LATEST NEWS:
01.25.12 - Happy New Year! Lots going on at the Fire Department. Our Firefighters are gearing up for all different types of training. WE also have a Pancake Breakfast coming up on February 5th. Keep in touch with us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER!
12.04.11 - Happy Hoildays Everyone! Bertrand Firefighters have been very busy this fall and just want to say thank you to everyone that attended the Chili Supper. Most updates have been on Twitter and Facebook so make sure you stay up to date by following us. The new year is almost upon us and lots of changes will be coming. Also stay tuned to our Thank You video to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for the Bullard T-4 Thermal Imaging Camera the department won last year. As always be safe and if you have questions or need assistance feel free to call us!
09.17.11 - A few quick updates: BTFD Chili Supper is planned for November 5th 5pm-8pm. Fire Prevention Week is coming up, Oct 3rd - 7th and you can get the most up to date info on our FACEBOOK page: Bertrand Firefighters. Thanks for stopping and make sure to check out bertrandtownship.com.
06.18.11 -Sorry about no updates on the website! We put most of our big news on FACEBOOK. If you havent friended us please look for BERTRAND FIREFIGHTERS also follow us on TWITTER @BERTRANDTWPFIRE. Thanks and stay safe!
02.20.11 - A big thank you to everyone who attended last weekend's Pancake Breakfast. You made it a huge success. In other news BTFD held a Firefighter Award Banquet last Saturday. Some of the awards were: Public Service: Adrian Willauer, Cory Nichols, Evan Cauffman, Chris Huston, Lee Ashcraft. Most Calls Made: Matt Remmo. 5 year service award: Jason Campbell, Darick Shearer. 15 year service award: Chief Knisely. Glad it was you not me award: Larry Cramer. Firefighter of the Year: Chris Huston. It was a great night with guest speaker Chief Bill Farhat of Notre Dame Fire Department. We will do it again in 2012!
02.08.11 - Pancake Breakfast this Sunday at Bertrand Station 1, located at 4770 West US 12. Visit us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news.
So far in 2011 Bertrand Firefighters have been pretty busy. Two structure fires in the township, several mutual aid assist to neighboring departments and we just completed our big Annual Ice Water Rescue class on Clear Lake. For pictures or to comment please visit our Facebook page.
12.23.10 - Happy holidays to all! Sorry for no updates on the website as of late. With the guys being on TWITTER, it's much easier to "tweet" then to provide website updates. You too can follow us on TWITTER - @bertrandtwpfire. The department has had several calls recently including a structure fire on US 12 and some minor accidents with the icy conditions. Thanks to everyone who has visited the website this year. A little re-structuring will be in the works over the next few weeks. Thanks and BE SAFE!
11.20.10 - The holidays are right around the corner. Please be safe this Holiday Season. For information on cooking tips and other holiday safety please visit our FIRE PREVENTION PAGE.
10.25.10 - Bertrand Firefighters dispatched to Buchanan Township for a structure fire. Reports are 1 firefighter may have been injured, the cause is under investigation.
10.03.2010 - Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With! is NFPAs official theme for Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 3-9. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home (including the basement), outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Larger homes may need additional smoke alarms. Never remove or disable smoke alarms. For more information visit NFPA.ORG.
09.30.2010 - UPDATE: Follow the story on WNDU. 09.29.2010 - Bertrand Firefighters were called into action to assist Buchanan City Fire. BCFD was on scene of a Single Story Mutli Unit Housing Complex with reports of "Smells and Bells" (fire alarm activation with smell of smoke). All units on scene assisted in locating the source and the prompt removal of all occupants. Units were on scene for 5 hours the cause is under investigation.
09.29.2010 - Bertrand Township Firefighters Association announce their annual Chili Supper on November 6th. For more details please visit the department website.
09.29.2010 - Bertrand Firefighters were called into action to assist Buchanan City Fire. BCFD was on scene of a Single Story Mutli Unit Housing Complex with reports of "Smells and Bells" (fire alarm activation with smell of smoke). All units on scene assisted in locating the source and the prompt removal of all occupants. Units were on scene for 5 hours the cause is under investigation.
