Winona Fire Department

10/05/2026

In conjunction with this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 4th through 10th, the Winona Fire Department will host an open house at the Central Fire Station, located at 451 East 3rd Street and the West Fire Station, located at 1077 West Broadway. Both stations will be open for tours on Wednesday, October 7th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The open house will include aerial truck demonstrations, facility tours, types of apparatus, firefighting equipment and rescue equipment. At the Central Station there will be visits with Sparky the Fire Dog.

Additionally, we will be drawing three Winona addressed names for a ride home from school in a fire truck. Brothers or sisters of the name drawn, living at the same address, will also be welcome for the ride home from school.

09/17/2026

Be aware of fraudulent emails. See press release for more information.

City of Winona - PRESS RELEASE - 9/17/2026

Scammers are impersonating the City of Winona Planning Commission and sending fake invoices to individuals and businesses. These emails attempt to convince recipients to wire money. The City of Winona does not request or accept wire transfers for any payments.

This scam is targeting contractors, businesses, and property owners in Winona. Scammers are creating invoices and using information from news stories or public documents to create an impression of legitimacy.

The messages have been sent from an email domain ending in ‘.com’.

Official City of Winona staff emails end in ‘.gov’. If you receive an invoice and question its validity, contact the City of Winona Community Development Office for verification at 507-457-8250.

09/08/2026

Winona Firefighters Local 575 are sponsoring a blood drive this Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event will be held at the Lighthouse Church, 469 Orrin Street, Winona. The event runs from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. You can sign up at the link below or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=WinonaBadges

If you are in the Winona area on Sept 10th, consider signing up to donate blood @ Lighthouse Church. It's noon- 6pm, and Winona Fire Department is sponsoring the blood drive!

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=WinonaBadges

07/17/2026

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WINONA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Fatal Water Incident at Airport Lake

On July 16, 2026, at approximately 7:59 p.m., the Winona County Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting that a male was missing in Airport Lake.

Multiple public safety agencies responded and began an immediate search. After approximately 40 minutes, responders located the missing individual. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the 22-year-old male was pronounced deceased.

The individual’s name will be released after family notifications have been completed.

The Winona County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family and friends during this difficult time.

07/08/2026

Shortly before 1600 hours this afternoon the Winona Fire Department responded to the report of a lightning strike at a residence on the 650 block of West 5th Street. Lightning caused damage to the roofing materials and started a small fire in the attic insulation. The homeowner was able to extinguish the fire and call 911. Firefighters checked the residence for fire extension and hot spots. No injuries were reported. The Winona Police Department assisted at the scene.

06/26/2026

***Update*** The Winona Police Department has identified the pilot as Wayne William Ledebuhr, 74, of Winona.

See full press release from WPD in the comments below.
# # #

Shortly after 2000 hours this evening the Winona Fire Department was dispatched to an aircraft that had crashed at the Winona Municipal Airport. Lifesaving measures were attempted on the lone pilot of the aircraft. Ultimately the patient died at the scene. The incident is under investigation by the FAA and NTSB. Winona County Emergency Management, Winona Police Department, Winona County Sheriff's Office, Winona Area Ambulance Service and Goodview Police Department assisted at the scene. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family.

05/30/2026

Over the past 5 months Assistant Chief Czaplewski has put in countless hours teaching our newest part-time firefighters how to be the best public servants possible. This morning they completed their initial training and will soon be responding to emergencies. Congratulations to you all!

05/13/2026

The Winona Fire Department has taken delivery of a new rescue e-bike that was purchased through a generous grant from the Winona Community Foundation

This piece of equipment will help our firefighters respond quickly to medical incidents on the more than 20 miles of bike trails within the City of Winona. The fat-tire design allows for response in all terrain and challenging weather conditions. The e-bike turns a 25 minute, uphill hike into a 7 minute ride allowing for faster medical treatment by our paramedics.

This bike will also be used during community events to support emergency response where there are mobility challenges.

We would also like to thank Alicia Lano and Laura Hoberg from Winona Park & Recreation for their work in securing this funding. 🚲🚒

04/15/2026

On a mutual aid request, the Winona Fire Department responded to Lock and Dam 6 to assist the Winona County Sheriff's Office with the recovery of a deceased female located in the river.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.

04/07/2026

Women Explore Fire Day MN is a hands-on event designed to inspire, educate, and empower women interested in firefighting and emergency services. Rochester, MN Fire Dept. is hosting the Region 15 event.

You can find more information at Women Explore Fire Day in Minnesota or on their website at womenexplorefire.com