News

The Holmen Area Fire Department would like to recognize and thank retired firefighter Richard “Duffy” Daffinson for his continued commitment to the community and his generosity in helping secure the future of fire and EMS services in the Holmen Area Fire Department’s district.

As part of a recent land transaction with the Village of Holmen involving 30.86 acres, Richard Daffinson dedicated four acres for the Holmen Area Fire Department’s future fire station site. The four-acre parcel represents approximately $425,000 in donated value, creating a significant benefit for the future fire station project.

“Richard Daffinson’s generous donation secures a site that provides the space needed for a modern fire station that can meet today’s needs while supporting future growth,” said Fire Chief Ryan Ostreng. “It also fits into a long-term public safety strategy that envisions strategically located fire stations throughout the district, helping ensure we can continue providing effective service as our communities grow and evolve.”

The Holmen Area Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to Richard Daffinson for helping make this important community investment possible. His generosity will leave a lasting impact on public safety and the communities we serve.

Select the following link to read the full media release.

30. 86 acre daffinson property

The Holmen Area Fire Department is proud to introduce its new official logo. The design features a traditional Maltese Cross, commemorates the department’s 1921 founding, and retains the familiar HAFD scramble, a symbol that reflects more than 100 years of service to the community. The new logo honors the department’s heritage while providing a professional and refreshed identity for the future. Select the following link to read the full media release.

The Holmen Area Fire Department is proud to announce the receipt of a generous donation of $5,000 from the JVR Golf Outing.  The donation will be used to support the purchase of a second advanced cardiac monitor, which will enhance the department’s ability to deliver high-quality emergency medical care to the communities we serve.  Please read the attached media release for further details.

The Holmen Area Fire Department was dispatched at 5:50 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2025 for a fully engulfed home at 425 Redwood Ct, Onalaska, WI within the Creekside Mobile Home Park.  Read the attached media release for further details.

The Holmen Area Fire Department is teaming up with area fire departments to celebrate the 15th year of the “Keep the Wreath Green” campaign to raise awareness of the increased fire dangers that exist during the holiday season.  HAFD has placed a wreath near the front entrance of the fire station decorated with all green light bulbs.  A single white light bulb amongst the green bulbs will be displayed to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty and a reminder of all the men and women in the armed forces who are serving our country throughout the world.  If any one of the participating communities suffers a structure fire between November 28th and January 1st, each participating department will replace one green bulb with one red bulb.  Please read the attached media release for more information.

Media Release for October 16, 2025 machine fire at XeteX, 1776 Granary St, Holmen, WI.

2025-10-16 Holmen Area Fire Department Media Release Xetex

The Holmen Area Fire Department is inviting you to join us at our 2025 Fire Prevention Week Open House.

This event is free and open to the public.

DATE – Saturday, October 11, 2025

TIME – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LOCATION – Holmen Area Fire Department, 710 S. Main St., Holmen, WI 54636

Help us spread the 2025 National Fire Prevention Week’s campaign theme of “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”. Guests at this free event will be able to meet HAFD firefighters and participate in activities that include:

Fire Safety Simulation Trailer

Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire Gear Demonstrations

Truck Tours

And More

For more information, call 608-526-9363 or email rostreng@holmenfire.com

Media Release for July 16, 2025 kitchen fire at 1510 Wolfe Dr., Holmen, WI.

2025-07-17 Holmen Area Fire Department Media Release Wolfe Dr

Media Release for June 5, 2025 tracked tree cutter fire off of Briggs Rd in Holmen, WI.

2025-06-05 Holmen Area Fire Department Media Release Briggs Rd

Media Release for May 7, 2025 Holmen assistant living fire at 3908 Circle Dr., Holmen, WI.

2025-05-07 Holmen Area Fire Department Media Release 3908 Circle Dr

The Holmen Area Fire Department and Holmen Police Department will be receiving “REACH BAGs” courtesy of the La Crosse Area Community Foundation and REACH-A-Child.  REACH-A-Child board president, Cory Erickson will deliver REACH BAGs and a short presentation to the Holmen Area Fire Department at 11:00am on Thursday, March 20, 2025.  Please read the attached media release for more information.

Media Release for February 23, 2025 Town of Holland barn fire at N8207 Flaten Rd, Holmen, WI.