09.27.2010 - Bertrand Firefighters participate in Extrication Training. If you happen to pass Station 1 on US 12 you may notice the ripped up cars. Firefighters were honing their extrication skills this past Monday night. The auto industry is constantly improving the safety of cars and as firefighters we must stay on top of our game to give our residents and visitors the best possible service.
09.26.2010 - BTFD responded to Chicago Street in the City of Buchanan for a structure fire. Upon Bertrand’s arrival to the 2 story single family dwelling crews were placed into service, 1 team headed to the second floor to combat the fire while another crew worked on the fire in the first floor. Crews were on scene for approximately 3 hours, no one was injured.
09.25.2010 - Bertrand Firefighters responded to a report of a residential chimney fire near Weaver Road. Upon arrival units reported a working fire, flames ripping through the top of the chimney. Crews immediately went to the roof and to the fireplace to keep the flames in check. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes but crews stayed on scene to ensure no re-kindles would happen. No one was injured.
09.13.2010 - Bertrand responded to a report of a vehicle fire on US 12 @ Bakertown Road. Upon arrival units reported a working fire, a truck on a trailer. Crews knocked down the flames quickly and returned to quarters within 20 minutes. No one was hurt.
09.12.2010 - You can view the press release on the Safety Video contest. Please use this link to read. Thanks to everyone who helped put this project together.
09.11.2010 - BTFD responds with tanker to German Township structure fire. Please check out WNDU for the story.
08.29.2010 - You can now watch our winning safety video online. Please CLICK HERE for the Everyone Goes Home page featuring our video.
08.21.2010 - Mutual Aid to Niles Twp for a HAZARDOUS MATERIALS incident. BTFD was call around 9am to assist in Niles Twp's "Tank Town" for a gasoline spill. You can follow the updates on WNDU's website CLICK HERE.
08.09.2010 - Mutual Aid to Galien, BTFD was called at approx. 1845 hours to a fully involved structure fire in the Village of Galien. BTFD issued a full response sending a tanker, an engine and ample manpower. At 2200 hours the fire was still working.
08.08.2010 - Bertrand Firefighters bring home Galien Pioneer Days Waterball Trophy. Bertrand Team 1 consisting of Craig, Cory and Chris H (C3) won the double elimination tournament. BTFD has always had a proud tradtion of being Waterball champions. Has the tradition been brought back to life? We'll have some pictures up soon.
08.02.2010 - BTFD received the new Thermal Imaging Camera today. A few firefighters got together to go over the features and get a feel for it. Formal training will come in the near future before the department puts it into service. Sometime in the next few weeks we will get something together for the media so all residents can get the full details.
07.27.2010 - WE DID IT!! Bertrand Fire won the EVERYONE GOES HOME SAFETY VIDEO CONTEST! The grand prize is a brand new Thermal Imaging Camera. This tool helps firefighters save lives and protect property even better. We'll post more info as we are putting together a press release.
07.12.2010 - Run #50 was added. Halfway through the year and halfway to our average yearly run total. A few runs over the weekend helped that number, a minor injury accident and a smoke investigation were the big news makers. I do want to add the website turns 1 year old this month. YEA!!!! Thanks to everyone who has visited us and we look forward to keeping you informed on your Fire Department. -Thanks. the staff of BERTRANDFIRE.NET
07.09.2010 - Just a few quick notes. ColorCraft will be at the station July 10, 2010 for family photo day. Come early to save your time slot. A few more runs were added to the yearly total, an assist for a fuel spill at the truck stop and a call for lines down near Red Bud. It's getting warm out there, make sure you stay hydrated when doing yard work and other chores.
07.02.2010 - Bertrand Firefighters responded to multiple motor vehicle accidents last and early this morning. Please be cautious on the roadways this weekend. Also with REDBUD FANS in the area traffic will be heavier then usual.
