Willow River Fire & EMS Dept.

01/17/2026

Update as of 5:34 pm
Update for Sturgeon Lake and Willow River residents still with gas turned off.

There are 45 addresses in Willow River and 69 addresses with gas still turned off, Minnesota Energy has been to each address twice to attempt to restart service but have been able to make contact.

Each service has been tagged on their door and owners should contact the phone number on the tag to restart service. Technicians need access to gas appliances to restart service.

Minnesota Energy has technicians standing by in the area ready to restart services promptly to avoid freezing damage.

01/17/2026

City of Willow River Press Release:

Attention Willow River Residents

Due to unforeseen circumstances, residents who use natural gas may experience a gas outage for an unspecified period of time.

During this time, you may need to rely on alternate sources of heating.

We are actively working to address any issues that arise.

Please stay informed by monitoring local news sources for updates.

If you are an MN Energy customer and have technical questions (for example: relighting pilot lights or other appliance-related concerns), please contact MN Energy directly.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.
The City of Willow River

05/12/2025

High wildfire risk! Check DNR burning restrictions
before any outdoor fires. Stay safe!

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

Today the entire state is under extreme fire danger, and the entire state has no open burning allowed. While campfires may be allowed, we DO NOT RECOMMEND you start one under any circumstances. There is currently a 200+ acre fire going on in St Louis County, and that could just as easily happen here.

Be smart, use your common sense, and do not start any fires today until conditions improve. Anyone that starts a campfire today lacks common sense, as just an ember could start the same thing thats currently happening in our neighboring county.

BE SAFE AND BE SMART

Up to date conditons can be found at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

12/12/2024

🍻🚒 Wrapping up with a HUGE thank-you to these amazing supporters of the Willow River Fire Dept. Raffle Fundraiser! 🍻🚒

23 Hardware & Lumber Askov
Kettle River Pizza
Moose Lake Brewery
Bear's Den Bar & Grill
Woody’s Bar Sandstone
Buffalo Tracks Bar & Grill
Tony Stewart Motors

Thank you for being such an essential part of our community! ❤️🔥

12/10/2024

🔫🎯 A big THANK YOU to these businesses for sponsoring prizes that made our fundraising raffle a success! 🔫🎯

We are incredibly grateful for your support:

Denham Run Bar & Grill
Federated Co-ops
E5 Home Services - Shawn Eckerman
Northern Pawn
Raghorn Shooting Supplies

Your generosity makes a huge difference, and we’re lucky to have such amazing sponsors in our corner! 🚒❤️

12/08/2024

🚜💪 Shoutout to these generous sponsors who helped make our fundraising event unforgettable! 🚜💪

Thank you for your support and dedication to our community:

United Country MN Properties
Mlaskoch Excavating Inc
Wolf Creek Dirt Works
Beck Construction
Affordable Equipment Repair LLC

Your contributions help us do what we do best—supporting our fire department and our community! 🔥

12/04/2024

💥 A heartfelt thank-you to these incredible sponsors for contributing big prizes to our fundraising raffle! 💥

Your unwavering generosity makes a big impact:

Edward Jones; Tia Grutkoski
Willow River Utilities
Willow River Lumber
R & G Waldhalm
Route 61 Lounge & Bowling

We appreciate your continued support year after year! ❤️

12/02/2024

🍕💪 We’re so thankful for these incredible businesses who donated to the Willow River Fire Dept. Annual Fall Raffle! 🍕💪

Your generosity helped make this event a huge success:

Pizza Pub Sturgeon Lake
Quality Home Center Sandstone
Route 61 Lounge & Bowling
Doc’s on 23 Askov
Corral Bar

Your support keeps our community strong—thank you! 💛 🚒

12/01/2024

🎉 A huge THANK YOU to these amazing businesses for sponsoring our main raffle prizes during our Annual Fall Raffle! 🎉

We are so grateful for your generous support, helping us make this event a success:

Prachar Cabinets
Squirrel Cage Bar and Grill
D and E Heating & Air Conditioning
The End Zone Bar and Grill
JJ’s Bottle Shop

Your commitment to our community means the world to us! 💙

11/28/2024

🚒🍂 Thank You for a Fantastic Gobble Wobble! 🍂🚒

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support the Fire Department at the Annual Willow River Gobble Wobble! Your participation and generosity make all the difference in helping us serve our community. 💙

A special shoutout to Melissa Johnson, the incredible event organizer, whose hard work and dedication make this event possible year after year. 🙌

We’re so grateful for our amazing community—thank you for your continued support! 🦃🔥

11/28/2024

Hope to see you out tomorrow!