Bluffton Fire Territory

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Bluffton Fire Territory -I am not here for me. I am here for we, and we are here for them.-

Established in 1879, BFD provides fire and rescue services to the City of Bluffton and Lancaster and Harrison Townships. We currently operate three front line engines, a 100' aerial truck, a 2500 gallon tanker truck, a grass truck and a command vehicle.

Tonight, Bluffton Fire Protection Territory crews are out on the course for EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) tra...
10/21/2026

Tonight, Bluffton Fire Protection Territory crews are out on the course for EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) training! 🚒💨

​Operating a fire engine or emergency vehicle requires far more than just getting from point A to point B. EVOC training gives our firefighters hands-on practice with advanced driving maneuvers, precision spatial awareness, emergency braking, and safe hazard navigatio ensuring we can respond to calls quickly and safely.

​When seconds count, safe response saves lives. Remember to pull to the right for sirens and lights!

Tonight at the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory Board meeting, we had the honor of recognizing several extraordinary i...
10/20/2026

Tonight at the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory Board meeting, we had the honor of recognizing several extraordinary individuals for their dedication, hard work, and life-saving service to our community.

🚑 Life-Saving Service Award
In July, Firefighter/Engineer Tim Franklin and Firefighter/Engineer Josh Hall responded to a medical emergency involving sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to their quick response, and swift action, a life was saved. Thank you both for your exemplary service!

🏅 Homeland Medal of Merit & Special Recognition
Deputy Chief Wolf and Wells County Indiana Emergency Management Director John Petro were both awarded the prestigious Homeland Medal of Merit from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). Their collaborative efforts have made it possible for Wells County firefighters with EMT certifications to provide EMT-level medical care directly in the field, expanding emergency medical services across the entire county.

In addition, both Deputy Chief Wolf and Director Petro received Certificates of Appreciation from IDHS—recognizing Deputy Chief Wolf for his 28 years of dedicated service as an EMT, and Director Petro for his 36 years of dedication to EMS and emergency management services.

Please join us in congratulating these dedicated leaders and responders for everything they do to keep Bluffton and Wells County safe! Thank you, gentlemen! 👏🚒

Bluffton Fire is competing in the 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off TODAY at the Norwell Marching Knights Community Night!  Come...
10/10/2026

Bluffton Fire is competing in the 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off TODAY at the Norwell Marching Knights Community Night!

Come cast your vote (via cash donations) starting at 4:00 PM at the Norwell High School Football Stadium, then stick around at 5:00 PM to watch the NMK perform their fall show, "UNBROKEN"!

Bring your appetite and cash votes to help our Bluffton Fire entry take home the trophy while supporting a great group of students! 🌶️🏆

🛡️🚒 Fire Prevention Week: That’s a Wrap! 🚨As National Fire Prevention Week comes to a close, the Bluffton Fire Protectio...
10/10/2026

🛡️🚒 Fire Prevention Week: That’s a Wrap! 🚨
As National Fire Prevention Week comes to a close, the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory wants to extend a massive thank you to our entire community for tuning in, practicing drills, and taking proactive steps to make Bluffton safer!

Fire safety isn't just a one-week commitment—it’s a habit for every day of the year.

📋 Your Quick Fire Safety Checklist Recap:
✅ Smoke Alarms: Tested monthly, fresh batteries installed, and units under 10 years old.

✅ Escape Plan: Two ways out of every room mapped, and a designated outside meeting spot chosen.

✅ Kitchen Safety: Cooking stayed attended, pot handles turned inward, and lids kept nearby for grease fires.

✅ Heating Safety: Space heaters kept 3 feet clear of flammables and plugged directly into wall outlets.

✅ Closed Doors: Bedroom doors closed before sleeping to block smoke and heat.

✅ Fire Extinguishers: Inspected, in the green zone, and ready to use with the P.A.S.S. method.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep your homes, families, and neighborhoods protected. Remember, our crews are here for you 24/7/365!

👇 Tell Us: Which safety tip did your family put into action this week?

🧯🔥 Fire Prevention Week: Day 6 – Master Your Fire Extinguisher! 🚨Having a fire extinguisher in your home is a great firs...
10/09/2026

🧯🔥 Fire Prevention Week: Day 6 – Master Your Fire Extinguisher! 🚨
Having a fire extinguisher in your home is a great first line of defense—but do you know where yours is, and how to use it in an emergency?

For Day 6 of National Fire Prevention Week, the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory wants to make sure every resident knows the simple P.A.S.S. method for operating a fire extinguisher:

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher (P.A.S.S.):
P – PULL: Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.

A – AIM: Aim low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames).

S – SQUEEZE: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.

S – SWEEP: Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until it is completely out.

Quick Weekend Maintenance Check:
-Check the Pressure Gauge: Look at the gauge on top—is the needle pointing in the green zone? If it’s in the red, it needs to be serviced or replaced.

-Placement Matters: Keep at least one extinguisher on every level of your home, especially near high-risk areas like the kitchen, garage, and workshop. Always keep it mounted or stored near an exit!

⚠️ Safety First: Only attempt to fight a fire if it is small, contained (like a small trash can fire), and you have a clear, unblocked exit behind you. If the fire spreads or the room fills with smoke, get out immediately and call 911!

