Spring Safety: A Message from New Holland Fire Department

Spring Safety: A Message from New Holland Fire Department

​April 30, 2026

​As the fields around Logan County begin to stir and we transition into the heart of the spring season, the New Holland Fire Department wants to ensure that our neighbors are staying vigilant. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it’s about making sure your home and property are resilient against fire hazards.

​Living in a rural community means we face unique risks this time of year. Here is what you can do today to keep your family and our firefighters safe.

​🚜 Field and Yard Safety

​With planting season in full swing, there is a lot of activity on our local roads and in the fields.

• ​Give Space to Machinery: If you’re driving near town, please be patient with our local farmers moving equipment. Wide turns and slow speeds are necessary for safety—give them the room they need.
• ​Control Your Burn: If you are clearing brush or yard waste, check the wind forecast first. In the open terrain of Central Illinois, a small fire can get out of hand quickly if the wind picks up. Always stay with your fire until it is completely extinguished.

​🏠 Home Maintenance Checklist

• ​Smoke Alarms: We cannot stress this enough—working smoke alarms save lives. If your alarms are chirping or if you haven't tested them lately, take a moment to do so today. If you need assistance with your alarms, please reach out to the department.
• ​Clear the Vents: Check your dryer vents and any external exhaust ports for bird nests or debris. Spring is prime nesting season, and a blocked vent is a major fire risk.
• ​Address Visibility: Ensure your house number is clearly visible from the road. In an emergency, every second counts, and being able to spot your address quickly helps us get to you faster.

​🤝 Join the Team

​Our department relies on the dedication of volunteers from right here in the New Holland area. Whether you are interested in firefighting, assisting with scene safety as fire police, or helping with community outreach, there is a place for you at Station 39.

​We are proud to serve this community and appreciate your continued support in keeping New Holland a safe place to live and work.

​Stay safe out there!

​In case of an emergency, dial 911. For information on volunteering or department updates, follow us on Facebook or stop by the station during our next training night.

Join the New Holland Fire Department

 

Be the Hero Your Neighbors Need: Join the New Holland Fire Department

In a small town like New Holland, we don't just live next to each other—we look out for each other. When the sirens go off, it isn't just a "job" being performed; it’s neighbors helping neighbors.

The New Holland Fire Department is currently looking for dedicated individuals to join our ranks. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re a newcomer looking to get involved, there is a place for you on our team.

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Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with the fire department is about more than just fighting fires. it’s about being a pillar of the community.

• Professional Training: You don’t need prior experience to start. We provide the training and equipment you need to safely respond to fires, medical emergencies, and accidents.

• A Second Family: At Station 39, we are a brotherhood and sisterhood. You’ll build bonds with fellow members that last a lifetime.

• Give Back to Your Home: There is no greater feeling than knowing you were there for a neighbor on their worst day.

• Skills for Life: The leadership, teamwork, and technical skills you learn here carry over into every aspect of your professional and personal life.

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Who Are We Looking For?

We need more than just firefighters. While we are always looking for "interior" responders, a modern rural department needs a variety of talents:

1. Firefighters: Individuals ready to train for active fire suppression and rescue.

2. Drivers & Operators: People dedicated to getting our apparatus to the scene safely and managing our water supply.

3. EMT/First Responders: People with the knowledge to help with the sick in injured.

Our Impact in New Holland

From managing our community smoke alarm installation programs to responding to local emergencies, NHFD is the first line of defense for our families and farms. We take pride in our history and are constantly modernizing our equipment and tactics to better serve you.

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How to Join

Ready to answer the call? Joining is a straightforward process:

• Visit the Station: Stop by on a training night to meet the crew and see the trucks.

• Fill Out an Application: We can provide you with the paperwork to get started.

• Commitment: All we ask is a willingness to learn and a heart for service.

Don’t wait for someone else to step up. The next hero New Holland needs could be you.

Contact the New Holland Fire Department today at 217-445-2341 or email at Firehouse@NewHollandFire.com or message us on Facebook to learn more!

Stay Safe Now That Spring Is Here

 

Keeping Our Community Safe: Spring Fire Safety in New Holland

As the weather warms up and we all head outdoors to enjoy the spring season, the New Holland Fire Department wants to ensure our neighbors stay safe. Spring is a time for cleaning, yard work, and firing up the grill, but it also brings unique fire hazards that are easy to overlook.

Here are a few essential tips to keep your home and family protected this season:

1. Clear the Clutter (and the Fuel)

Spring cleaning isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about safety.

• Yard Debris: Clear dead leaves, dry grass, and branches from around your home’s foundation and under decks. These can act as kindling for stray embers.

• The Garage: Safely dispose of old oily rags, half-empty paint cans, or stacked cardboard that could become fuel for a fire.

2. Grill with Caution

Before you host your first cookout of the year, give your grill a safety check.

• Clean the Grease: Built-up grease is a leading cause of grill fires. Scrub the grates and the tray below.

• Check for Leaks: For gas grills, apply a soapy water solution to the hose. If you see bubbles when the gas is turned on, you have a leak that needs fixing before use.

• Safe Distance: Always keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, siding, and overhanging branches.

3. Check Your Detectors

When you adjusted your clocks recently, did you check your alarms?

• Test Monthly: Press the test button on every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home.

• Replace Old Units: Smoke detectors generally need to be replaced every 10 years, even if they still seem to work.

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A Quick Reminder for Our Residents: Our "Be Alarmed" smoke detector program is still active! If you are a resident of New Holland and need assistance with smoke detector installation or simply need new units for your home, please reach out to the department. We are here to help make sure every home in our district is protected.

Stay safe, New Holland! If you have questions about fire safety or would like to learn more about our community programs, feel free to contact us or stop by the station.