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Pelican Rapids fire chief reports 85 calls in 2025 and warns of staffing shortfall
Summary
Fire Chief Chad Hansen reported 85 total calls in 2025 (46 rural, 34 city, five mutual aid) and said the department is short-staffed, projecting 17 personnel by month’s end against a full roster of 24.
Fire Chief Chad Hansen presented the Pelican Rapids Fire Department’s 2025 annual report on Feb. 10, reporting 85 total calls, 1,767 cumulative department hours, and staffing challenges.
Hansen told the council the 85 calls included 46 rural responses, 34 city calls and five mutual-aid responses. "85 total is below last year," he said, and reported that staffing remains a concern: the department expects to be at 17 personnel by the end of the month compared with a full complement of 24.
Chief Hansen noted multiple calls linked to the transfer station earlier in the year where uncontrolled compost burning led to repeat responses; he said the department and transfer station staff are working to institute a more formal permit process for burns to reduce uncontrolled incidents.
Council members asked about retirements and staffing recruitment; Chief Hansen named recent retirees included on the department’s roster list and said interviews are scheduled for a recent applicant. The council approved the annual fire report by voice vote.
Next steps: The fire department will continue recruitment and follow up with the transfer station on permitting and burn controls. The council did not vote on additional staffing funding at this meeting.
