Welcome to the Powell Township Fire Department's Website
National Weather Service's Daily Fire Conditions and Briefing for the Marquette County area Click Here
Keep current with today's fire conditions and always use caution. Always have a water source, hose, bucket, or shovel close by just in case its needed, if you plan to have an outdoor fire.
After exploring our website we would love to hear your opinions, feedback, or personal experiences with Powell Township Fire & EMS. Don't forget to follow us and post your questions or comments on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PowellTownshipFire
ISO recently conducted an audit/review of our fire department and twp water supply system. As a result, our ISO Rating has improved from a 6/6x to a 5/5y. Thank you to everyone that helped with the audit and that has helped us improve our department to achieve this new rating.
There is still plenty of room for improvement. We believe it maybe possible to reach an ISO 4 rating next cycle with more investment and development into our training program, recruitment, retention, and equipment testing schedules. The new ISO rating goes into full effect May 1st, 2024.
01.02.24 DNR Award Letter Email.pdf2024 MI DNR - VFA Grant
The Fire Department is excited to announce that on 01/02/2024 we were awarded a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - Volunteer Fire Capacity Project (formerly known as the VFA - Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant). This is a 50/50 Grant in the amount of $9,030 with our portion being $4,515 to help replace fire hose that was condemned last year during Powell Township's first ever certified Hose, Ladder, & Nozzle Testing by Fire Catt. We patiently waited 3 years to make it onto Fire Catt's U.P. testing schedule. We lost a total of 38% of our fire hose last year. Out of 178 length of hose, 67 lengths failed inspection and testing, rendering around 6,000 feet of fire hose out of service. This grant will help us replace around 3,000 feet of the condemned fire hose, helping keep our mainline vehicles in full service for the community.
Thank you to the Michigan DNR and everyone involved in the hose testing, grant writing and the approval process.
2023 HMC Grant Award 8500.pdf2023 HMC Grant
We are pleased to announce that we have received an $8,500 Grant from the Huron Mountain Club on 12/07/2023. This grant will help us outfit Brush 2104 with a booster hose reel and long tool storage to hold some of our wildland firefighting hand tools. Brush 2104 was purchased last year with a combination of a previous HMC Grant and donated funds.
The Fire Department is pleased to announce that on September 8th, 2023 we were awarded a $10,000 No Match - MI State Fire Grant to help us replace our SCBA Air Bottles. We have 32 Scott 30min Air Bottles that will be reaching their end of life in just over a year from now. Once they reach their end of life date, they are no longer DOT certified and can no longer be hydro tested or used for firefighting. The average quote to replace our 32 bottles were in the $30,000 to $32,000 range, which is a massive amount of money for a small volunteer fire department, however we knew this was coming and had time to prepare. The Township Board had set aside $10,000 of ARPA funds and we were able to secure a quote for $20,612 for off-brand bottles, which meets the same standards and requirements as the name brand Scott bottles. The MI State Grant along ARPA and less than $1,000 from donated funds will allow us to replace our air bottles before they reach their end of life.
A huge thank you to everyone that was involved in making this happen!
The Fire Department recently attended the Annual Lake Independence Homeowners Association Meeting, which was on August 17th, 2023. We had prepared 2 public ed. documents for this meeting that we had a lot of great responses on and for those that were unable to attend, those documents can be found below. One document is on fire danger ratings and general fire safety, the other is on recent Fire Department Activity and Grants that we have applied for.
We really enjoyed the opportunity to speak with residents one on one, talk a little about fire safety, the fire department, our response capabilities, and be able to answer everyone's questions in an open format. If anyone has any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us on our Facebook page or email them to FireChief@PowellTownship.org
PTFD Fire Danger Ratings and General Fire Safety Info.pdfPTFD August Report of Recent FD Activity.pdf
On 08/17/2023 We took delivery of a QTAC 85EMS-C UTV Skid Unit for Brush UTV 2112. This new skid unit was purchased with a 50/50 Grant awarded by the MI DNR. The new skid unit holds 70 gallons of water with a 2.5gal Class A Foam Cell, comes equipped with a Viper Nozzle, a 15GPM Foam Nozzle, 100' of 3/4 Hose on an electric hose reel, 20' of Hard Suction hose for drafting out of lakes and rivers, and a shelf that extends to carry a rescue stokes basket for patient transport or holding extra gear. The skid unit is powered by a Honda GXH50 Motor and Koshin SEH-40H Pump rated for 73GPM at 61PSI.
This new capability will allow us to get water and manpower to remote fires deep in the woods where there are no existing roads, or down any of the extensive atv, snowmobile, hiking, biking, skiing, or small truck trails that are spread out all over Powell Township that our pumper tankers can not or should not be traveling down. Many thanks to everyone that was involved in organizing, writing, and approving this grant for our community.
