Beaver Dam Fire Department

10/19/2026

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: CLOSE BEFORE YOU DOZE!

Last week, the Beaver Dam Fire Department conducted a live burn demonstration to show just how much of a difference a closed door can make during a home fire.

By comparing fire behavior with open and closed interior doors, we demonstrated how a closed door can help slow the spread of fire, heat, and toxic smoke — potentially giving you and your family more time to escape.

A big thank-you to Jason Schmitt and Paul Davis Restoration for partnering with us to build the burn cells for this important demonstration!

🏠 Make fire safety a priority at home:
✅ Close your bedroom door before going to sleep.
✅ Make sure your smoke alarms work.
✅ Have a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family.

🔥 Did you know? Fire Safety Research Institute experiments found that temperatures in rooms with open doors exceeded 1,000°F, while rooms protected by closed doors remained near 100°F under the tested conditions.

Want to learn more about the science behind this simple, potentially life-saving habit? Visit the official campaign: https://closeyourdoor.org/

Fire prevention starts at home. Close Before You Doze!

10/19/2026

🍕🚒 Pizza Night for a Great Cause!

Join the Beaver Dam Fire Department at Pizza Ranch!

📅 Monday, November 2
⏰ 4:00–8:00 PM

🔥 All proceeds will go toward fire prevention programs at the fire department.

Come hungry, bring the family, and help us continue promoting fire safety in our community!

We’ll see you at Pizza Ranch! 🚒🍕

09/29/2026

🚨 Now Recruiting Paid-on-Call Firefighters! 🚨

Looking for a way to serve your community, gain valuable skills, and be part of a proud tradition of public service? The Beaver Dam Fire Department is accepting applications for Paid-on-Call Firefighters.

Whether you're looking for a meaningful way to give back or are interested in emergency services, we provide the training and support needed to become part of our team.

✅ Serve your community
✅ Earn compensation for your time
✅ Receive professional fire and EMS training
✅ Be part of a dedicated team

📅 Application Deadline: October 23, 2026

📍 Apply online at:
https://www.ci.beaverdam.wi.gov/Jobs.aspx

Join the department that has been protecting Beaver Dam since 1867. Your community needs you.

09/15/2026

*****Cancelled*****

Due to unforeseen circumstances the training burn for this weekend has been cancelled. It will not be rescheduled.

For Immediate Release

Date: September 15th, 2026

Live Fire Training

Beaver Dam, WI – The Beaver Dam Fire Department will be conducting live fire training on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at N7522 County Road A, near the intersection of County Road A and County Road E in the Town of Beaver Dam. This controlled training exercise is a critical component of firefighter development and helps ensure personnel remain prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.

Training will begin at 7:00 AM and is expected to conclude by 4:00 PM. Residents in the area may notice smoke and increased fire department activity throughout the day as firefighters conduct a variety of live fire scenarios.

County Road A and County Road E will remain open during the training. However, there will be significant emergency vehicle traffic entering and leaving the training site throughout the day. Motorists are encouraged to plan alternative routes when possible and exercise caution when traveling through the area.

"Realistic, hands-on training is one of the most important investments we can make in the safety of our firefighters and our community," said Chief Michael Wesle. "Training in a live fire environment allows our personnel to develop and maintain the skills needed to respond effectively when real emergencies occur."

Questions regarding this training can be directed to Chief Michael Wesle.

Michael Wesle
Fire Chief, City of Beaver Dam

09/14/2026

Mugs for Rugs Event!
Take a simple step toward staying safe, strong, and independent!

Monday, September 21
8:00am to 10:30am
Nunatak Coffee, 315 S. Spring Street

Bring in a throw rug you no longer need or is in bad shape.
Take home a Free filled coffee mug!
Help make your home safer and reduce your risk of falls.

A simple change can make a big difference. Let’s work together to kick those trip hazards to the curb and keep our seniors safe, strong, and independent!

Monday, September 21
8:00am to 10:30am
Nunatak Coffee, 315 S. Spring Street

09/08/2026

The Beaver Dam Fire Department’s newest recruits continued building their knowledge and hands-on skills during Days 4 and 5 of Recruit Academy.

Day 4 began with classroom instruction on building construction. Recruits learned how construction types, building materials, structural components, and fire conditions can affect firefighting operations, tactical decisions, structural stability, and firefighter safety.

