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• Community Message from the Fire Chief

  Extreme Cold & Heavy Snowfall Preparedness

  

  On behalf of the volunteer firefighters and officers of the Dryden Fire Department, we want to reach out to our community as we prepare for an extended period of extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall expected in our area.

  As this storm approaches, we ask community members to take the following steps:

  • Prepare for power outages and extreme cold
    • Ensure you have adequate heating fuel, warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, batteries, and any necessary medications.
    • If you rely on medical equipment, make backup plans now. Travel during the storm may not be possible.
  • Use heating sources safely
    • Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything combustible. Never use grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors. Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and do NOT plug them into extension cords or power strips. This can cause them to overheat and become a fire hazard. Be careful with all alternative heat sources
  • In the event of a loss of power, don’t run generators indoors or your garage.
  • Clear snow safely
    • Pace yourself when shoveling, take breaks, and watch for signs of overexertion. If possible, clear hydrants near your property so firefighters can access them quickly during an emergency. If the snow is heavy as expected, keep furnace vents clear of snow.
  • Avoid travel during peak storm conditions
    • Staying off the roads helps keep you safe and allows emergency vehicles to respond without delay. TCSD Sheriff Osborne has already issued a travel advisory on their Facebook Page.
  • Check on neighbors
    • Please check on elderly neighbors, those living alone, or anyone who may need help staying warm or clearing snow.
  • Call 911 for emergencies only
    • Limiting non-emergency calls ensures our volunteers and apparatus remain available for life-threatening situations.

  Dryden volunteers, working collectively with our neighboring volunteer Fire Departments, will be ready to respond throughout this storm, but extreme cold and heavy snowfall can quickly stretch emergency resources. Your preparation and awareness will help us protect the entire community.

  Thank you for your continued support of your Volunteer Fire Department. Please stay warm, stay safe, and look out for one another.

  Best Regards,
  Pete Tyler
  Dryden Fire Chief

  Serving the Township and Village of Dryden

• Hazardous Materials Training

  Local volunteer firefighters train together to protect the community

  

  

  On the evening of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, approximately 50 volunteers from the Dryden, Freeville, McLean, and Varna Fire Departments participated in the annual required Hazardous Materials Training hosted by the Dryden Fire Department. The training focused on identifying hazardous materials, understanding potential risks, and reviewing proper response procedures to ensure firefighter and public safety.

  These firefighters are your family, neighbors, and friends — community members who dedicate their time to ongoing training so they are prepared to respond safely and effectively when emergencies occur.