It has been a lighter than usual year in terms of structure fires for the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department, but that does not mean Chief Curt Vandertie does not leave the scene of a call a little frustrated. Vandertie says it is still common to go into a home or business without a functioning smoke detector. This comes after several campaigns in recent years to help residents install devices at little to no charge. For Vandertie, working smoke detectors means precious moments of response time.

Vandertie also recommends calling 911 right away when a fire erupts as some of the more tragic outcomes could have been improved with a quicker response. The BUG Fire Department along with others in Door and Kewaunee Counties have spent National Fire Prevention Week educating kids about safety measures. Vandertie says those efforts could also be applied to young adults and elderly.