The last few days have kept the Ephraim Fire Department busy, but fortunately, four response calls turned out to be safety reminders more than emergencies. On Wednesday evening, the Ephraim Fire Department responded to assist a possible Washington Island water rescue that was quickly resolved. Ephraim Fire Chief Justin MacDonald says a Thursday afternoon call concerned unattended cooking in a home near Sister Bay, causing an unpleasant smell.

 McDonald adds that a late Thursday evening call from an observer was for a jet ski in possible distress.  A search by the Ephraim and Gibraltar departments turned up nothing.   Finally, on Friday morning Ephraim Fire along with five other agencies, including the United States Coast Guard, responded when an unoccupied dinghy was located afloat in Eagle Harbor. After an extensive search, the owner's contact information was found. He was notified and stated the vessel had been missing a few days. MacDonald says people should always report lost watercraft immediately.