Bigfork Fire Chief gives monthly update

by Wayne Loeffler & Chief of Bigfork Fire Department
| October 3, 2012 9:48 AM

With no precipitation for the last several months, we are still in a fire season. Open burning, which was to begin Oct. 1, has been delayed until we get a significant weather change or precipitation.

Once this is lifted, you will not need a burn permit but you must call air quality at 751-8144 before you burn.

We ask people to still be careful. We recommend around the area which you plan to burn, have a water source available and if we have a windy day, it would be best to wait.

Opening burning will run through Nov. 30.

The month of October is Fire Prevention Month. The theme for this year is “Be rabbit ready: Have two ways out.” Bigfork Fire Department will be involved in the following activities:

• Tuesday, Oct. 9: Bigfork Elementary School from 9-10:30 a.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 10: Swan River School from 9-10:30 a.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 11: Little School House Tour at 9 a.m. and Bigfork Fire Department Open House from 6-7:30 p.m.

During the open house at the Bigfork Fire Station, we will have free hot dogs, ice cream, cookies and Bigfork Fire Department t-shirt giveaways and more.

There will be information on how to get certified in CPR and first aid, reflective address signs, free to the first 10 walk-ins, fire extinguisher demonstrations, grant opportunities for home owners wishing to protect their home from wild land fires, and free blood pressure checks! Bring the kids! Tour the station and apparatus.

Bigfork Fire Department would like to thank the community, people on vacation and people who had friends that died in 9-11 for your support of our 9-11 stand.

We received $359 in donations and this money has been given to support the “National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.”

Bigfork Fire Department responded to 59 incidents as of Sept. 28:

• One forest, woods or wild land fire.

• Four grass fires.

• Three land medical helicopter calls.

• One medical assist with EMS crew.

• One EMS call.

• 40 EMS calls excluding vehicle accidents with injuries.

• Two motor vehicle accidents with no injuries.

• One natural or FPG gas leak.

• One electrical wiring or equipment problem.

• Two unauthorized burns.

• One smoke detector activation due to malfunction.

• One smoke detector activation that was unintentional with no fire.

• One public service assistance call.

Be safe!

Wayne Loeffler,

Chief of the Bigfork Fire Department