speaking, the populations most effected are: 65 y/o, in addition to "sensitive groups" with heart and lung disease or disorders. Please take precautions as necessary. Attached are websites to assist in any additional information you may be seeking. Stay safe out there!

www.airnow.gov

www.epa.gov/air-quality/wildland-fires-and-smoke

Wildfires and Smoke

07/13/2026

On Tuesday July 28, 2026, the Rhinelander Police Department will be participating in the Police Lights of Christmas Cops at Culver’s event. During the lunch and dinner rush, members of RPD will be serving guests, delivering meals, and interacting with customers at Culver's while helping raise funds for a meaningful community cause.

BIG NEWS!! Santa will be leaving the cool air of the North Pole and coming to the Rhinelander Culver’s at 5:00pm-7:30pm to enjoy this event with any children who may want to get their Christmas wish list in a little early this year. Friends of Santa will also be at the event for free face painting from 5:00pm-7:30pm.

Police Lights of Christmas is a Wisconsin law enforcement charity that provides local officers with gift cards they can distribute around Christmas time to individuals and families experiencing unexpected hardships. All money raised by the Rhinelander Police Department during the Police Lights of Christmas events will be converted into gift cards to be handed out to community members in need.

If you are not able to attend the event you can donate directly at: https://lightsofchristmas.us/ or scan the QR code on the flyer, just scroll to the Rhinelander Police Department patch for easy access to directly donate to the Rhinelander Police Department total.

06/30/2026

In regards to the heat and humidity, hydration, knowing your limitations, and the safety of friends and family members. This is a short read, however, informative. Stay safe out there! Copied from www.cdc.gov

06/30/2026

*** Attention, Attention*** Keep your eyes on the road. This is a change locals will need to adapt to. The intersection of Phillip St. and Brown St. is now a 4 way stop.

05/18/2026

RFD acquired a bench Lieutenant Heise's father made. Thank you to the Heise family, this bench is very unique and will be cherished by all.

05/17/2026

Chief Chiamulera spent this afternoon at the Culver's of Rhinelander's 25th Birthday Celebration along side members of Rhinelander Fire.

05/11/2026

The Rhinelander Fire Department recently was invited to the 2026 Ripco Fest. It was great to see so many smiling faces. We are honored to be apart of such an event. Community supporting community!

05/04/2026

Send a message to learn more

04/24/2026

4/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The burning ban for the City of Rhinelander has been lifted. Reminder to all city residents to visit the city website https://www.rhinelanderwi.us/ to obtain a burning permit. Listed are the regulations for burning with the city limits and are also listed within the burning permit application.

1. Material allowed to be burned: brush, leaves, needles, grass, clean wood, unrecyclable paper, unrecyclable cardboard. All materials must be dry. NO BURNING OF: asphalt, rubber, plastics, garbage, oil-based products, foam, furniture, wire, metal, vinyl products, aluminum, painted or stained wood.

2. Maximum fire size is 4'x4'x3' high.

3. Burn late in the day when the temperature is lower and humidity is higher (recommended only).

4. Burn only when wind is less than 9 MPH.

5. Have the fire suppression tools (water hose, fire extinguisher, etc.) on the site before you start the fire.

6. A 25 foot fire break must be around the material to be burned from any structure, woodpile, wood fence, trees, or brush (15 foot for approved, enclosed, commercial burners).

7. The fire must be supervised for the entire burn and be totally extinguished before you leave.

8. If smoke becomes a nuisance, you will be required to extinguish the fire.

9. Check DNR hotline or website for current burning restrictions or burn bans. 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/ #/
For complete ordinance, see City of Rhinelander municipal code 4.03.01 (5) Open Burning Regulations. The City of Rhinelander has its own burning regulations but follows any and all DNR or County burning bans.


AJ Johnson

Rhinelander Fire Department

Fire Chief

04/23/2026

Rhinelander Fire Department recently cashed in on a small wager from last fall's Bell game between the Rhinelander Fire Department and Antigo Fire Department Chiefs. The Rhinelander Hodags were victorious over the Antigo Red Robins. The Bell was polished and handled with care by the Antigo Fire Chief.