07.01.2010 - BTFD was called upon early this morning to assist departments in St. Joseph County, IN. At 0330 a barn was reported to be fully involved on Rose Road just off of US 20. BTFD, Galien and Niles. Twp assisted with water delivery. For more info check out this link to WSBT in South Bend.
06.28.2010 - NFPA urges public to avoid consumer fireworks. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) research, there are far more U.S. fires reported on a typical Independence Day than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires. In 2008, fireworks caused an estimated 22,500 reported fires, including 1,400 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 20,600 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated $42 million in direct property damage.
NFPA has had a longstanding position against the use of consumer fireworks and urges consumers to attend professional displays of fireworks. NFPA established the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks in 2002 to further that message. A new video has been released that depicts headlines of fireworks tragedies from across the country and lists all of the consumer fireworks that cause fires and/or injuries each year. More information on fireworks can be found at www.nfpa.org/fireworks .
06.21.2010 - The boys of Bertrand have kept themselves very busy the last few days. Early Sunday morning BTFD was dispatched to the City of Buchanan for a fully involved structure fire. Crews were on the scene for several hours and the cause is still not known. Today, June 21st, Bertrand was called to a structure fire on Bakertown Road. Galien, Niles Twp., Buchanan City, Buchanan Twp and SMACS were all on scene as part of a Bertrand MABAS Box 5-W Residential Alarm. The fire was under control in less than 1 hour. Just when all the gear was hung up to dry crews were called to Mayflower Road for a vehicle fire. If anyone has any pictures or links to articles about any of these calls please email me at huston@engineco22.net
06.12.2010 - BTFD supplied Mutual Aid to Howard Twp. in Cass County last night. At approx. 2110 BTFD was dispatched for an engine to a Single Family Dwelling structure fire. Upon arrival heavy fire was showing through the roof. Handlines were placed into service and the fire was under control in under 30 minutes. No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported. Due to the high humidity firefighters were quickly cycled through their task and mandatory rehab operations were setup. High humidity and firefighting never go good together. BTFD cleared the scene around 2345.
06.11.2010 - BTFD was dispatched to a MVA at Red Bud and 12 at approx. 1000. No entrapment upon arrival. The crew cleared the scene in under 15 minutes.
05.15.2010 - BTFD has seen a slight increase in run volume over the past few weeks. Mainly due to the storms that have past through the area. Please check out this link for severe weather information.
05.11.2010 - Latest updates, three (3) recent responses: power lines down, power line pole on fire and a activated water flow alarm. BTFD was at McCoy Creek park this past Saturday performing an Extrication Demo. Although the weather did not cooperate the crew was still able to put on a good show for the few families that did brave the cold wind.
05.01.2010 - BTFD reports no fire incidents for the month of April. The month of April is now over and according to the run sheets for the month Bertrand Twp. did not have any working fires. Great Job! This holds especially important since the month started out under a state wide burn ban. Let's keep up the good work. To help better inform you, our residents please read over this FOCUS ON FIRE: Appliance Fires. Inside is some great prevention tools. Stay Safe!
04.19.2010 - It's been very quiet around Bertrand, which is good. No fire runs means everyone is out being safe. The burn ban has been lifted so you may resume with spring clean up. Please be careful when open burning. Like Smokey The Bear says "Only you can prevent wildfires". If you need any information about safe burning please contact the station.
04.05.2010 - Bertrand Township Fire officially added the new Brush Truck to the fleet tonight. At approx. 1940 hours 560 was toned out in service for the first time. Chief Knisley started the ceremony with a short speech followed by Bertrand Tones being put out. The crew then washed the truck and placed in into the bay. Please contact the department if you would like to arrange a viewing.
03.31.2010 - Bertrand Firefighters make the South Bend Tribune photos page! Click here to check em out!
03.28.2010 - UPDATE: Please visit our CONTACT page to get a 7 day outlook for wildfires forecast. This map will enable you to plan what days to have burns. Please notify the department @ 695-6191 when you plan to burn. Not only can we supply directions on when you burn but this will also help alleviate false calls. Thanks and be safe.
