Walnut Fire Department

05/27/2026

The Walnut Fire Protection District is looking for experienced EMT-Basics and Paramedics to help in staffing the department on a part-time basis. Various times and shifts are available. If interested, please contact Assistant Chief of EMS Operations Deanna Wilt at [email protected] or call 815-866-3986 for an application.

05/25/2026

While we enjoy an extra day off from work, enjoy additional time with family at a bbq, or even stay home and relax- let us not forget the reason why. Today and every day, we remember and honor the ones who have given the ultimate sacrifice. To the brave men and women who gave their life for us to live ours- we thank you. You will be remembered, honored and never forgotten.

05/14/2026

***PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT***

On Thursday, May 14 the Whiteside County, Lee County and Dixon Police Department K-9 units will be next door of the firehouse utilizing our training house for training only. If you notice a heavier than normal police presence by the station, this is for training and training only. Please do not be alarmed or concerned. Thank you.

05/05/2026

Last night during Cadet training, we focused on hose loads and learning how to pack our pre-connect hose trays using the “minute-man” load. The Cadets learned that this load can be deployed in one minute or less, hence the name. After a few trial runs, the Cadets came up with the idea that they wanted to challenge active members to see who could reload the hose the quickest- and correctly. They gave the members a good run in the first half, we won’t lie. 🤷🏻‍♂️

These ladies have been rock stars from day one, learning everything they can to pursue a career in Fire/EMS. While we take training seriously, it’s good to have fun with what you’re learning. After last night, the Cadets have been signed off to start responding to any and all calls we may have- with strict supervision underneath the Chief and any officer on scene. They will be observing the scene only to see how the fireground operates, and occasionally grab a tool should a firefighter need it.

In this video, you’ll see the Cadets go up against Chief Miller and Firefighter Aidan Besler. Don’t worry, all gaskets and couplers were checked prior to loading!

05/04/2026

***IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE***

At approximately 1435 hours yesterday, 5/3/2025 the Walnut Fire Department was called as Automatic Aid to rural Ohio for the report of a structure fire with smoke coming from the back of the house. Ohio Fire arrived with an engine, brush truck and tender and immediately attempted extinguishment from the outside. Upon Walnut’s first engine and Chief’s arrival, they found a 2 story balloon framed house with heavy smoke coming from the back side of the home, along with smoke coming from the eaves of the second story. Chief Miller assumed command and called for Walnut’s MABAS Box 101 to the Box alarm. Crews went inside the home to begin extinguishment measures. Chief Miller upgraded the MABAS Box to the third alarm to have additional manpower to the scene. As crews dealt with windy conditions, crews were able to extinguish the fire with severe fire damage to the second floor and roof. Multiple crews were on site for approximately three hours. Residents were home at the time and were accounted for. There were no injuries reported. The residence is deemed uninhabitable at this time and an investigation is ongoing through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

We would like to thank all personnel for the job well done and for the help given. We would also like to thank the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office and BuEComm for their assistance as well.

A special thank you to The Shed in Walnut and Walnut Shell for bringing food and water to the scene so crews can stay hydrated and fed. We greatly appreciated your kindness!

-Walnut Fire Chief Robert Miller

04/06/2026

***PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT***

Later this week beginning Wednesday, April 8th, we will be having people at the fire station conducting our annual hose and ladder testing. This is scheduled to start Wednesday morning and will last through Friday afternoon. During that time, a portion of Jackson St. will be closed from the fire station to Peru St. to allow hose testing to be completed. Please avoid the area while testing is being conducted. Thank you.

03/10/2026

Be weather aware this afternoon into tonight! While the Walnut Fire Protection District is still underneath a Level 3 category for severe weather, it does NOT mean that we are out of the woods for possible worsening conditions.

We are not meteorologists, we are simply sharing information to better prepare you for severe weather. Please have multiple resources available to you to remain weather aware, and stay safe. Here are some tips:

Make sure your weather radio has fresh batteries to monitor any severe watches/warnings.

Watch your preferred weather station to keep track of the storms.

DO NOT GO OUTSIDE DURING SEVERE WEATHER!! Your safety means a lot to us. Find a room on the lowest level of your home. If you don’t have a basement, go to the inside room with no windows for the best protection.

Do NOT call 911 and ask when power will be restored should you lose power. That is out of their hands and up to the linemen that will work countless hours to get you up and running again in a safe, efficient manner.

Stay safe, and be weather aware!

[3/10/26 11:40a]:
The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded portions of the area to a Moderate (Level 4 of 5) risk for severe weather with its midday update. A very volatile atmosphere will be primed for severe storms late afternoon-evening today. Large hail and tornadoes will be primary hazards especially along and south of the warm front.

Stay weather aware and multiple ways to receive warnings today!

03/09/2026

Look, we get it- we’re in the Midwest and looking for possible tornadoes can be more enjoyable than being in the basement. Let’s leave the tornado chasing to the professionals and please understand that you’re not Bill Paxton with Dorothy in the back of your pickup.

Instead, make sure you’re prepared for the incoming severe weather tomorrow:

-Make sure you have plenty of food and water stocked and ready.

-Have sleeping bags/blankets and pillows to make the space more comfortable.

-Bring your flashlights! If you lose power, those will be pretty handy.

-Make sure to have your pets with you- After all, they’re family too.

-Have multiple ways to receive warnings/alerts. Make sure your cell phone is charged, your weather radios have fresh batteries, and all are working.

Currently we are underneath a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe weather tomorrow afternoon into tomorrow evening. Today is the day to prepare and be informed. Watch your favorite news channel for the weather, keep an eye on your favorite weather app, or follow weather pages for more information (the National Weather Service would be our suggestion).

Stay safe, and stay weather aware!

03/02/2026

Last Friday’s brush fire was a 5-alarm fire where 11 different fire departments were on scene for about 7 hours. When there’s that many departments on scene for that long, the tenders need fuel and the brush trucks need gas to keep moving and finish the task at hand. It is up to the incident commander to make sure that the people on scene have the proper resources they need. Normally, it is up to the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) to pay for any cost affiliated with the resources needed.

On Friday, Chief Miller had the Bureau County EMA take initiative to find fuel and gas resources for all apparatus on scene. Ag View FS answered that call and didn’t miss a beat to provide diesel fuel and gas. Instead of sending a bill, they sent this letter donating every gallon that was used that afternoon.

We greatly appreciate the relationship and teamwork that Ag View has given not only us, but all departments that were on scene that day. Thank you very much for your kindness, teamwork, and dedication to make sure everyone had fuel!

02/28/2026

***IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE***
2/27/2026