Fargo Fire Department

Last Friday, Metro Fire Academy recruits went to a second-alarm fire as it was happening and walked the scene while crews cleared it, giving them a chance to learn from the incident firsthand.

Seeing an incident unfold in real time helps recruits connect their training to the realities of the job, including the work that continues after the flames are out.

🔥 Fire Prevention Week Tip: Charging on a couch, bed or blanket might seem harmless, but soft surfaces trap heat and can turn a warm battery into a fire hazard. Always charge devices on a hard, flat surface where heat can escape.

At approximately 3:20 p.m. on Friday, October 9, the Fargo Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at a home at 2311 59th Avenue South in Fargo.

Firefighters from Station 8, Fargo’s newest fire station in south Fargo, arrived on scene within four minutes of the initial call. Upon arrival, they noticed the garage fully engulfed in flames, and a second alarm was called. The fire also spread into the garage attic as well as the attic in the home. The fire was extinguished approximately 20 minutes after initial crews arrived on scene.

All residents had safely evacuated before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.

As a result of the fire, the residents of the affected home will be displaced. A neighboring home also sustained damage, but due to the fire crews’ quick response and initial efforts, the damage was limited to the home’s exterior. The residents of the neighboring home will not be displaced.

A cost estimate of the damage of each home is not available at this time. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

The Fargo Fire Department responded to the scene with five engines, one ladder truck and two command vehicles. The Fargo Police Department, Sanford Ambulance, Salvation Army and American Red Cross assisted at the scene.

Recruits from and West Fargo Fire Department are in week 10 of the .

Yesterday afternoon, Fargo Police Department Academy recruits joined them for a joint workout at Fire Station 4 where they were split up into groups for endurance and speed drills. The friendly competition had everyone hauling equipment up and down stairs, carrying a dummy roughly two blocks and flipping tractor tires.

Physical training like this does more than build individual endurance. By partnering with the Academy, recruits from both Fire and Police build trust through shared challenges and develop relationships for the future. Communication between our departments is critical when responding to emergencies in the field, and by training together early, our departments are strengthened to serve the F-M community.

During the month of October, the Fargo Fire Department visits every Kindergarten, First, and Second grade class to talk fire safety. This year we discussed burn prevention and some safe charging habits. Look for an informational sheet coming home and ask your student what they learned.

Earlier today, visited Willow Park Elementary to give students tips on general fire safety during Fire Prevention Week. Students learned what to do if they smell smoke, how to safely charge devices and the basics of "stop, drop and roll".

Opportunities to interact with the youth through Fire Safety education is just one of our favorite parts of serving the community.

🔥 Fire Prevention Week Tip: Once your device hits 100%, unplug it. Leaving batteries on the charger longer than needed adds unnecessary strain and heat. Start this simple habit that helps prevent overcharging risks.

🔥 Fire Prevention Week Tip: If a device or battery pack feels hot to the touch, stop using it immediately and unplug it. Excessive heat is often the first warning sign before a battery fails. Don't wait to find out what happens next.

🔥 Fire Prevention Week Tip: That off-brand charger might save you a few bucks, but it could cost you a lot more. Cheap or counterfeit chargers can overheat, malfunction and spark fires. Always use the charger made for your device, and skip the deals that seem too good to be true.

🔥 Fire Prevention Week Tip: Charge tools and e-bikes/e-scooters OUTSIDE or in a detached space, away from exits. Lithium-ion battery fires can start fast and spread even faster. Keep chargers away from flammable materials and never charge unattended overnight.