Fireworks Safety

Posted on June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 by user

Millions of Americans will enjoy 4^th of July celebrations. There are many public displays while many will be using consumer fireworks. Use this holiday celebration for your enjoyment and be safe!

The sale of fireworks in North Dakota is from June 27 to July 5^th. Retail hours in Valley City are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The City of Valley City also has a fireworks ordinance which states the days of detonation or using your fireworks and is not the same as the state. The times of use for Valley city are as follows:

July 1-3: 8 am until 11 pm

July 4^th: 8 am until midnight and then past midnight on July 5 until 1:00 am

July 5^th: 8 am until 11 pm

You must be 12 years of age to purchase fireworks in Valley City and all of North Dakota.

Bottle rockets are illegal to buy and sell in North Dakota. The use, detonation, or explosion of bottle rockets and roman candles is prohibited in Valley City. Thousands of injuries occur

from fireworks each year, mostly from carelessness. Do not become complacent during

your time of entertainment. Things can go bad in a hurry. This can be the best of

times and this can be the worst of times.

Supervision is critical. Adults must take this responsibility seriously. Be strict on the proper use of fireworks. Alcohol and fireworks are a very dangerous combination. Choose an open space to set off the fireworks. Use a flat, heavy board on level ground with bricks to hold your aerial devices steady.

Keep spectators at a safe distance: 40 ft for aerial fireworks.
Have a bucket of water and a garden hose close by.
Have eye protection for those setting off the displays.
Wear clothing that will protect your skin.
Use a barbecue lighter or a punk to light your fireworks.
Do not try to light dud fireworks that did not go off.
Do not alter fireworks, and do not detonate using cans or glass bottles.
Put all used fireworks in a garbage can and wet down with the water hose.
Do not put the garbage can in the garage for the night.

Your enjoyment for the 4^th can be a good one if you use good safety practices. There are many who wished they did because they are living with some very ugly scars. PLEASE USE YOUR FIREWORKS SAFELY.

Scott Magnuson is the Fire Chief of the Valley City Fire Department.

Your Health is coordinated by City County Health District.

Temporary Burn Ban

Posted on March 9, 2021March 9, 2021 by user

TEMPORARY BURN BAN

March 9^th,2020 A Burn Ban has been put in place

Barnes County is under abnormally dry conditions; and whereas, the impact of fires could threaten the health, well-being, and safety of citizens in Barnes County

This includes the burning of leaves, grass clippings, garbage/pits, construction debris, fallen trees, crop residue or hay land, sloughs, fire pits and campfires/bonfires. Residents are allowed to use their gas grills so long as the monitor them and ensure they are completely extinguished when done using them.

ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES THIS BURN BAN IS GUILTY OF A CLASS b MISDEMEANOR, WHICH CARRIES A PENALTY OF UP TO 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND A $1,500.00 FINE PER INCIDENT, AS WELL AS THE COST FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION.

Fire Hydrants: Time to Remove Snow

Posted on January 31, 2020January 31, 2020 by user

Please keep your fire hydrants clear of snow. This ensure that the Valley City Fire Department can access them in case of emergency.

During the week of February 3, 2020, Valley City State University athletes will begin clearing fire hydrants. If you need assistance cleaning your fire hydrant, please call Deb Feuerherm at (701) 845-7161 or email gregg.horner@vcsu.edu with the address.

You can also contact Scott Magnuson, Fire Chief at (701) 845-3351.

Buying & Using Fireworks in Valley City

Posted on June 24, 2019June 24, 2019 by user

Buying & Using Fireworks in Valley City
Valley City’s Fireworks Regulations for the July Independence Days

The city ordinance indicates:

The sale of fireworks starts June 27^th of each year and ends July 5^th.

The days of detonation or using your fireworks ARE NOT the same as the sale days.

Fireworks may be detonated on the following days:

July 1^st from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
July 2^nd from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
July 3^rd from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
July 4^th from 8:00 AM to July 5^th at 1:00 AM
July 5^th from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

You must be at least 12 years of age to buy fireworks.

Burn Ban Lifted

Posted on May 1, 2019May 1, 2019 by user

The burn ban has been cancelled for Barnes County.

As a reminder, recreational fires should follow City rules and regulations. Current guidelines are available in the knowledge base.

Burn Ban in Effect

Posted on April 25, 2019April 29, 2019 by user

Due to the dry hot weather and the high fire danger and the upcoming red flag warning, a burn ban is in effect beginning noon April 25, 2019. Recreational fire burning (ie, in a fire pit) shall be prohibited during a Fire Ban. The Barnes County Commission has implemented a burn ban for 5 days and will re-address it at that time. Updates on this may come from the Barnes County Commission, the Valley City Fire Chief or the Barnes County Emergency Manager.

1/4/2019 Retirement Open House: Fire Chief Retterath

Posted on January 2, 2019January 2, 2019 by user

Congratulations! Gary Retterath on your retirement.

Please join us for a Retirement Open House to celebrate Gary’s 43 years of service to the VCFD and 16.5 years as Fire Chief of the Valley City Fire Department on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Valley City Fire Department, 241 3rd Avenue NE.

2nd Annual Valley City Battle of Badges Blood Drive

Posted on October 5, 2018October 5, 2018 by user

Give Blood! Help make everyday moments possible for patients in need.

Tuesday, October 16 11:30 am to 6:00 pm
Wednesday, October 17 11:30 am to 6:00 pm
Stoudt-Ross Ford Showroom

For appointment call 800-917-4929
or online at www.bloodhero.com
Sponsor code: valleycity

Please bring your photo ID and donor card. Free cholesterol testing with every donation!

To print a poster, please download this file.

Interested in Joining the VCFD?

Posted on July 18, 2018August 20, 2020 by user

The first step to admission to the fire department is to fill out the VCFD Application.

Once per year the fire department will review applications. A committee will then interview the applicants and choose those who appear to be qualified and willing to continue the process.

The candidate will need a doctors physical and drug test, along with a state criminal background check. If candidate passes the medical exam along with background, check he or she will be allowed to take the physical agility test as prescribed by the department.

As the candidate has passed all the requirements set forth, the chief will fill open spots on the roster with the most qualified applicants.

The candidate will begin the training to become a certified firefighter. Upon completion of all the requirements for a certified firefighter they will be presented with their certificate. The probationary member will be voted on after one year which is a vote of the full department membership. If there is a successful vote, the probationary candidate will become a full member. If the probationary member has not passed the firefighter 1 certification in the first year they will remain on probation. They will be voted on as soon as they pass the firefighter 1 certification.

If the probationary member cannot pass the firefighter 1 certification within 2 years, they will be dismissed from the department.

Please submit the VCFD Application by October 1 to:

Fire Chief
Phone: (701) 845-3351

or by mail to:

Fire Chief
Valley City Fire Department
241 3rd Avenue NE
Valley City, ND 58072