Frankenmuth Fire Dept. marks Fire Prevention Week
As mid-October arrives, the Frankenmuth Fire Department has answered 170 calls for service throughout the year 2025.
At 4:04pm Tuesday, October 7, the FFD was called for a wire down in the 9300 block of Van Cleve Road, near Richville Road, Tuscola Township.
FFD Captain Brandon Schmitzer advised it was a cable television line and there was no hazard. Spectrum was notified and the 11 firefighters cleared within 20 minutes of the alarm.
At 10:03pm Sunday, October 12, employees at Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie, 576-1/2 South Main Street, could smell smoke around the bar area of the restaurant.
FFD Assistant Dan Schneirla said fire crews isolated the smell to a concealed area in the bar cabinetry that was electrical related. The odor dissipated upon the fire department’s arrival and investigation.
“The staff temporarily evacuated the occupants; however, they were able to reoccupy the building to finish off the night and are expected to have an electrician make the necessary repairs and not have any disruptions in their operations,” FFD Chief Phil Kerns said.
Engine 1, Engine 2, Truck 3 and Squad 4 responded with 18 fire personnel reporting to the station. The units cleared after 40 minutes on the scene.
Kerns also reported two additional alarms were received concerning the odorant resulting from the Consumers Energy gas main replacement project in the vicinity of Junction and Maple Roads in Frankenmuth Township. The calls came in at 6:50pm Thursday, October 9, and 1:30am Sunday, October 12.
Kerns said these calls were handled internally by FFD officers and no activation ensued.
“The FFD is hopeful that this process will be completed sometime this week; however, in the near future once the main goes live, they will need to conduct some controlled releases of the same odorant for a much shorter duration that will undoubtably cause some calls,” Kerns pointed out.
More information will be forthcoming once project schedules are updated.
In other FFD news, firefighters gathered Tuesday evening, October 14, for mid-month training. They reported water resource recovery facility and focused on pumping and ladder training.
The FFD joined the Frankenmuth Parks and Recreation Department and Frankenmuth Police for the annual fall Walk to School campaign Wednesday morning, October 8. The Public Safety Building served as the rendezvous site for school-aged children to meet and walk and/or ride their bicycles to Frankenmuth Public Schools or St. Lorenz Lutheran School.
“The program is aimed to underscore the importance of outdoor activity and exercise. Many students participated both from this site as well as other locations around the city,” Kerns said.
Fire Prevention Week activities took place over the past two weeks, with firefighters visiting both List Elementary and St. Lorenz schools. Fire personnel met with approximately 350 students, giving them tours of the station and fire equipment, and providing fire safety reminders.
This partnership involves educators, parents, grandparents and other adults.
“Please take a few moments in the coming weeks to remind your family and friends that fire safety does not need to happen by accident. There are numerous credible resources both online and elsewhere to assist your discussion. Before October ends, make a plan and practice it!” Kerns exclaimed.
As a public safety advertisement, a half-age of fire safety community reminders has been published in this issue of the Frankenmuth News, reminding residents about the importance of fire safety issues and showcasing members of the Frankenmuth Fire Department.
-----------------------------------------
To read this story and other featured articles in this week's Frankenmuth News, click on the "Subscribe" tab at the left or call (989-652-3246) to begin receiving your weekly copy of the Frankenmuth News.