Upcoming Events
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May 30th 2024 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting
Fire Training 7pm - Water Rescue Boat Ops - Classroom Portion
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April 25th 2024 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting
Fire Training 7pm - DNR Wildland Refresher & Updates w/MI DNR out of Gwinn
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March 28th 2024 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting
Fire Training 7pm - Wildland Pump Ops and Foam Use, New 2112 Trailer Familiarization
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February 29th 2024 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting
Fire Training 7pm - Annual SCBA Fit Testing w/Marq Twp FD
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January 30th 2024 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Annual Policy Review & Wildland Rescue Ops
Auxiliary Meetings will be merged with regular FD Meetings effective 02/29/24
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January 27th 2024 1pm to 5pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Annual CPR / AED Training
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January 25th 2024 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting
Fire Training 7pm - Policy 211 & 224 Ice & Snowmobile Rescue w/Mqt Coast Guard
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January 9th 2024 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night
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January 4th 2024 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting (Dec Mtg date change due to the holidays)
Fire Training 7pm -Annual Policy Binder Review / PPE Inspections & Equipment Inventory
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December 4th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Meeting Cancelled
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November 30th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting
Fire Training 7pm - Policy 213 Response to Carbon Monoxide Incidents
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November 4th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - MI Fire Prevention Programs / Smoke & CO Alarms
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October 26th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting
Fire Training 7pm SCBA Mask Fit Testing - Annual Requirement. Marquette Township Fire Department will be on site for fit testing.
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October 10th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Starting around 10am - Fire Prevention Week Events with Powell School Students
Fire Department Open House 1pm to 330pm - Station 1 Open to the public for tours
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October 10th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Cancelled due to Open House Event
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October 3rd 2023 10am @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department ISO Review & Site Visit
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September 28th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 730pm
Fire Training 6pm @ Bay Cliff Health Camp - Site Visit and walk through for Fire Preplanning, Site Familurization, and Hazard Identification
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September 12th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Driver's Training
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August 31st 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 6-7pm
Fire Training 7pm -Ladders & Familiarization w/Brush ATV 2112's new Skid Unit + Pump Ops
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August 1st 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Traffic Safety and Control
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July 30th 2023 - Bay Cliff Health Camp, Public Education - Fire/Ambulance Day 3pm to 530pm
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July 27th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 6-7pm
Fire Training 7pm -Tanker Shuttle and Pump Ops
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July 11th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - TBD
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July 8th 2023 4pm- Details Pending - Community Event / Games
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July 4th 2023 10am @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Parade Prep and Fleet Line up. Parade begins around 1130am
July 4th 2023 @ Dusk - 28th Annual Fire on the Bay Fireworks - pending confirmation
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June 29th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 6-7pm
Fire Training 7pm -Water Rescue and Boat Ops
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June 13th 2023 8am - 5pm @ Westwood Mall Rear Parking Lot, Marquette
FireCatt Hose & Ladder testing
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June 13th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Cancelled due to hose testing
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May 25th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 6-7pm
Fire Training 7pm -CPR / AED / Basic First Aid
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May 9th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - TBD
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April 27th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 6-7pm
Fire Training 7pm - Central Dispatches Updated Radio Ops for Mutual Aid
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April 11th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Respiratory Protection & Blood-borne Path
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March 30th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 6-7pm
Fire Training 7-8pm - Firefighter Rehab / 2104 Familiarization & Pump Ops
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March 14th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Firefighter Rehab & Safety
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February 23rd 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 6-7pm
Fire Training 7-8pm - NIMS & IMS Alliance Passport Accountability Training
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February 14th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night -NIMS & IMS Alliance Passport Accountability Training
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January 26th 2023 6pm @ Station #1 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Department Officer/Staff Meeting 6-7pm
Fire Training 7-8pm - Ice Rescue Training with Marquette Coast Guard
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January 14th 2023 6pm @ Station #1, 103 Bensinger Street, Big Bay
Fire Auxiliary Training Night - Policy Review / Ice Rescue & Snowmobile Ops
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Fire Corps Auxiliary Program
We are happy to announce for those that have been waiting to hear on the progress of our new Auxiliary pilot program, it has finally been approved by the Township board at last week's meeting 05/17/2022. We just need to work out some final details before we open it up. In the meantime, you're welcome to check out our Auxiliary Page for more information.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Auxiliary and helping out, please complete an application and drop it off at the township office, or you can email it to FireChief@PowellTownship.org
November 21st, 2022
On 11/21/22 the Powell Township Fire Department purchased a 4x4 Diesel F550 Brush/Rescue Truck with 11k miles on it through a public bidding process from the L'Anse Fire Department. This truck was 100% funded through Donations from the Community. Thank you, to all those that have made this possible through your generous donations, Chief Bianco from the L'Anse Fire Department, the Powell Township Board, and all those involved in making this happen.