👇 Safety Check: Where is your home's main fire extinguisher located?

🚪😴 Fire Prevention Week: Day 5 – Close Before You Doze! 🚨Did you know that one simple habit before going to bed could sa...
10/08/2026

🚪😴 Fire Prevention Week: Day 5 – Close Before You Doze! 🚨
Did you know that one simple habit before going to bed could save your family's life?

For Day 5 of National Fire Prevention Week, the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory wants to share a simple, life-saving tip that costs nothing: close your bedroom doors at night.

Why a Closed Door Matters:
In a modern home fire, a closed door acts as a vital barrier against toxic smoke, extreme heat, and flames:

🌡️ Temperature Control: A closed door can keep a bedroom under 100°F, while the hallway outside reaches over 1,000°F.

💨 Blocks Smoke & CO: It drastically slows the spread of poisonous carbon monoxide and heavy smoke.

⏱️ Buys Time: It gives you and your family critical extra minutes to escape or await help from arriving firefighters.

Tonight's Safety Challenge:
Before turning off the lights tonight, make it a habit to walk through your home and close all bedroom doors.

Continuous training keeps us sharp and ready to serve! 🚒🚑Tonight, members of the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory join...
10/07/2026

Continuous training keeps us sharp and ready to serve! 🚒🚑

Tonight, members of the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory joined forces with Wells County EMS and Wells County Indiana Emergency Management to practice core State EMT and EMR skills.

Hands-on joint training like this ensures seamless coordination when responding to emergencies across our community.

Thank you to our county partners for working alongside us to keep Wells County safe!

🔌🔥 Fire Prevention Week: Day 4 – Warm Up Safely This Fall! 🚨As temperatures drop across our area, many households turn t...
10/07/2026

🔌🔥 Fire Prevention Week: Day 4 – Warm Up Safely This Fall! 🚨
As temperatures drop across our area, many households turn to space heaters and alternative heat sources to stay cozy. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the cooler months—but most heating fires are completely preventable!

Today for National Fire Prevention Week, the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory wants to make sure your home stays safe and warm with these essential heating rules:

4 Rules for Safe Home Heating:
-Give Space Heaters Space: Keep anything that can burn—curtains, bedding, furniture, paper, and clothing—at least 3 feet away from space heaters and fireplaces.

-Plug Directly Into the Wall: Always plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip, as they can overheat and cause a fire.

-Turn Them Off: Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

-Inspect Before Use: Check cords for frays or cracks. If a cord gets hot or looks damaged, don't risk it, replace the heater.

👇 Safety Check: Are your space heaters clear of curtains and bedding? Give them a quick check today!

🍳 🔥 Fire Prevention Week: Day 3 – Stand by Your Pan! 🚨Did you know that unattended cooking is the  #1 cause of home fire...
10/06/2026

🍳 🔥 Fire Prevention Week: Day 3 – Stand by Your Pan! 🚨
Did you know that unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries?

Today for National Fire Prevention Week, the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory wants to help you keep your kitchen safe with a few simple habits every cook should follow.

Essential Kitchen Safety Tips:
-Never Leave Cooking Unattended: Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave even for a short time, turn off the stove.

-Keep a Lid Nearby: Always keep a proper-fitting lid close by when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

-NEVER Use Water on a Grease Fire: Water will cause burning oil to splash, instantly spreading the flames.

-Turn Pot Handles Inward: Always turn the handles of your pots and pans toward the back or side of the stove so children can't grab them and pull hot liquids or food down onto themselves.

-Clear the Area: Keep pot holders, wooden utensils, paper towels, and food packaging away from your stovetop.

👇Safety Reminder: What’s your family's go-to rule in the kitchen?

🚪🏃‍♂️ Fire Prevention Week: Day 2 – Plan & Map Your Home Escape Route! 🚨If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have ...
10/05/2026

🚪🏃‍♂️ Fire Prevention Week: Day 2 – Plan & Map Your Home Escape Route! 🚨
If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have as little as two minutes to escape safely. Does your family have a clear, practiced plan?

Today for National Fire Prevention Week, the Bluffton Fire Protection Territory encourages every household in our community to sit down and map out a home fire escape plan together.

3 Steps to Create Your Plan Today:
-Download & Draw: Grab a printable grid sheet from the NFPA (link below) to sketch a blueprint of your home.

-Find Two Ways Out: Mark two ways (doors or windows) out of every room, especially bedrooms. Ensure all exits open easily and paths are clear.

-Pick a Safe Meeting Place: Choose a fixed location a safe distance in front of your home—like a specific tree, mailbox, or light pole—where everyone will gather after escaping.

📄 Download your free Home Escape Plan Grid from the NFPA here:

👉https://sparky.org/assets/uploads/Home-Fire-Escape-Plan-Grid.pdf

Pro Tip: Once your map is drawn, practice your escape drill with everyone in your home at least twice a year—both during the day and at night!

Community Check: Download the grid, draw your plan with your family, and drop a comment below letting us know where your family's designated meeting place is!

Address

204 E Market Street
Bluffton, IN
46714

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