Big Prairie Fire Dept.

03/10/2026

🚒 First Grass Fire of the Season – Community Reminder 🚒

Yesterday, the Big Prairie Fire Department responded to our first grass fire of the year. Thankfully it was brought under control quickly, but it’s a good reminder for all of us as we head into the spring season.

This time of year, dry grass and changing winds can cause fires to spread faster than many people expect. As a community, we can all help prevent these situations by taking a few simple precautions:

🔥 Avoid burning on dry or windy days
🔥 Never leave a burn pile or outdoor fire unattended
🔥 Properly dispose of ci******es and smoking materials
🔥 Keep water or a hose nearby if you are burning
🔥 Check local burn guidelines before starting outdoor fires

So far in 2026, our department has already responded to 50 calls for service, and we are always ready when our community needs us.

Our firefighters are proud to serve this community, and we truly appreciate everyone doing their part.

If you see a fire that is spreading or out of control, please call 911 immediately.

Big Prairie Fire Department 🚒

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01/07/2026

🚨 Ice Rescue Training – Keeping Our Community Safe ❄️🛟

Last night, members of the Big Prairie Township Fire Department took part in ice rescue training to stay prepared for emergencies on frozen lakes and waterways. This hands-on training helps ensure we’re ready to respond quickly and safely if someone in our community needs help.

We train year-round so we can continue to serve and protect our residents. As winter continues, please remember that no ice is ever completely safe.

Thank you for your continued support—stay safe out there! ❤️🚒

01/01/2026

2025 has come to an end, and it was a year that truly highlighted the dedication of the Big Prairie Township Fire Department. Throughout the year, we responded to 316 calls for service, an increase from 228 in 2024—a total of 88 additional calls.

Behind each of those calls were the men and women of this department who consistently put others first, giving their time, effort, and compassion to serve our community. Their commitment and selflessness are what make this department strong, and we are incredibly proud of our members.

To our residents, thank you for your continued trust and support. We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and blessed 2026.

🚒❤️

10/28/2025

Newaygo County fire departments are now the first in Michigan to all be certified in MDHHS Infant Safe Sleep Program. Read the full story through the link in the comments.

08/08/2025

This afternoon, Big Prairie Fire Department was dispatched to Operator’s Park at the east side of Hardy Dam for a reported drowning.

Our crew located and recovered a 24-year-old male who was found underwater and had no pulse. CPR was started, and with assistance from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and Life EMS, the patient regained a pulse.The patient was then transported to the Hospital.
Great work by all agencies involved for the quick and coordinated response:
🔹 Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office
🔹 Life EMS
🔹 Newaygo County Central Dispatch

MEDIA RELEASE

On August 7, 2025, at 1:07pm, the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office, along with Big Prairie and Croton Township Fire Departments were dispatched to Operator’s Village Day Park, located on the east side of Hardy Dam, for a drowning.

Deputies and members of the dive team arrived within 10 minutes of the time of the call. As deputies were arriving on scene, members of the Big Prairie and Croton Township Fire Departments located a 24-year-old male, from White Cloud, under water and were transporting him to the shore.

When the 24-year-old was brought to shore, he did not have a pulse. CPR was immediately started by members of the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Departments. Life EMS arrived on scene and assisted with life saving measures. The 24-year-old male eventually got a pulse back and was transported to Corewell Health in Big Rapids and later transported via Aero-Med to Corewell Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids and is currently in critical condition.

The Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Big Prairie Fire Department, Croton Fire Department, Life EMS and Newaygo County Central Dispatch.

Chad Palmiter, Undersheriff

07/15/2025

🚨 Training Spotlight 🚨
This past weekend, 9 members of the Big Prairie Township Fire Department dedicated their Saturday to enhancing their skills in boat operations and open water rescue.

🌊 This hands-on training helps ensure our team is always ready to respond quickly and safely during water emergencies.

🙏 A big thank you to the firefighters—and their families—who gave up part of their weekend to make our community safer. Your commitment and sacrifice do not go unnoticed! 💪

06/19/2025

2 DAM FUN Event:

ANNOUNCEMENT: If you are driving on Croton Hardy Drive this Saturday, June 21, please be aware that a running and biking race is taking place along the Edge Pathway between Hardy Dam and Croton Dam. This race will begin at 10:00 a.m. and runners and bikers will be using the right shoulder of the road between the Dams. Please be aware, drive alert and keep these participants at a safe distance from your vehicle.

FISHERMAN/BOATERS: If you are using the Croton Dam boat launch in Al duChemin Park around 8:00am to 1:00 pm on Saturday June 21st, please be aware that while the boat launch will remain open, the 2DamFun Event will be doing registration and then finishing in the parking lot next to the launch. If you are pulling your boat in or out please be aware of the Event and racers in the area. Please do not park in marked off areas for the Event.

Thank you everyone for your support in this Community as we offer these types of Events that benefit are residents and tourists! Any questions can be emailed to [email protected]

The Sheriff's Office will have patrols in the area helping with safety.

Chad Palmiter, Undersheriff