 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| ARCHIVE |
| CHECK ROLLA RURAL EMAIL © Copyright 2008 Rolla Rural Fire Protection District 1575 Lions Club Drive Rolla, Missouri 65401 |
MARCH 2, 2008 - FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE 1,500 ACRE BRUSH FIRE
At 1:19pm, Rolla Rural Fire Protection District was dispatched to the area of South Hwy 63 and County Road 6020
for a report of a brush fire. Upon arrival of the first unit, a large fire was found to be deep in the wooded area, owned
by the National Forestry. Multiple agencies were dispatched to the scene, including bulldozers and a helicopter
capable of dumping water onto the out-of-control fire. In all, about 1,500 acres burned before crews had the scene
under control. The last unit cleared the scene at 8:12pm.
Crews also responded to another brush fire north of Rolla, near the intersection of Hwy A and County Road 8420.
The fire spread beyond control at 2:01pm and grew to about 100 acres before being contained by firefighters.
Emergency agencies that assisted in operations for the day included: Rolla City, Doolittle, Newburg, Edgar Springs, Vichy,
Vienna, Dent County, Lenox, Cuba, Bourbon, Leasburg, Steelville, Waynesville, Hazelgreen, Tri-County, Nebo Falcon, Lebanon
City, Lebanon Rural, and Phelps County Ambulance. Missouri Conservation and U.S. Forest Service also provided crews and
equipment for fire suppression.
Special thanks goes to American Red Cross, Lee's Chicken, McDonald's, and Papa Johns Pizza for donated time, services, and
food that was provided to the working firefighters throughout the day and evening.
At 1:19pm, Rolla Rural Fire Protection District was dispatched to the area of South Hwy 63 and County Road 6020
for a report of a brush fire. Upon arrival of the first unit, a large fire was found to be deep in the wooded area, owned
by the National Forestry. Multiple agencies were dispatched to the scene, including bulldozers and a helicopter
capable of dumping water onto the out-of-control fire. In all, about 1,500 acres burned before crews had the scene
under control. The last unit cleared the scene at 8:12pm.
Crews also responded to another brush fire north of Rolla, near the intersection of Hwy A and County Road 8420.
The fire spread beyond control at 2:01pm and grew to about 100 acres before being contained by firefighters.
Emergency agencies that assisted in operations for the day included: Rolla City, Doolittle, Newburg, Edgar Springs, Vichy,
Vienna, Dent County, Lenox, Cuba, Bourbon, Leasburg, Steelville, Waynesville, Hazelgreen, Tri-County, Nebo Falcon, Lebanon
City, Lebanon Rural, and Phelps County Ambulance. Missouri Conservation and U.S. Forest Service also provided crews and
equipment for fire suppression.
Special thanks goes to American Red Cross, Lee's Chicken, McDonald's, and Papa Johns Pizza for donated time, services, and
food that was provided to the working firefighters throughout the day and evening.
MARCH 19, 2008 - FLOODING KEEPS FIREFIGHTERS BUSY IN WATER RESCUES
During the flooding times on March 18 & 19, 2008, firefighters and Dive Team members were called upon four times
for water rescue related incidents. Such incidents include a family trapped in a canoe, a boat that had flipped over,
an elderly resident trapped in her home surrounded by flood waters, and even assisting a farmer with guiding over
100 head of cattle to higher ground.
“Almost every low-water crossing we’ve got is flooded right now,” Fire Chief Bruce Southard said. "Residents should
leave any low-lying areas that are gradually flooding before becoming trapped with no where to go."
With several rivers and creeks not expected to crest until Thursday afternoon, firefighters and dive team members
continue to be ready to respond at any given time. Members utilize "dry suits" to perform rescues during these times.
The suit keeps the swimmer completely dry, while using body heat to warm within the suit. Even while in cold water,
swimmers often sweat due to the warmth.
During the flooding times on March 18 & 19, 2008, firefighters and Dive Team members were called upon four times
for water rescue related incidents. Such incidents include a family trapped in a canoe, a boat that had flipped over,
an elderly resident trapped in her home surrounded by flood waters, and even assisting a farmer with guiding over
100 head of cattle to higher ground.
“Almost every low-water crossing we’ve got is flooded right now,” Fire Chief Bruce Southard said. "Residents should
leave any low-lying areas that are gradually flooding before becoming trapped with no where to go."
With several rivers and creeks not expected to crest until Thursday afternoon, firefighters and dive team members
continue to be ready to respond at any given time. Members utilize "dry suits" to perform rescues during these times.
The suit keeps the swimmer completely dry, while using body heat to warm within the suit. Even while in cold water,
swimmers often sweat due to the warmth.