03.27.2010 - UPDATE: added new pictures of the new brush/grass/wildland truck. BTFD participated in the annual Fernwood Prairie Burn today. We added some pictures and look for more including articles in area newspapers.
03.26.2010 - At approx. 1702 Bertrand Firefighters responded to a report of an "out of control" field fire. Units were one scene shortly after and had the crawling fire knocked out. The time for spring clean up is here. Please be careful when you burn. Never leave the fire unattended and if you have any questions regarding burning please contact the fire department at 695-6191. Also please be aware that the department will be conducting controlled burns at different times this spring. If you do see something out of the ordinary please feel free to contact us. We are here to serve you. Be safe.
03.12.2010 - Does your family have an escape plan in case of a fire or other emergency? Save this tip sheet from the NFPA, Escape Planning Tips. If you need more information contact the Webmaster.
03.11.2010 - Today the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters announced the theme for the 2010 Safety, Health and Survival Week: Fit for Duty. Safety, Health and Survival Week (Safety Week) is a collaborative program sponsored by the IAFC and the IAFF, coordinated by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the IAFF Division of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine, in partnership with more than 20 national fire service organizations. While departments are encouraged to identify activities tailored to their specific community, recommended areas of concentration include:
-General Health and Wellness
-Food and Nutrition
-Fitness
-Stress Management
-Smoking and Smokeless-Tobacco Cessation
-Alcohol and Other Drugs
-Infectious Diseases
-Suicide Prevention
During the week, departments are also encouraged to support comprehensive fitness assessments, medical screenings and educational programs that build and maintain medically and physically fit personnel and help in reducing health and fitness-related deaths or injuries.
03.11.2010 - Spring forward this weekend, set your clocks an hour ahead. The photos page has been updated with Ice Water Rescue training and Mr. Pugh's retirement party. In other news, the new Brush Truck is almost near completion. The 2010 Ford V10 4x4, being built locally by Spencer Manufacturing, will have a nozzle on the front that will allow water to be sprayed while the vehicle is in motion, a hose reel with 150 feet of hose and be able to carry all hand tools needed to fight wildland and brush fires. The department is very excited, to say the least, about this truck. Just one more tool in the fleet to serve the residents of Bertrand better! The area Chief's have been meeting to work on improvements to the Box Card System. Box Cards or MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) is a more efficient way to get help from other departments. The old way required the Chief to call for each department he needed. Now it's all laid out and County Dispatch can use the cards to deploy the units in a more organized fashion. This saves time as well as protects the lives of citizens and firefighters a-like.
02.18.2010 - Please be cautious as snow slowly melts during the daytime hours and turns to ice as the sun goes down. Be patient at intersections, take extra time to brake and if needed down shift to decrease vehicle speed so you don't lock the brakes. We want you to make it home safe because spring is just around the corner.
02.14.2010 - Bertrand Township Fire Chief focus of Bertrand Township Board Meeting. Click here for coverage in the Niles Daily Star.
02.06.2010 - Bertrand Firefighters participated in an Ice Water Rescue Technician Course. The course was held at Station 1 while the practical portion was generously held on a frozen Clear Lake. The class which covers ice and winter water conditions, also focuses on techniques to quickly remove someone from certain icy water. Three firefighters from Bertrand were joined by other firefighters from Berrien County and a group from Illinois. This training is just another way Bertrand Firefighters prepare for when a resident is in need of assistance.
02.06.2010 - Bertrand Fire was dispatched to a working structure at approximately 1730 hours. Initial reports stated smoke showing from a single family dwelling with no occupants. Engine 522 and Tanker 530 arrived on scene and quickly set up for an interior attack. The first hose line was able to knockdown the fire which was near a wood burning stove, while a crew was sent to the roof to ventilate. Other area departments were also dispatched as part of MABAS, a fire department system which quickly calls upon other companies to assist with a fire or incident. Buchanan City, Buchanan Township, Galien and Clay Fire Territory were part of that "Box Alarm". Operations were completed in under 2 hours and all personnel cleared the scene just before 2000 hours. For the media coverage click here.