Onalaska Fire Department reports record call volume and training achievements for 2024

The Onalaska Fire Department celebrated a record-breaking year during the Common Council meeting on April 8, 2025, as they presented their annual report highlighting significant achievements in 2024. For the fifth consecutive year, the department set a new call volume record, responding to 2,227 incidents—a staggering 39% increase over the past five years.

Fire Chief acknowledged the hard work of the department's staff, noting that despite the rising call volume, they managed to conduct extensive training and inspections. In 2024, firefighters completed over 8,000 hours of fire and EMS training and conducted more than 1,500 fire inspections, correcting 742 fire violations for an impressive 88.7% correction rate.

The report also emphasized the department's commitment to public education, collaborating with various local agencies, including the La Crosse County Health Department and the American Red Cross. Their efforts included participation in Fire Prevention Week and an annual open house, which they plan to continue in 2025.

This comprehensive report not only showcases the department's dedication to safety and community engagement but also highlights the importance of ongoing training and proactive measures in fire prevention. The achievements of the Onalaska Fire Department reflect a strong commitment to serving the community effectively, even amidst increasing demands.