FFD lends mutual aid to Bridgeport, Clio departments

  Five calls for service were made by the Frankenmuth Fire Department over the past week, raising their 2026 total to 119 alarms for the year.

  At 4:12pm Wednesday, July 1, the FFD was summoned for mutual aid for an electrical room fire at Orchid, 6680 Dixie Highway. Bridgeport Township Fire Department also called Birch Run Fire Department.

  Although the fire was contained to the panel, firefighters ventilated the structure and were able to clear after 45 minutes, FFD Captain Brandon Schmitzer said. Thirteen FFD personal traveled to the station, and five were on the scene, taking Engine 1.

  Also on July 1, at 11:40pm, a fire alarm brought the FFD to a residence on Queens Creek Drive East.

  FFD Lt. Eric MacKinnon advised although the alarm was cancelled, firefighters reported for a report and faulty system was believed to be the cause. A total of 10 fire personnel reported and cleared within 20 minutes.

  Alarms 118 and 120 both occurred in the 9400 block of Junction Road, drawing the FFD twice – once at 8am Friday, July 3, and again at 3:1-pm Saturday, July 4 for reports of natural gas odor.

  A faulty pressure relief valve was thought to be the problem and Consumers Energy crews responded as well both times, FFD Captain Doug VanWormer said. Ten firefighters responded for both calls and they cleared the scene within 30 minutes for each alarm.

  This has been a reoccurring problem most of the year, as a new gas main was installed from Reimer Road east to St. Lorenz Lutheran School on West Genesee Street.

  “We are hopeful that the matter has now been repaired,” FFD Chief Phil Kerns said.

  Alarm #119 took place early Saturday morning, July 4, at 2:37am when the FFD was activated to assist Clio Area Fire Authority, along with Birch Run and Taymouth fire departments, for a tanker at a residential structure fire in the 9200 block of North Dort (Dixie) Highway.

  VanWormer noted that Engine 1 hauled two tankers full of water (4,000 gallons) to the scene and firefighters were not needed to extinguish the flames at the scene. Seven fire personnel were part of this alarm and they cleared two hours later.

  In other FFD news, a total of 33 firefighters and support staff attended the meal and training and packed the training room. Kerns advised the current training room and station restrooms are able to accommodate about 22 fire personnel.

  Also that evening, Tuesday, June 30, Frankenmuth firefighters had four practical exercise stations both at the Cass River boat launch on East Tuscola Street, and in the 7200 block of Frankenmuth Road at the dry hydrant site. Fire personnel pumped the hydrant at the pond site with Engine 1 while the other three stations conducted watercraft operations on the river, reviewed Engine 2 operations, and utilized the public safety drone for river flights.

  The Frankenmuth Jaycees Volkslaufe took place Saturday morning, July 4 and the fireworks took place Friday night, July 3, around 10pm.

  The FFD fire and medical personnel staffed Engine 1 and Brush 7 for the fireworks celebration in Heritage Park and later assisted Frankenmuth Police officers with traffic control following the event. On Saturday morning, Utility 6 and Truck 3 were used to provide support to the Volkslaufe runners and walkers. The FFD’s emergency medical response gave support to the FPD, as they assisted a couple of runners who suffered heat exhaustion and were transported to area hospitals by MMR Ambulance Service.

  With the first load of wheat arriving at Star of the West Milling Company – Gera Plant on Saturday, the FFD offers tips as the harvest operations begin. Dust and slow-moving vehicles will be operating on roadways while there is the need to remind farmers of fire dangers pertaining to harvest operations.

  “Please check your equipment for readiness, review emergency response plans that should include fire extinguishers, staying hydrated, monitoring heat exhaustion, having a stocked first-aid kit, 911 notification, and working together with your neighbors to have a tractor with an implement available to plow should a fire result in a field. Blessings for a safe and productive harvest!” Kerns stated.

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