Baxter Rural Fire Department

05/07/2026

Congratulations and well deserved, Jasper County EMA!

Tonight, at the Iowa Emergency Management Association awards ceremony, Jasper County EMA was honored to receive the 2025 Emergency Management Program of the Year award. To say we are proud and humbled is an understatement.

This award recognizes an Emergency Management Commission that has made significant advancements in protecting their communities from disasters while building an integrated culture of preparedness involving individuals, businesses, and government. It also highlights the collaborative effort that helps minimize the cost of emergency management while maximizing risk reduction.

That description truly reflects what emergency management is supposed to be. This recognition does not belong to one person. It belongs to our entire team, our responders, dispatchers, city and county leaders, partner agencies, volunteers, schools, hospitals, and the communities we serve every day. Preparedness and response are never accomplished alone.

Over the last year, we have pushed hard on training, public education, school safety, disaster planning, regional partnerships, and strengthening the overall emergency response system across Jasper County. To have those efforts recognized at the state level means a great deal to us.

Thank you to everyone who supports emergency management and helps make Jasper County stronger, safer, and more prepared. We are honored, grateful, and motivated to keep building on this work.

04/29/2026

🔥🐖 SILENT AUCTION SNEAK PEEK! 🎡🌽

Rumor has it the Baxter Fire Department Hog Roast is not the only big event this summer. To get ready for the grandest fair in the land, the Iowa State Fair donated one awesome prize pack for the silent auction during the Baxter Fire Department Hog Roast on June 7th.

🎟️ Up for grabs:
TWO tickets to the 2026 Iowa State Fair plus a whole bucket of official fair merch — tumbler, swag, and more. It’s the perfect way to kick off a summer packed with big events, big crowds, and big fun.

Whether you’re here for the hog roast or gearing up for the fairgrounds, this bundle brings the best of Iowa summer straight to you.

A huge THANK YOU to Iowa State Fair for donating this fantastic package and supporting our firefighters.

More sneak peeks are coming as items roll in so keep checking back!

04/26/2026

🔥🐖Silent Auction Sneak Peek! 🐖🔥
Feast your eyes on this gorgeous fire‑themed quilt, a true labor of love and a standout item in this year’s Baxter Fire Department Hog Roast & Silent Auction.

This stunning quilt was beautifully pieced by our own community member, Beth Simbro, whose family has proudly served the Baxter Fire Department for decades. It was then machine‑quilted by Lisa Fox, bringing the whole design to life with incredible detail.

You’ll be able to bid on this one‑of‑a‑kind quilt at the Hog Roast on Sunday, June 7. More sneak peeks are coming as we get closer, and trust us… you won’t want to miss what’s ahead.

Thank you, Beth and Lisa, for sharing your talent and your heart with Baxter.

04/25/2026

✨ Silent Auction Sneak Peek! ✨
Check out this stunning Kendra Scott necklace, generously donated by the Jordan Creek Mall location! This piece is absolutely gorgeous in person and will make one lucky bidder very happy.

We’re adding new items every week, and this is just the beginning. The Baxter Fire Department’s Annual Hog Roast is Sunday, June 7, so mark those calendars and get ready to bid big to support our volunteer firefighters.

A huge thank‑you to Kendra Scott – Jordan Creek for supporting our community.

More sneak peeks coming soon!

04/24/2026

Lots of warnings are headed toward Jasper County. Plan now so you are not caught off guard.

Have more than one way to get alerts, know where you will go if a warning is issued, and do not wait until the storm is on top of you to figure it out.

Download the Jasper Ready app here:
https://apps.myocv.com/share/a132550208

04/22/2026

🔥🐖 Today’s Silent Auction Sneak Peek! 🐖🔥

We’re gearing up for the Baxter Fire Department Hog Roast & Silent Auction (June 7th!) and today’s featured item is a fan favorite for racing lovers:

🏁 Tickets to the Knoxville Raceway!
Get ready for high‑octane action at one of Iowa’s most iconic dirt tracks. This is your chance to snag an unforgettable night at the races while supporting our local firefighters. Thank you Knoxville Raceway for your support!

More silent auction items will be added to this post as they come in, so keep checking back for updates.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far — your generosity keeps this event strong and supports the Baxter Fire Department all year long.

04/20/2026

🔥🐖 Today’s Silent Auction Sneak Peek! 🐖🔥

We’re getting closer to the Baxter Fire Department Hog Roast & Silent Auction (Mark your calendars for June 7th!) and today’s featured donations are perfect for a family adventure day in Omaha:

🦁 Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium – Admission Tickets
One of the top zoos in the world — an unforgettable day of animals, exhibits, and exploration. Thank you Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium!!

🍕🎮 The Amazing Pizza Machine – Buffet & Arcade Pass
Food, games, and fun all in one place — a great family outing or kids’ day treat.
Thanks The Amazing Pizza Machine!

More silent auction items will be added to this post as they come in, so keep checking back for updates.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far — your generosity keeps this event strong and supports the Baxter Fire Department all year long.

04/18/2026

🔥🐖 Sneak Peek: Silent Auction Item Spotlight! 🐖🔥

We’re getting closer to the Baxter Fire Department Hog Roast & Silent Auction, and today’s featured item is an exciting one:

🏎️ K1 Speed (Grimes) has donated
• Two Racing Licenses
• Two High‑Speed Races

Perfect for thrill‑seekers, families, or anyone who wants to feel the adrenaline of indoor electric kart racing.

More silent auction items will be added to this post as they come in, so keep checking back for updates.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far — your support keeps this event strong and helps the Baxter Fire Department serve our community all year long. Thanks K1 Speed for your generous donation!

If you or your business are interested in donating an item for our silent auction, please reach out to Kim at 515-447-3307 or [email protected]!

04/05/2026

AMBER Alert Cancelled: Missing person has been found.

04/02/2026

At 4:00 PM today, the burn ban in Jasper County will be lifted.

What does that mean? It does not mean anything goes.

You are still required to follow the county ordinance:
https://www.jasperema-hls.org/page/controlled_burn/

This includes calling in your burn before you start and again when you are done.

We are also asking you to use some judgment. Check the weather. Pay attention to wind. Burn when conditions are safe, not just because you can.

We hear a lot of frustration when burn bans go into place. The reality is, we would not need them if people consistently used common sense.

Here is a quick reality check:

Since the burn ban was implemented on March 21, fire departments have responded to about 6 fires total.
On March 20 alone, there were 8 fires in a single day.

That is the difference.

Let’s keep that trend going. Burn smart so we do not have to go backward.

Stay safe, stay responsible, and stay Jasper Ready.

03/30/2026