Protecting Wayzata with Pride and Dedication

The Wayzata Fire Department, a vital pillar of our community since its founding in 1893, has been keeping our city safe for over a century. Situated on Rice Street, in downtown Wayzata, the department’s bright red fire trucks are a familiar sight, but it’s the dedicated men and women behind the wheel who are the true heart of this organization.
Wayzata Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich is pictured. Submitted photo.
Unlike larger city departments, Wayzata’s fire service is made up almost entirely of volunteer firefighters—local residents who respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. These brave volunteers protect our homes and businesses from fire, respond to medical calls, and handle a wide variety of emergency situations, from hazardous material incidents to rescues on Lake Minnetonka.

Serving as a volunteer firefighter in Wayzata is no small task, but the department is always looking for dedicated, community-minded individuals to join its ranks. If you’ve ever felt the call to serve, now is the time. The department offers extensive training and certification, ensuring that volunteers are well-prepared to handle the challenges of firefighting and emergency response. No previous experience is necessary—just a commitment to keeping Wayzata safe and a willingness to respond when the call comes in.
The Wayzata Fire Department hosts regular recruitment events and informational meetings, where potential volunteers can learn about the responsibilities and rewards of joining the force. As a volunteer, you’ll gain invaluable skills, camaraderie, and the opportunity to give back to the community in a way few other roles allow. Not only will you become a vital part of a well-respected organization, but you’ll also build lifelong connections with fellow firefighters and community members.

In addition to firefighting, the department is also active in local events and education, offering fire safety presentations at schools, leading the annual Fire Department Open House during James J. Hill Days, and hosting the popular pancake breakfasts to raise funds for the Wayzata Fire Relief Association.
For those interested in learning more about volunteering, the Wayzata Fire Department encourages you to stop by the fire station, attend a recruitment event, or visit their website for application details. Becoming a volunteer firefighter is a rewarding way to serve the community and carry on the department’s proud tradition of service.
Join the team that keeps Wayzata safe—because when fire strikes, our town relies on neighbors helping neighbors.
600 Rice Street
Wayzata, MN 55391
952-404-5337
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Fire department tries new bio-degradable gel
Wayzata Fire Department training excercise. Photo Dan Gustafson. The Wayzata Fire Department has a new weapon in fire fighting: a gel additive for the water in the department’s tanker truck. The gel is added to the 1,000 gallons of water contained in the tanker, and is intended to increase the fire fighting ability and stickiness of the…
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Meridian Manor grooves to the Wayzata Fire Department
The Meridian Manor is hosting a 50’s fever benefit in remembrance of the 9-11 first responders to benefit the Wayzata Fire Department. Becky Nelson housing specialist said “When we heard about how the New York Firefighters, and how they weren’t invited to the 9-11, 10 year anniversary event, it really got us angry.” “If we…
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Fire at 709 Wayzata Boulevard, no injuries
Fire at 709 Wayzata Boulevard. Photo credit Jim Wilson. The Wayzata Fire Department responded to a house fire call at 709 East Wayzata Boulevard at around 4:45 am Friday morning. A passerby called Hennepin County dispatch with a report of smoke coming from the home. View photos of the fire at709 East Wayzata Boulevard here.…
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Two young heroes recognized
Jacob Bros, Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich, and Nicholas Bros pause for a photo. The brothers were recognized for fire safety recently. Photo Dan Gustafson. Brothers Jacob Bros, 12, and Nicholas Bros, 9, received an award from Wayzata Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich on Tuesday, August 2nd. The boys were recognized because they kept their fire hydrant…
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Gordy Engel Receives Prestigious Jim Fish Award at Night to Unite Luncheon
The annual Wayzata Crime Prevention Night to Unite luncheon concluded with the presentation of the Jim Fish Award to Gordy Engel on Tuesday, August 3rd. Engel, the owner of The Foursome clothing and shoe store deeply rooted in Wayzata, was honored for his outstanding contributions to crime prevention in the community. Engel, along with his…
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There is a heck of a lot of stuff going on today in Wayzata
In case you missed it, there is a heck of a lot of stuff going on in Wayzata today. Wayzata Crime Prevention Director Gina Holman delivers a Kevlar bullet-proof vest to Wayzata Police Chief Mike Risvold at the 2010 Night 2 Unite luncheon. File photo. Today is Night 2 Unite in communities all across Minnesota,…
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Apparent drowning in Wayzata Bay
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol, Wayzata Fire, and Long Lake Fire searched for a man who reportedly drowned on Wayzata Bay last evening, according to Wayzata Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich. “Water Patrol, Long Lake Fire and Wayzata Fire searched for about 3-4 hours last night.” Klapprich indicated. “Water Patrol and Long Lake are back out…
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Wayzata Fire on TV for excercise program
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=10588 FOX 9 Workout: Get Firefighter Fit: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com
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Car / bicyclist accident
Wayzata Firemen check the status of a bicyclist who was stuck by a vehicle this morning. Photo Dan Gustafson. A minor car and bicyclist accident occurred at the Wayzata Bay Center Saturday morning. A man driving a black sedan appeared to have struck another man riding a bike. Wayzata Police and Fire were summoned to the scene…
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Too Hot For Power
Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich examines apower pole. Photo Dan Gustafson. The Wayzata Fire Department was called to Margaret Circle at noon on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, to address a burning power pole. “It really was a fuse and it was glowing red,” said Wayzata Fire Cheif Kevin Klapprich. The fuse that was emitting red is…



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