Black River Falls Fire and Rescue

10/09/2026

🚒🔥 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2026! 🔥🚒

The Black River Falls Fire Department has been busy celebrating Fire Prevention Week with some amazing kids throughout our community!

Throughout the week, we had a great time teaching our young community members about fire safety, firefighters, and the importance of knowing what to do in an emergency.

📚 Last Friday our Fire Chief and EMS staff attended Story Hour at Black River Falls Public Library. We read a couple books, danced, played I-Spy and then the kids were able to see a fire truck along with all the equipment.

🚒 Tuesday: We welcomed the Red Creek Elementary 2nd graders to the fire station for a visit! 🚑

🔥 Wednesday: Our firefighters and EMS crew visited Forrest Street School to spend time with students in 4K through 1st grade! 🚑

🚒 Thursday: We welcomed the Ho-Chunk Head Start students to the fire station! 🚑

A big THANK YOU to all the students, teachers, and staff for allowing us to share these important fire safety lessons. We enjoyed all the smiles, excitement, and great questions!

10/05/2026

MEDICAL RESPONSE

October 4, 2026

At approximately 5:23 p.m., Black River Falls Fire and EMS was dispatched to the Foundation Trail in the City of Black River Falls for a medical emergency. Due to the patient’s location on the trail, the department’s UTV was utilized to access the patient. Fire and EMS personnel transported the patient by UTV from the trail to the waiting ambulance.
All Fire and EMS units cleared the scene shortly afterward.

10/05/2026

LAWNMOWER FIRE

October 4, 2026

At approximately 4:57 p.m., Black River Falls Fire and EMS were dispatched to West Gilbert Road in the Township of Alma for a reported lawnmower fire. Rescue 11, Brush 11 and Engine 11 responded to the incident. Upon arrival, Rescue 11 crew located the lawnmower and extinguished the fire using a water can extinguisher. The fire was quickly brought under control, and all Fire and EMS personnel cleared the scene shortly afterward.

10/04/2026

Today marks the start of FIRE PREVENTION WEEK.

October 4-10, Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. Help us spread the word that everyday actions can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use your charging superpower by making smart choices every time you plug in.

For more info: www.fpw.org

10/03/2026

Our deepest sympathies to Trooper Ritger Family, Friends and Co-Workers. Rest in Peace Trooper Ritger.

It is with profound sadness that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Bradley Ritger at the age of 29.

On September 21, 2026, Trooper Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County/Eau Claire County line. As he moved to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto the roadway below. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Trooper Ritger succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2026.

Trooper Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the 67th Recruit Class. He served in the Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area. During his career, he attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector. Prior to his service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Trooper Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for three years.

Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and all who served alongside him. As the community mourns, the Wisconsin State Patrol has placed a law enforcement memorial vehicle at its Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire where the public is welcome to drop off cards, flowers, or other condolences.

Out of respect for the family, no additional information will be shared at this time. Funeral arrangements are being made by the family. We kindly ask media and the public to respect their privacy and space for grieving.

10/02/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE – EAST WASHINGTON STREET
On October 1, 2026, at approximately 4:53pm Black River Falls Fire and EMS were dispatched to a reported structure fire on East Washington Street in the City of Black River Falls. Hixton Fire & Rescue was also dispatched as part of our automatic aid response for structure fires.
Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy fire conditions in the rear portion of the structure. Due to the extent of the fire, additional resources were requested from County Line Fire & Rescue Department and Hatfield Fire & Rescue
Firefighters worked to bring the fire under control and remained on scene for approximately four hours conducting fire suppression, overhaul, and other operations.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported. Unfortunately, several family pets were lost as a result of the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Agencies Assisting:
* Black River Falls PD
* Black River Falls Municipal Utilities
* Jackson County Wisconsin Sheriff's Office
* Jackson County Emergency Dispatch
* Hixton Fire Department
* County Line Fire Department
* Hatfield Fire Department
* Wisconsin State Patrol
* American Red Cross

09/15/2026

Riverside Auto Sales & Van Rental Toybox Rides

09/15/2026

THANK YOU to the residents and staff at Pine View for the treats!

On September 11th, Pine View residents came together to make gift bags for our Black River Falls first responders. A small gesture to show our deep appreciation for the people who show up for our community every single day. We are so thankful for you! ❤️

09/11/2026

08/06/2026

We stopped by did you? You still have some time to stop by!