Lake Crystal Fire Department

10/13/2026

10/10/2026

Burning ban in effect today!

Fire Weather Advisory for Blue Earth County: Due to critical fire weather conditions forecast for Saturday, October 10, and dry vegetation, the DNR has set burn permit restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 10. Small recreational and cooking campfires are allowed but strongly discouraged.

If you burned brush piles this week, check them carefully for lingering heat that could reignite.

Please help prevent wildfires and stay fire-safe!

10/09/2026

What a fun day and congrats to the fire safety poster contest winners! Students who got first and second place will have their posters submitted to the Minnesota State Fire Chief’s Association for further judging and possibly winning at the state level!

09/17/2026

For the third and final post in our 9/11 remembrance series, we’re highlighting a piece of history that has been part of the Lake Crystal Fire Department for 16 years.

Back in 2009, the New York and New Jersey Port Authority launched a program allowing public safety agencies to apply for and receive artifacts recovered from the World Trade Center. Now retired, Lake Crystal Fire Department member Mike Hawker Jr. submitted a request, and in December 2009 the department was approved to receive a section of steel I‑beam from one of the towers.

The artifact has been displayed at the entrance of the fire hall serving as a powerful reminder of the events of September 11, 2001.

Earlier this spring, Randal Dietrich from the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum reached out requesting the artifact for a new exhibit focused on the 9/11 attacks. After discussion and approval by department members, it was agreed to lend the WTC artifact to the museum until June 2028. The department felt the museum was an excellent fit and would provide the artifact with the visibility and recognition it rightfully deserves.

Randal traveled to Lake Crystal in June to pick up the artifact and invited our members to a private appreciation event and 9/11 ceremony on September 10 and 11, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

The artifact is now on display at the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum in their War Against Terrorism exhibit. The museum is open to the public and highlights Minnesota’s military history since its inception, showcasing the significant role Minnesotans have played in every major conflict.

If you ever get the chance to visit the museum, please do!

09/15/2026

For the second of our three 9/11 remembrance posts, we want to highlight a tribute that many in the community saw throughout the day.

The Lake Crystal Fire Department placed one of our apparatus along Highway 60 with a large 9/11 memorial tribute displayed on its side. The truck served as a visible reminder of the 343 FDNY firefighters and all the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Later that evening, the truck was positioned in the background of the LCWM football game, standing watch as our community gathered. Its presence offered a moment of reflection amid the excitement of Friday night lights—an opportunity to remember, honor, and teach the next generation about the significance of the day.

We appreciate everyone who took a moment to acknowledge the tribute and join us in keeping the memory of 9/11 alive.

09/13/2026

Post 1 of 3 honoring this year’s 9/11 remembrance events.

Our very own Ben Skinner represented the Lake Crystal Fire Department at this year’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb hosted at POET. The stair climb is a symbolic tribute honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. Participants complete the equivalent of 110 stories—the height of the World Trade Center towers—carrying forward the courage and sacrifice shown that day.

09/11/2026

Honored to be invited to the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum for their grand opening this weekend. Lake Crystal Fire contributed to the museum in a very special way. More to come!

08/31/2026

This afternoon the fire department held a department family appreciation day. We had 14 members and their families show up for good food and fellowship. Thank you for all that were able to attend, and thank you to all of our families that support us so we can provide support to the community.

Also special thank you Lance Goettl for donating the hog.

If you are interested in joining this extended family please fill out the form at the top of the lake crystal fire department page, or grab an application at city hall or on the city website.