The department’s response area consists of approximately 125 miles covering the cities of Dassel, Darwin, and Kingston, along with the surrounding townships of Collinwood, Dassel, Ellsworth, Darwin, and Kingston.

It responds to approximately 200 calls per year.

Dassel’s fire department is one of 50 in the state that are truly all-volunteer. It was established in 1881. Since that time, it has added other responsibilities, such as rescue and hazardous leaks response.

Membership consists of both males and females. Applicants must complete and pass the following to be an active member of the department; an interview, written and physical tests, and an entrance physical.

Members also must live within a four-minute drive time of the fire hall at 426 Second Street, Dassel, or live within an eight-minute drive time of the fire hall, but work within the four-minute drive time. The member who works within the four-minute drive time must work an eight-hour shift between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The current fire chief is Dale Grochow, with Dave Johnson as assistant chief. Officers are appointed at the end of even years and take over the following year for a two-year term.

The fire station phone number is (320) 275-3260, but in an emergency, call 911.