Child Passenger Safety Initiative

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Kari Bodine

Does your child (age 0-17) have any important needs that should be known in the event of an emergency? Sharing this information can help first responders provide the best possible care and give you peace of mind that your child’s needs are being considered.

The Valley City Fire Department would like to assist families with children and their needs for child passenger safety by providing seat belt sleeves customized with your child’s name, considerations, allergies, or medications free of charge.

Please complete this form and return to Fire Chief Scott Magnuson at 241 3rd Ave NE, by Oct. 17, 2025 to order.

Contact Scott Magnuson at smagnuson@valleycity.us or 701-845-3351 if you are interested in this for your child.

Fireworks Safety

Posted on June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 by adminuser

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 adminuser

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.

Interested in Joining the VCFD?

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

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