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Fire Department Explorer Program
The Fire Department Explorer program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. The program is designed to provide young men and women with the opportunity to explorer the possibility of a career as a firefighter. Students from ages 14 to 18 meet twice each month and train in firefighting, search and rescue and CPR and 1st Aid. Explorers also participate in live fire training, assisting the department at emergencies and the annual Explorers competition held at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. The Lead Coordinator for the Explorer Program is Captain Randy Gerlach, who can be reached at 651-458-6000, extension 1263.

Public CPR and First Aid
The Department provides CPR and First Aid training to the general public as well as day care providers and other businesses that require emergency medical training. First aid classes are offered on an as needed basis. CPR classes are normally given at least six times each year. Classes are usually held at Fire Station 2.  The fee per class is $50.00, and each class is approximately four hours in length.  All fire department instructors are American Heart Association certified and a card is provided for successful completion. Please contact Kevin Zittel at 651-458-2870 to schedule a class or to get additional information.

Fire Prevention Education
The Department provides a number of Fire Prevention, Arson Awareness and Education programs for residents for Preschool to adult. These include fire extinguisher training, fire station tours, fire escape, presentations and grade school programs.

Fire Department Open House

The Cottage Grove Fire Department hosts an Open House the 2nd Thursday of every October from 6-8 pm.  The community is invited to their local department to learn about safety, pick up hand outs, see the fire vehicles and meet their local firefighters.  Please contact Lt. Sandra Pinski at 651-458-6000 ext. 1250 for additional information or questions.

Injury and Fall Prevention Information for Seniors

If you, your club or organization would like information regarding injury or fall prevention and fire safety in your home, feel free to call Sandra Pinski at 651-458-6000 ext. 1250 to schedule an appointment.

The Education Division also participates in:
Homecoming Parade
Halloween Parade
Strawberry Fest Parade and Vehicle display
National Night Out
4th of July Fireworks Display

Additional Safety and Fire Information

Citizens are welcome to stop by the main Cottage Grove Fire Station at 8641 80th St. S. between the hours of noon and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, to pick up a pamphlet on any of the following topics:  CO Detectors, Home Fire Prevention Checklist, Fire Safety Tips, Fire Safety for People with Disabilities, 911 Information, Arson Prevention, Residential Sprinklers, Electrical Fire Safety, Kerosene Heaters, Fire Extinguishers, College Fire Safety Tips, Poison Prevention, Tornado Safety Tips, Home Smoke Alarms, Baby-sitter Safety Tips, Preventing Burns at Home, Meth Labs in our Community, and The Safe Home Guide.  If you would like a specific pamphlet sent to you, please call 651-458-6000 ext. 1250 and leave your name and address information and what you would like to receive. 

The Fire Departments efforts have raised over $700.00 over the last 2 years to purchase school supplies for needy kids.

Fire Inspections
Fire Inspections are conducted for all commercial establishments in the city as well as all public school buildings and the Cottage Grove Fire Department provides plan reviews for all new commercial construction. The department also conducts day care home and day care center inspections in conjunction with the Washington County Health Department. Home fire safety inspections can be provided on request. The Fire Marshal is P.J. McMahon. Child and Adult Day Care inspections are done by Deputy Chief Al Beasley.

Emergency Management
Emergency Management services are provided through the Fire Chief by the Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works and Emergency Medical Services. The goal of Emergency Management is to prepare for any large-scale emergency that may occur within the City. The Emergency Management program works closely with Washington County Emergency Management Agency, the Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in all contingency planning.