The mission of the Powell Township Fire Department is to minimize the loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters. We will accomplish our mission through prevention, education, fire suppression, medical emergencies, and other related emergency and non emergency activities. We will actively participate in our community, serve as role models, and strive to effectively utilize all of the necessary resources at our command to provide a product deemed excellent by our citizens.

DEPARTMENT MEMBERS ARE GUIDED BY THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES:

  • People are the most valuable resource
  • We are accountable to those we serve
  • Pride, the pursuit of excellence, and commitment to public service is of paramount importance
  • Compassion, fairness, and integrity are maintained in all our endeavors
  • Through active leadership, we shall promote the use of quality principles, concepts, and technologies
  • Value to the community is measured in the type and quality of service

Additional information and updates are available at this site, maintained by department volunteers: Powell Township Fire Department.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) firefighting reports, data, tips, and permit information are available at: DNR Link.

Fire Department Meetings – last Thursday of each month, 6:00 P.M., at Powell Township Fire Hall

The Public is welcome! To see upcoming meeting notices listed, special meetings, cancellations, reschedules, or virtual instructions, click here. For a calendar view, click here.

FREE CHIMNEY BRUSH RENTAL:

The Powell Township Fire Department has free chimney brush rentals for the community members. No payment is necessary and only a waiver with contact information is required in case the brush is damaged or not returned. We want to encourage the community to regularly clean their chimneys to prevent any house fires.

YOU ARE INVITED – 2026 MEMORIAL DAY & WEEKEND EVENTS

  • Sunday, May 24: Pancake Breakfast at Town Hall (8AM – Noon)

  • Monday, May 25: Big Bay Cemetery Memorial Day Tribute Event (TENTATIVELY 10:30 A.M.)

The breakfast is a Fire and Ambulance Department fundraiser and the menu is PANCAKES, EGGS, BACON, AND SAUSAGE. Suggested donation $10 (adults), $5 (children over 5 years old). Questions? Call 906-345-9345 (ext. 10). More details will follow soon regarding the Big Bay Cemetery Memorial Day Tribute Event. Residents, friends, and family are welcome!

OUR COVERAGE AREA: We cover over 162.3 square miles of Upper Michigan’s most pristine forests, several inland lakes and river systems, the Huron Mountains, and over 45 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. Due to our unique geographic location, our fire department also covers areas of the adjoining townships of Ishpeming, Champion, Marquette, and Michigamme.

In Memory Of

Bill Dionne

In Memory Of

Albert Fortin or Patrick Touchinski

In Memory Of

Dave Moffitt

Remembering

Mike Thoma Fire Chief for 38 years

Fire Department Photos

RECRUITMENT: We are looking for a few good men and women to join our Volunteer Fire Department.

 

Requirements

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must live in Powell Township
  • Must be a citizen of the United States of America
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Must hold a valid Michigan driver’s license
  • Must pass all background checks.
  • Must obtain Firefighter 1 & 2 State of Michigan certification within 2 years of hire.
  • Undergo an Oral Interview
  • Submit to a Criminal Background Check
  • Pass a Drug Screening
  • Pass a Medical Physical Exam

 

Things to understand about being a volunteer firefighter

  • This is a commitment you are making to your community to help others in times of emergency or need.
  • Emergency calls may come during inconvenient times of the day or night.
  • As luck has it, a call may happen right as your getting ready to eat a meal, go to bed, , leave for town, or have family time. So please talk with your significant other and family about any concerns they may have with you volunteering.
  • You should be of good moral character as others look up to firefighters as role models and leaders in their communities.
  • People you respond to help maybe very emotional and worked up, so being compassionate, empathetic, calm and collected under stress is critical. Not everyone has these abilities at the start but do not worry it can be learned and acquired with time and experience.
  • Patient Privacy is very important!
  • The calls you go on and the things you see on a call should be kept in the strictest of confidence as they maybe very personal to those that call upon you to help them.
  • Being a firefighter is being part of a team, so if your one that doesn’t play well with others this probably is not the path for you.
  • You will never get rich financially as a volunteer firefighter but there are so many other aspects of this job that can be life changing and rewarding.

 

Nondiscrimination

The Powell Township Fire Department fully supports and subscribes to the policy of equal opportunity in the hiring, treatment, and promotion of all its applicants and members.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Fire Chief: Matt Anderson
P.O. Box 319
Big Bay, Michigan, 49808
firechief@powelltownship.org
906-345-9345 ext. 10 (non-emergencies)

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