As we reconfigure and consolidate our fleet, this truck will be replacing 2 vehicles that have reached their end of life and have been out of service for the past year due to the significant repairs needed on them. We were able to save the community a significant amount of money by picking up this gently used fire truck, sourced locally. We hope to have it serviced, re-stenciled and outfitted to be placed in-service for Powell Township by January 2023. Thank you again, all that were involved in making this happen. This truck will have a huge impact on our fire response and ability to provide services to our residents and visitors to Powell Township.
Pictured above: L'Anse Fire Chief Mike Bianco (right) handing the keys over to Powell Township Fire Chief Christopher Sutter (left).
April is Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month
Governor Whitmer has declared April, Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is in need of a carbon monoxide alarm, and can not afford one, the Fire Department has a very limited supply of carbon monoxide alarms available to residents of Powell Township. Limit 1 per household in need. Once they are gone, that's it. Just call the Firehall at 906-345-9400 and leave your name and number.
You should have a Carbon Monoxide Alarm near any sleeping areas, and at least one per floor. Also, do not forget to check them monthly.
Below are a couple of links from the State of Michigan and the CDC for CO Safety & Awareness.
PTFD CO Alarm Requirements and Recommendations.pdfCOSafety PTFD.pdfCOToolkitFastFacts.pdfCOToolkitQuarterPgBW.pdfMay 4th is International Firefighter's Day
Thank you to all the firefighters for their dedication and sacrifice to help keep our communities safe.
2021 Michigan First Responder Class
EMS is in need of more (MFR) Michigan First Responders
If you or someone you know maybe interested, there is an upcoming MFR class that starts April 13th 2021 and ends June 22nd 2021. The window to register for class is quickly closing. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday nights 6-10pm. We have one opening left for Powell but maybe able to squeeze an additional one in, if needed.
Classes will be mostly online using zoom, except 5 classes that will be in person for skills/practicals at Bell Hospital. Mileage is reimbursed by Powell Township.
If anyone interested has concerns about internet access at home or has limited to no internet access we can setup access at the firehall for the zoom portion of class.
If you are interested or have questions about the MFR class feel free to call the Powell Township Firehall at 906-345-9400 or email:
EMS Coordinator Tyler Vargo at AmbCoord@PowellTownship.org
or
Fire Chief Christopher Sutter at FireChief@PowellTownship.org
See class schedule and info below
You must live in Powell Township to apply
2021 April MFR Course Schedule.docCourse application SEMT.pdfMedical First Responder Course Flyer.pdfWe would like to announce the following Officer Promotions:
Captain Matt Anderson has been promoted to Station 1's Assist Chief
Chief Engineer Greg Ochylski has been promoted to Station 1's newest Captain while also retaining his role as our Chief Engineer and Interim Training Officer.
Firefighter Josh Boudreaux has been promoted to Station 2's newest Captain
Congratulations!!!!!!
Public Notice 07/10/2020
Just like this year's 4th of July Community Events, we must sadly advise the community that this years Annual Fire & EMS Picnic has been cancelled due to current covid19 restrictions/precaution requirements for these types of events in the state of MI. I know alot of people look forward to this event every year but perhaps next year's event can be that much greater!
IMG_9026.MOVThis was the clip submitted to the Bay Cliff Health Camp for the Bay Cliff Kids 4th of July video parade compilation..
Being A Volunteer Firefighter Is About One Thing - Heart.
It's not what you look like, what degree you have or don't have, or where you come from. It's about heart. If you have the heart to serve, enjoy helping others and making a difference in the community then you have everything we need.
Visit out our Recruitment page for more details.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Powell Township Fire Department is to minimize the loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters.
We will accomplish our mission through prevention, education, fire suppression, medical emergencies, and other related emergency and non emergency activities. We will actively participate in our community, serve as role models, and strive to effectively utilize all of the necessary resources at our command to provide a product deemed excellent by our citizens.
Department Members are guided by the following principles:
People are the most valuable resource
We are accountable to those we serve
Pride, the pursuit of excellence, and commitment to public service is of paramount importance
Compassion, fairness, and integrity are maintained in all of our endeavors
Through active leadership, we shall promote the use of quality principles, concepts, and technologies
Value to the community is measured in the type and quality of service
Our Coverage Area
We cover over 162.3 square miles of Upper Michigan's most pristine forests, several inland lakes and river systems, the Huron Mountains, and over 45miles of Lake Superior Shoreline. Due to our unique geographic location our fire department also covers areas of the adjoining Townships of Ishpeming, Champion, Marquette and Michigamme.
History of our Fire Department
Established in March of 1975. Station #1, Our main Fire Station in Big Bay houses the majority of our equipment and apparatus. Station #2 The Bill Dionne Fire Station at Halfway houses 2 fire engines.
For more information about the Fire Department's history visit Our History page.