The recruits then traveled to the BDFD Training Center for hands-on forcible-entry training. They practiced sizing up entry points, identifying inward- and outward-swinging doors, selecting the appropriate tools, and properly positioning those tools to force entry. Recruits worked on striking, prying, gapping, setting, and forcing techniques using the halligan and flathead axe. Training also emphasized trying the door before forcing it, maintaining control of the door, effective communication between team members, safe tool handling, and working together efficiently under realistic conditions.

Day 5 focused on ground ladders and vertical ventilation. Recruits practiced several ladder carries and deployment techniques, including positioning ladders for access to windows and roofs. Training emphasized safe and efficient ladder placement, proper climbing angles, and the ability to deploy ladders with limited staffing.

During vertical-ventilation training, recruits practiced safely accessing and operating on a roof, identifying hazards, sounding the roof, and using saws and hand tools to create ventilation openings. Training emphasized safe roof operations and the importance of coordinating ventilation with interior fire-attack and search crews.

These two days gave our recruits additional tools for safely accessing, operating around, and working above fire buildings. They continue to build confidence, teamwork, and the fundamental skills necessary to serve our community.

09/03/2026

🔥 BDFD RECRUIT ACADEMY: DAYS 1–3 🔥

The newest members of the Beaver Dam Fire Department have completed their first three days of Recruit Academy!

Day 1 focused on administrative requirements, department orientation, expectations, policies, and procedures. This provided recruits with a better understanding of our organization and the standards expected of every member.

Day 2 was dedicated to personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Recruits practiced donning their gear, operating while wearing full PPE and SCBA, and completing drills designed to place them in uncomfortable and challenging situations. These exercises help build confidence, improve air management, and prepare recruits to remain calm while working in demanding environments. The day concluded with classroom instruction on fire behavior.

Day 3 introduced recruits to the department’s hoselines and equipment. Training included deploying hoselines, advancing charged lines, and practicing the hose-management techniques necessary to operate safely and effectively as part of an engine company. Recruits also observed a controlled burn, allowing them to see fire development and fire behavior firsthand while reinforcing the concepts discussed during the previous day’s classroom instruction.

The first three days established a strong foundation of department knowledge, firefighter safety, confidence, teamwork, and fundamental firefighting skills. There is still plenty of work ahead, but our recruits are off to a great start!

08/26/2026

The Beaver Dam Fire Department is proud to congratulate former BDFD member Gary Peck on being recognized as a Milwaukee Brewers Hometown Champion! ⚾️👏
Gary's more than 34 years of dedication to the fire service have made a lasting impact on communities throughout Wisconsin. We are proud to have been part of his journey and are excited to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations, Gary! We’re proud of you! 🚒🔥

Congratulations to Gary, August’s Hometown Champion presented by Vortex!

07/31/2026

After more than 24 years of dedicated service to the Beaver Dam community, Firefighter/Paramedic/Fire Inspector Charlie Bau is retiring from the Beaver Dam Fire Department.

Throughout his career, Charlie has served in many roles, including Firefighter, Paramedic, Fire Inspector, and member of the Dive Team. No matter the assignment, he consistently answered the call with professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to serving others.

Charlie was never one to seek recognition or attention. Instead, he let his actions speak for him. His quiet professionalism, strong work ethic, and dependable presence earned the respect of his peers and made a lasting impact on the department and community. He focused on doing the job well, supporting his fellow firefighters, and helping those in need.

Over more than two decades of service, Charlie helped make Beaver Dam a safer place through countless emergency responses, inspections, training hours, and acts of service that often went unseen by the public. His legacy is one of humility, dedication, and commitment to others.

Charlie, thank you for your years of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the Beaver Dam Fire Department. Your contributions to this organization and community will not be forgotten.

Congratulations on your retirement, Charlie, and thank you for 24 years of service!

07/22/2026

We were honored to welcome DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth to our Cadet Program Awards Banquet last night.

The Beaver Dam Fire Department Cadet Program recently received a $25,000 DSPS grant to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for our cadets. A special thank you to Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Kuenzi, who wrote the successful grant application and serves as the program's Lead Advisor.

Our Cadet Program gives local high school students the opportunity to explore careers in fire and emergency medical services while also serving as a valuable recruitment tool. In fact, six of our current employees began their careers as Beaver Dam Fire Department cadets.

Thank you to Secretary Hereth and DSPS for investing in the future of the fire service!