(Bridgewater) The Bridgewater Firefighters Association, Incorporated has launched a fundraising campaign to purchase a new side-by-side UTV equipped for grass and brush fire response, citing a sharp increase in such calls in recent years.
According to the department, grass, brush and field fires made up a significant portion of its workload in 2025, accounting for 21 of 36 total calls—nearly 60 percent. Officials say the growing number of these incidents has highlighted the need for equipment that can more effectively reach remote and difficult terrain.
UTV firefighting units are designed to access areas that traditional fire trucks cannot, including narrow paths, steep hills and soft ground. The department noted that these units can improve initial attack capabilities and reduce fire suppression times while offering a cost-effective and maneuverable option for wildland firefighting.
Currently, firefighters sometimes must carry backpack sprayers or leaf blowers into hard-to-reach areas. A UTV unit would allow crews to transport more water and equipment directly to fire lines in timber, fields and other remote locations.
After researching multiple options, the department selected a 2025 Honda Rancher 1000 UTV equipped with half doors, front and rear windshields and a winch, along with a UTV65 WaterMule fire skid unit. Firefighters said a previously considered government bid package cost more than 40 percent higher than their chosen setup. The department aims to raise approximately $28,000 to cover the UTV, firefighting skid unit and trailer.
This marks the first major fundraising effort by the department since 2007. Officials said the department has been fortunate to receive consistent support over the years, allowing it to maintain its current fleet of five fire response units.
The department emphasized its commitment to safety and noted that members will undergo training before the new unit is placed into service.
The Bridgewater Fire Department consists of 20 active volunteer members, all of whom serve without pay. Fire Chief Daryl Christensen leads the department, alongside First Assistant Chief Carl Ford and Second Assistant Chief Chad Herr, with additional firefighters and officers supporting operations. (Dean Stormer, secretary; Douglas Miller, treasurer/communications; Connor Blazek, Corey Christensen, Warren Evans, Roger Frese, Stan Frese, Luke Meisenheimer, Jesse Smith, Michael Stender, Jeff Thompson, Kyle Thompson, Chuck Williams, Derek Williams, Devin Williams, Robert J. Wyllie, and Jade Zimmerline.)
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the association are tax-deductible. Contributions can be mailed to the Bridgewater Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 130, Bridgewater, IA 50837, given directly to any firefighter, or dropped off at several local businesses and bank locations in the area:
-Bridgewater Tires and More
-Bridgewater Café
-KC’s Tavern
-Union State Bank locations in Bridgewater , Greenfield, Corning, or Adair
-FNB Bank locations in Fontanelle, Greenfield, Massena, or Anita
Department officials expressed gratitude for the community’s longstanding support and said all donations—large or small—will help advance the project
