Sunday, August 02, 2026
64.0°F

PHOTOS: Whitefish fire celebrates Fire Prevention Week

JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 9 months AGO
by JULIE ENGLER
Julie Engler covers Whitefish City Hall and writes community features for the Whitefish Pilot. She earned master's degrees in fine arts and education from the University of Montana. She can be reached at [email protected] or 406-882-3505. | October 18, 2023 1:00 AM

The Whitefish Fire Department celebrated Fire Prevention Week with an open house last Sunday. Attendees visited with first responders, including Whitefish police and firefighters, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and crews from the ALERT helicopter.

The Northwest Montana Regional SWAT team was on hand, as well, and Deputy Pat McGauley and his partner, K9 Audie, treated the crowd to a bite demonstration.

There were smiles all around as families viewed the specialized equipment used in emergency responses, took tours of the fire and police stations and enjoyed free hot dogs.

photo

Six-year-old Sam Garver got behind of the wheel of a fire truck at the Emergency Services Center's open house. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

photo

Seven-year-old Andrew Saeger takes a turn behind the wheel of a fire truck during the open house at the Emergency Services Center. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

photo

Seven-year-old Zevric Arseneaux peers out from behind a shield at the Emergency Services Center's open house last Sunday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

photo

With a Dalmatian freshly painted on her cheek, Isabella Panissidi poses with Olivia Hadley, who provided face painting for the children at the department's open house. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

photo

SWAT K9 handler Deputy Pat McGauley and Audie prepare for the bite demonstration. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

photo

Deputy Pat McGauley and Audie demonstrate some of the team's abilities by biting and holding Whitefish firefighter Dave Mangold at the Fire Department's open house. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

photo

Officers and families enjoy watching the Northwest Montana Regional SWAT's bite demonstration at the Emergency Services Center open house last weekend. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

photo

Whitefish firefighter Dave Mangold, with his granddaughter Maeve and other family members, check out the Alert helicopter at the open house last weekend. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)

ARTICLES BY JULIE ENGLER

North Valley Music School hosts three-day bluegrass festival
July 30, 2026 midnight

North Valley Music School hosts three-day bluegrass festival

North Valley Music School’s new program director Taylor Ackley has planned a treat for the Flathead Valley in the form of the three-day Bluegrass and Roots Mini Festival.

Forever chemicals in Whitefish water supply below level that requires treatment, city officials say
July 29, 2026 1 a.m.

Forever chemicals in Whitefish water supply below level that requires treatment, city officials say

Mike Koopal, executive director of the Whitefish Lake Institute, reported to the City Council earlier this month that PFAS, or forever chemicals, were found in all the surface water bodies in Whitefish.

Whitefish explores options for a second fire station
July 29, 2026 1 a.m.

Whitefish explores options for a second fire station

The city of Whitefish is exploring options to build a second fire station on the north side of the Baker Avenue viaduct.