Bigfork Firefighters IAFF L-5289

10/03/2026

Please help us in congratulating Firefighters Spenser Ryan and Patrick Wallen on the completion of there probationary year! Friends and family came together to celebrate this mile stone and firefighters were awarded there new shields.

09/25/2026

Today, Bigfork Professional Firefighters in conjunction with Kalispell Professional Firefighters coordinated a county Multi-Company Operstions (MCO) training at the Flathead County MT landfill. The focus was auto extrication.

Attended departments: Evergreen Professional Firefighters, West Valley Fire & Rescue, Star Meadows Fire Department, A.L.E.R.T, and City of Polson Fire Department

Working together to better serve our citizens!

07/21/2026

The Bigfork Fire Department has two firefighters heading to northern California with an additional firefighter from the City of Polson Fire Department to help support regional wildfire efforts. They will be on a 14 day assignment assisting local resource respond to new wildfires.
Wildfire assignments like this offer valuable experience for our firefighters that they are able to bring back and use on fires in our local area! We wish them safe travels!

06/12/2026

A shift making the push on a worker last night. Truck 31 arrived first due around midnight and made a great stop with Engine 2232 and Water Tender 2291 arriving shortly after.

04/13/2026

The Bigfork Fire Department is debating its budget priorities after the implementation of a new state law that will impact mill levy revenue in the coming years.
https://bigforkeagle.com/news/2026/apr/08/fire-district-weighs-budget-priorities-in-wake-of-state-levy-changes/

02/20/2026

02/13/2026

On December 1, 2024, tragedy struck near Bigfork when a drunk driver crossed the center line and caused a head-on crash that severely injured Teressa Brandt, claiming the life of her fiancé Wyatt and their unborn child. Teressa, and her young daughter survived the crash but suffered severe injuries.
The crash was investigated by Trooper Jessica Kehl while her husband, Paramedic Sean Kehl with the Bigfork Fire Department, provided emergency care on scene.
In the 439 days since that night, Teressa has faced an incredible road to recovery: spending months in hospitals, intensive care units, and rehabilitation centers across Montana and Washington. She has undergone multiple surgeries, fought through complications, and shown unwavering strength and determination at every turn.
Now, after a long and courageous journey, Teressa has finally returned home to the same small town where both Trooper Jessica Kehl and her husband, Firefighter/Medic Sean Kehl, live and serve. Today, Trooper Kehl and her husband joined the Marion Fire Department in escorting Teressa home as she took this powerful next step in her recovery.
The Montana Highway Patrol stands with Teressa and her family, and with all victims of impaired driving. Her story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the strength of community.
Welcome home, Teressa. 💙

02/01/2026

Today B-Shift Engine 32 responded automatic aid to a structure fire in Ferndale. The fire was brought under control by Ferndale VFD shortly before E32 arrived.

01/31/2026

Today firefighters from B-Shift on Ladder 31 and Engine 32 responded to an electrical fire in an apartment above a shopping center in downtown. On arrival E32 reported a 2 story mixed occupancy with nothing showing. E32 established a water supply and pulled an 1 3/4” hose line to building, simultaneously L31 deployed the aerial. Firefighters found a sparking breaker panel inside. Power was shut off to the building, and firefighters remained on scene to ensure there was no fire extension from the panel. Once the scene was deemed safe the scene was turned back over to the homeowner.

01/22/2026

Today A-Shift Engine 32 responded to a structure fire along with Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department. E32 arrived first on scene to a small detached garage fully involved with multiple explosions and two 5th wheel RVs on fire as well. E32s crew pulled two 1 3/4 hose lines to either side of the structure to protect exposures. The fire was brought under control 15 minutes after arrival.