Fire Department
About us
The Bay Minette Fire Department was founded in 1908 as an all-volunteer department and officially chartered in 1960. Today, the department is staffed with 15 career firefighters who serve approximately 15,000 citizens living within Bay Minette Fire Department's 88-square mile jurisdiction.
The Department’s most valuable asset is the men and women who make up Bay Minette Fire Department. Our firefighters are out on the frontline, providing you and your loved ones with professional and caring customer service. The Department operates in three shifts each with four members who work 24 hours on duty, 48 hours off duty. These firefighters are available 24/7 – 365 days a year.
The minimum training qualifications for entry level firefighters include Firefighter 1 & 2, Rapid intervention Team, EMT, Hazardous Material Technician, Apparatus Operator, Aerial Operator, Rope Rescue 1 & 2. This combined equates to 800 hours of instruction and testing. Each member completes a minimum of 240 hours annual refresher training.
The Bay Minette Fire Department has been recognized as one of the best departments in the country by the Insurance Services Organization and has been awarded a Class 3 ISO Public Protection Classification Rating.
The Department responds to an average of 2,000 calls per year and makes an additional 4,000 contacts through its many programs.
The Department was awarded the honor of being one of the regional training centers for the Alabama Fire College and have hosted many classes though-out the years including specialized training that only a few in Alabama are allowed to instruct.
Meet the Fire Chief
Fire Chief Mike Minchew began his career with the department in 1995 and has risen through the ranks since then, serving as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, chief of training and Deputy Chief. He was promoted to Chief in 2013.
Prior to joining the Fire Department as an employee, Minchew served as a junior volunteer for 10 years.
In addition to his on-the-job experience, Minchew has received numerous certifications and extra training including hazardous materials, CPR and First Aid, Apparatus Operator Pumper, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Hazardous Material Incident Commander, Child Safety Restraint Educator, Alabama Department of Public Safety and Fire Chiefs Executive Development Program, among others.
The Bay Minette native is married to Sonja Minchew and the couple has two sons, Dalton and Joshua.
Fort Beveridge Fire Station
The Fire Station is named for Lt. Bruce Beveridge Jr., who died Sept. 8, 1951 during the Korean War. All 138 members of the B Battery of 711th AAA Gun Battalion marched through the streets of Bay Minette before boarding a train that would begin their journey toward Korea’s far away shores. Only one did not make it home: Bruce Beveridge Jr. His legacy has been a part of the City of Bay Minette ever since.
For more than 50 years, the former National Guard Armory where he served was named in his honor, and now the fire station built where the armory once stood bears his name.
The Fort Beveridge Fire Station was officially dedicated in October 2009 with members of the Beveridge family in attendance, as well as members of the 711th Battery B who served alongside him in the Korean War. Several framed pictures and memorabilia are scattered throughout the building, honoring Beveridge and the 711th Battery B that called the armory home.
Safety/Community Programs
Bay Minette Fire Department conducts several programs year around to enhance the safety of our community.
CPR– Heart saver and BLS (healthcare provider). Each month, the first Saturday is reserved for Heart Saver CPR classes. The third Saturday is reserved for BLS. Each class starts at 9 a.m. the classes are hosted at Fort Beverage Fire Station on D’Olive Street and cost $40. Call 251-580-1617 to reserve your spot.
Child Safety Restraint System – This is a free “car seat” inspection and parental instruction program to ensure children are secured properly in their seat. The Department has several CRS certified inspectors. Call to schedule your inspection – 251-580-1617.
Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention Program
The Department is aways interested in sharing information regarding fire safety. The Department has programs developed for children, young adults, adult, senior adults, industrial, education facilities and can customize a program for any group not covered.
Fire Prevention Month – Held annually in October. During this month, Department representatives visit schools and daycares in the jurisdiction. Call 251-580-2552 to schedule a visit to your education facility.
Station Tours Groups – The Department hosts a variety of church, school and civic groups for tours. Please call 251-580-2552 to schedule group tours.
Station Tours Family – The Department also enjoys drop-in visits from the community as well. If you and/or your children have an interest in seeing the station, equipment or meeting the Firefighters, drop by between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. For after hour or weekend tours, please call 251-580-1617 to schedule a time to visit.
Smoke Detectors
The Department wants a smoke detector in every home in America. The Department receives smoke detectors from various grant programs such as Walmart, Alabama Fire Marshals’ Office and Alabama Fire College. These smoke detectors are then shared, free of charge, with the community. Call 251-580-1617 for questions or to schedule a free in-home consultation and installation.
Fire Inspections
The Department conducts fire safety reviews throughout all aspects of a commercial building’s life span - from site plan review to annual inspections on each commercial property within the city limits. The City of Bay Minette has adopted the 2021 International fire codes with amendments see Ordinance 997. To inquire or schedule an inspection Call 251-580-1617 or Email: swstewart@cityofbayminetteal.gov
Burn Permits
The city of Bay Minette has an open burn ordinance, to summarize:
Open burning, defined as burning outside of a container such as a fireplace, firepit or burn barrel. Open burning is prohibited without first obtaining a burn permit from Bay Minette Fire department if you are located within the city limits of Bay Minette. Call 251-580-1617. The fee for an open burning permit is $50.
If you are outside of the City limits burn permits are issued by Alabama Forestry Commission and are required when burning greater than 0.25 acres or debris greater than 4-inches in diameter. For burn permits outside the city limits 1-800-392-5679.
It is never legal to burn synthetic material such as household garbage.
Summer Burn Ban. A summer burn ban is placed by the Alabama Department of Environmental management from May 1st – October 31st. For information regarding this burn ban see - https://adem.alabama.gov/MoreInfo/pubs/WebsiteVegetationBurning.pdf
City of Bay Minette Emergency Operations Center
The City of Bay Minette’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is housed at Fort Beverage Fire Station and is led by the Fire Chief Mike Minchew. The City works with the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency.
Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency
Live Weather Conditions - University of South Alabama
Education Center
Turn Your Attention to Fire Prevention
Sparky Schoolhouse - Educators
USFA Fire Safety Outreach Materials - All Age Groups
Dalmatians in the Fire Service
Partners
