Howells Volunteer Fire Department

05/09/2026

It’s official. No longer probie status. Congrats to Tate Lueth and Trent Kumm. 🧑🏻‍🚒🚒

04/29/2026

🔥Howells Volunteer Fire Department Election of Officers tonight:🔥

👩🏻‍🚒Chief - Brian Hegemann - Howells 1

👩🏻‍🚒1st Asst Chief - Mike Semerad - Howells 2

👩🏻‍🚒2nd Asst Chief - Justin Morton - Howells 3

👩🏻‍🚒Captain - Jake Pieper - Howells 4

👩🏻‍🚒Captain - Mark Burenheide - Howells 5

👩🏻‍🚒Lt - Brad Dirkschneider - Howells 6

👩🏻‍🚒Lt - Mike Crogan - Howells 7

President - Jeremy Koenig

Vice President - Mike Crogan

Secretary - Wyatt Hegemann

Treasurer - Austin Coufal

Training Coordinator - Justin Morton

Information/technology officer (position in work) - Jeff Wegner - Howells 77

👏🏻Thank you to the newly assigned officers!

04/16/2026

Shutting down burn permits again for a few days. Today is Red Flag Warning, and Friday and Saturday are supposed to be windy. If you have something you burned this past week please make sure it is fully out as these winds can easily reignite a smoldering burn pile. Thank you

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

Burn baby burn!!! We will ONLY issue permits good for up to two days as we continue to monitor moisture and wind conditions.

Approved burning is limited to untreated wood, brush, or agricultural waste.

General Prohibition: Open burning of yard waste, household trash, tires, or treated wood, even if you are burning in a barrel.

If your burn gets out of hand, do not wait to call 911. Fill out your permit at howellsfire.org/burn-permit-notification-page

03/30/2026

The Howells Rural Fire District hosted an appreciation supper this evening, during which the Howells Volunteer Fire Department recognized Zach Bayer for completing 5 years of dedicated service and honored Brian Hegemann as 'Firefighter of the Year'. Notably, Brian also serves as an EMT and Assistant Chief, consistently providing invaluable support when needed. The department extends its sincerest gratitude to all its members for their tireless volunteer efforts within the community. Additionally, appreciation is expressed to the Rural Fire Board for their pivotal support, enabling the department to effectively fulfill its duties.

03/27/2026

Burn permit suspension extension. Another few days. April 11th it may open back up but if we do not get a lot of moisture, don’t count on it.

03/13/2026

GOVERNOR ISSUED BURN BAN:

Effective immediately the Governor has issued an Executive Order that bans the issuance of Open Burn Permits for 14 days. The Executive Order prohibits any fire chief or person designated by the fire chief from granting an open burn permit for any purpose. Any existing burn permit that has not been completed is null and void and open burning is not permitted for 14 consecutive days beginning now.

This order will be reviewed prior to its termination to determine the need to extend the ban. Further information will be provided prior to that date.

03/11/2026

Even though it snowed, we are STILL in an EXTREME FIRE DANGER ZONE. We will see what it looks like if it snows over the weekend and if the NWS reduces these fire danger warnings. Thank you for being so patient. No Burn Permits are being issued.

03/09/2026

Once again.... Burn Permits are CLOSED. Neighboring depts had large fires yesterday and we are taking no chances.

Send a message to learn more

03/06/2026

Rain! Rain! Rain!
Burn permits open for application through Sunday. We will review conditions on Monday.