New Holland Fire Department

Summer Heat & Farm Safety: Protecting New Holland Properties in Late June ​As we hit the peak of late June, summer is officially in full swing here in Logan County. While the long days are perfect for field work and outdoor activities, the intense summer heat presents unique fire hazards. ​This week, the New Holland Fire Department wants to focus on two major areas keeping our community safe: farm equipment safety and home cooling prevention. ​1. Agricultural and Machinery Fire Safety ​With summer agricultural activities ramping up across our rural routes, farm machinery fires become a serious risk. Dry conditions combined with high operational heat can turn a small spark into a major field fire. ​ Clear the Chaff: Regularly blow out dust, chaff, and dry debris from engine compartments, near bearings, and around electrical components. ​ Check the Bearings: Overheating bearings are a primary source of equipment ignition. Monitor your machinery gauges and do wa...

Be Alarmed: Free Smoke Detectors and Installation for New Holland Residents ​When it comes to a home fire, every second counts. A working smoke detector gives you and your family the early warning needed to escape safely. Yet, across our community, many homes still rely on outdated alarms or lack them entirely. ​To ensure every household in our district is protected, the New Holland Fire Department proudly participates in the "Be Alarmed!" smoke detector installation program . ​What is the "Be Alarmed!" Program? ​"Be Alarmed!" is a fire safety initiative aimed at reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities by ensuring proper residential smoke detector coverage. Through this program, members of our volunteer fire department will: ​Come directly to your home by appointment to install brand-new, high-quality smoke detectors. ​Ensure they are properly positioned for maximum protection. ​Provide valuable, personalized fire safety educat...

Summer Spark Safety: Fireworks and Outdoor Fire Safety in New Holland ​Summer is officially here, and with the warm weather and upcoming community celebrations, the New Holland Fire Department wants to make sure everyone enjoys the season safely. As we approach holiday weekends and backyard gatherings, outdoor fire hazards increase significantly. ​Here are a few essential tips to keep your family and neighbors safe this summer: ​1. Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals ​While fireworks are a classic part of summer celebrations, they cause thousands of injuries and hundreds of fires across the country every year. ​ The Safest Option: Enjoy professional, public fireworks displays rather than setting them off at home. ​ Sparkler Danger: Don't underestimate sparklers. They burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold (1,800^\circ\text{F} to 3,000^\circ\text{F}) and can easily ignite clothing or dry grass. ​ Disposal: If you do use legal consumer fireworks, al...

​The Silent Crisis Next Door: Why America is Losing Its Volunteer Firefighters ​Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the smell of smoke. You do what anyone would do: you dial 911. You expect a massive red truck to come roaring down your street within minutes. ​But what if nobody answers the call? ​For roughly half of the U.S. population—about 170 million people, mostly in rural and suburban communities—that nightmare is creeping closer to reality. Across the nation, volunteer fire departments are facing a severe, quiet crisis: they are running out of people. ​The Moving Numbers Behind the Emergency ​To understand the scale of this problem, you have to look at how much the ground has shifted under our feet. For generations, volunteer firefighters have been the backbone of America’s emergency response system. Unpaid volunteers make up over 60% of all firefighters in the United States, and more than 80% of the country’s fire departments are either all-volunteer...

Summer Safety First: Crucial Fire Prevention Tips for June ​As we jump full swing into June, the New Holland Fire Department wants to wish everyone a happy and safe start to the summer season. With warmer weather, agricultural activity ramping up, and outdoor celebrations on the horizon, summer brings a unique set of fire safety challenges. ​To keep your home, family, and property protected, keep these essential summer safety tips in mind: ​1. Safe Summer Grilling ​Whether you are using charcoal or propane, grilling is a staple of summer, but it requires caution. ​ Location is Key: Always place your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, siding, deck railings, and out of the way of overhanging branches or eaves. ​ Never Leave It Unattended: Fire moves fast. An unattended grill can easily flare up and get out of hand. ​ Propane Check: Before your first major cookout, check the propane tank hose for leaks by applying a bit of soapy water. If you see bubbles forming when...