Vinita Fire Department

06/13/2026

Today, we celebrate two incredible milestones and two very familiar faces!

🚒Please join us in wishing congratulations to Deputy Chief Rusty Hanes and Captain Kevin Grimes on their well-deserved retirements.

Between the two of them, Chief Hanes and Captain Grimes have spent decades answering the call, running toward danger, and serving the citizens of Vinita with unmatched bravery, dedication, and heart.

Chief Hanes, thank you for your steadfast leadership, wisdom, and the countless hours you’ve given to guiding our department and keeping our community safe.

Captain Grimes, thank you for your hard work, your tactical expertise, and for being a mentor and a brother to so many of us at the station.

Both of you have left a legacy that won't be forgotten, and you are going to be deeply missed at the firehouse. We hope you both enjoy your next chapters, spend some much-needed time with your families, and actually get to relax for a change!

Drop your favorite memories, congratulations, or best wishes for Rusty and Kevin in the comments below! 👇💬

06/10/2026

🚒 Vinita Fire Department Annual Membership Dues 🚒

If you live outside the city limits but within the Vinita Fire Department jurisdiction, you can purchase your annual membership for just $75.

This membership helps protect you from out-of-pocket costs for fire, medical, and other emergency services. Rural service billing starts at a minimum of $500, so this coverage can save you money if you ever need assistance.

Your membership covers your home and also includes outbuildings such as sheds and detached garages.

Coverage period: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027

Mail or drop off dues at:
Vinita Fire Department
203 W Canadian Ave
Vinita, OK 74301

Protect your home and property for the year with one affordable membership.

Please feel free to share this post so everyone is able to take advantage of this program.

05/11/2026

🚒 Now Hiring: Full-Time Firefighter 🚒
The Vinita Fire Department is looking for dedicated individuals ready to serve their community and build a rewarding career.

Position: Full-Time Firefighter
Starting Pay:
• $41,496.16 (Probationary Firefighter)
• $42,272.42 (With EMT-B)

Benefits:
• 100% employer-paid health and dental insurance
• Holiday and paid time off
• 24/48 schedule, with potential transition to 48/96
• Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System

Requirements:
• 18 years or older
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Firefighter I and EMT (or ability to obtain within 1 year)

Apply at:
Vinita City Hall — 104 E. Illinois Ave, Vinita, OK
Deadline: May 15 at 5 pm

Testing:
• Physical and written tests: May 16 at 9 am (Vinita High School football field)
• Interviews: Morning of May 26 at Vinita City Hall

📧 Questions: [email protected]

Come protect and serve your community — join the Vinita Fire Department family! 🚒🔥

04/17/2026

🚒 Come Join Our Team! 🚒

The City of Vinita Fire Department is currently hiring for a full-time Firefighter position!

If you’re passionate about serving your community and ready for a rewarding career, we’d love to hear from you.

Starting annual salary for probationary Firefighter is $41,496.16 or with EMT-B $42,272.42.
100% Employee paid employee Health and Dental Insurance.
Holiday and Paid Time Off.
24/48 Work Schedule with potential to change to 48/96.
Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System

Requirements:
✅ Must be 18 years or older
✅ High school diploma or GED
✅ Valid driver’s license
✅ Firefighter I and EMT certifications (or must obtain within 1 year of hire)

📍 Applications available at:
Vinita City Hall – 104 E. Illinois Ave, Vinita, OK
Application deadline: May 15th at 5pm

📧 Email inquiries to: [email protected]

Help protect your community — apply today and become part of the Vinita Fire Department family!

04/15/2026

Redline Fire and CM Truck Needs Beds do a fantastic job!! Check out some of these builds.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/23/2026

🚒🚒 Structure Fire 🚒🚒

Earlier today, the Vinita Fire Department responded on automatic aid to a reported structure fire in the Big Cabin Fire Department’s district.

The fire involved an occupied two-story residence. Upon arrival, we were advised that all residents were safely out of the home. We are thankful no injuries were reported.

Due to the extent of fire involvement, the structure is considered a total loss as a result of significant fire, water, and smoke damage. Firefighters worked diligently to bring the incident under control and fully extinguish the fire.

This response was a true team effort. We would like to thank Big Cabin Fire Department, Chelsea Fire Department, Carselowey Fire Department, Mercy EMS, and Craig County Emergency Management for their hard work, coordination, and support on scene. Strong partnerships like these make a difference when our communities need us most.

Please keep the family affected by this fire in your thoughts as they begin the recovery process.

02/18/2026

CMC Tower Rescue class hosted by the Vinita Fire Department is filling up fast. Hope to see you in May!

01/30/2026

🚒🚒Vinita Fire received a big shout out on Facebook!!🚒🚒

Our very own Josh Lee went and helped teach at the Tulsa Fire Department Technical Rescue Academy.

Our department and community is lucky to have such a skilled and qualified member. Let’s not forget he’s also our Mayor!!

01/26/2026

Members of the Craig County Technical Rescue Task Force were out late Saturday (1-24-26) night, assisting Welch Fire and the Craig County Sheriff’s Office with a search for a missing man.

Search crews were set to begin ground searches when our team spotted a heat signature using our thermal drone. We were able to provide directions from the air to deputies who located the individual alive. He was transferred to medical personnel for treatment.

Our drone saves lives and increases first responder safety by limiting the time our responders have to brave dangerous conditions, like those we had Saturday night with temperatures near 0 degrees, strong winds, and blowing snow.

As a 100% volunteer task force that runs on donations and grants, folks like Northeast Electric’s Operation Round Up and the Cresap Family Foundation keep us operating. Both contributed to the purchase of this approximately $18,000 life-saving equipment.

If you know anyone with the Cresap Family or with Operation Round Up, please thank them for their support. Also thank you to all of the electric customers who participate in the round up program.

Thank you to our members from Carselowey Fire, Bowlin Springs Fire, Centralia Fire, and Vinita Fire, as well as a few private citizens who volunteer for our CERT team, for braving the extreme weather.

01/24/2026

🚒 Incident Response – Electrical Issue / Attic Fire 🚒

Earlier today, the Vinita Fire Department responded to a call for a possible structure fire caused by electrical issues.

Upon arrival of Engine 4, there was no smoke showing, and an initial check of the fuse box revealed no issues. Crews used a thermal imaging camera, which did not immediately show any hotspots.

During further investigation in the attic, firefighters discovered smoldering insulation caused by electrical wiring. An APW extinguisher was initially deployed but was unable to fully extinguish the fire. Crews then stretched an 1¾-inch attack line, advanced it into the attic, and successfully extinguished the fire.

Thanks to quick action, thorough investigation, and strong coordination, Vinita Fire was able to preserve the property, keep water damage to a minimum, and complete effective salvage and overhaul operations.

Great work by all involved in keeping our community safe! 👏🔥