Provided by Chief Jon Kinn, Bluffton Fire Department
The Bluffton Fire Department received 159 calls for service in 2024. This is higher than usual and shows an increase of 48 calls compared to 2023. In 2022, the calls received were 117 and 93 calls for service in 2021. (See chart below.)
The increased call volume was a result of an increase in false alarm calls at various facilities and an increase in motor vehicle crashes. There was also an increase in grass/field fires and also heavy equipment (i.e. combine and tractor) fires.
The Bluffton Fire Department covers an area of forty square miles. The department is responsible for all of the Village of Bluffton and also portions of Richland and Orange Townships.
The entirely volunteer department also recorded a total of 149 of in-house training hours by the members of the department. Additionally, many hours were spent maintaining vehicles, special events and regular business meetings monthly.
Thank you to the residents of the Village of Bluffton and the surrounding areas for their continued support of the fire department and all of Bluffton’s Safety Services.