APRIL 22, 2008 - DEPUTY CHIEF CHARLIE ALLISON RETIRES
After joining the Rolla Rural Fire Department on May 8, 1992, Deputy Chief Charlie Allison retired his service on April
22, 2008. Joined by family, friends, firefighters, and the Board of Directors, Charlie was given a surprise party that
included a ceremony that honored his service and dedication that he has given towards the department, the citizens,
and the firefighters. "Charlie was one of the key founding members of the south station when it was built back in
1992. If it wasn't for Charlie, the people who live on that end of our area wouldn't have had as good fire protection as
they do now" said Fire Chief Bruce Southard during the ceremony. "I believe he even had a few flue fires of his own
where he had to use that station!"
"It sure has been a fun 16 years" said Charlie. "Unfortunately my heath is preventing me from going on further. But
when you get my age, you will understand. Believe you me."
Charlie Allison was honored with a plaque from the Chief & Board of Directors, an official Missouri House of
Representatives Resolution, and his official "Reserved for Deputy Chief" parking sign.
After joining the Rolla Rural Fire Department on May 8, 1992, Deputy Chief Charlie Allison retired his service on April
22, 2008. Joined by family, friends, firefighters, and the Board of Directors, Charlie was given a surprise party that
included a ceremony that honored his service and dedication that he has given towards the department, the citizens,
and the firefighters. "Charlie was one of the key founding members of the south station when it was built back in
1992. If it wasn't for Charlie, the people who live on that end of our area wouldn't have had as good fire protection as
they do now" said Fire Chief Bruce Southard during the ceremony. "I believe he even had a few flue fires of his own
where he had to use that station!"
"It sure has been a fun 16 years" said Charlie. "Unfortunately my heath is preventing me from going on further. But
when you get my age, you will understand. Believe you me."
Charlie Allison was honored with a plaque from the Chief & Board of Directors, an official Missouri House of
Representatives Resolution, and his official "Reserved for Deputy Chief" parking sign.
MAY 29, 2008 - MUTUAL AID ASSIST FOR VEHICLE RESCUE WITH FIRE
In the late evening hours of May 29, 2008, the Doolittle Fire Protection District was dispatched to Interstate 44 for a
reported Vehicle Rescue with Fire involving a tractor-trailer. During their response, traffic was at a complete stand
still due to the unit blocking both lanes and shoulder of the roadway. Firefighters from Rolla Rural were requested to
respond Mutual Aid for fire suppression operations. After multiple confirmations made for safety, access was made
via westbound in the eastbound lanes. Fire crews extinguished the flames which had engulfed the cab and portions
of the trailer. The trailer was hauling a polymer powder used in the manufacturing of plastic. This product was a
non-toxic and non-hazardous material.
The driver was extricated by by-standers prior to the arrival of Doolittle Fire. These heroic actions were taken as
flames were spreading to ultimately engulf the cab beyond recognition. The driver was transported via ambulance for
reported moderate injuries. The roadway was closed as MODOT crews cleaned the roadway. The material caused
an extremely slick film to develop on the surface of the road, causing an extended delay in opening the road.
In the late evening hours of May 29, 2008, the Doolittle Fire Protection District was dispatched to Interstate 44 for a
reported Vehicle Rescue with Fire involving a tractor-trailer. During their response, traffic was at a complete stand
still due to the unit blocking both lanes and shoulder of the roadway. Firefighters from Rolla Rural were requested to
respond Mutual Aid for fire suppression operations. After multiple confirmations made for safety, access was made
via westbound in the eastbound lanes. Fire crews extinguished the flames which had engulfed the cab and portions
of the trailer. The trailer was hauling a polymer powder used in the manufacturing of plastic. This product was a
non-toxic and non-hazardous material.
The driver was extricated by by-standers prior to the arrival of Doolittle Fire. These heroic actions were taken as
flames were spreading to ultimately engulf the cab beyond recognition. The driver was transported via ambulance for
reported moderate injuries. The roadway was closed as MODOT crews cleaned the roadway. The material caused
an extremely slick film to develop on the surface of the road, causing an extended delay in opening the road.
JULY 25, 2008 - RRFD ATTENDS FUNERAL FOR MAPLEWOOD FIREFIGHTER
Rolla Rural Fire Protection District was among the hundreds of fire departments that attended the funeral for
Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Hummert. At approximately 5:45am on Monday, July 21, 2008, Firefighter Hummert was
fatally shot while exiting the fire truck to extinguish a car fire that had apparently been intentionally set to draw first
responders to the scene. After setting the fire, the gunman barricaded himself in an adjacent residence where he
waited to ambush the firefighters and police officers as they arrived. Two Maplewood Police Officers were also shot,
but recovered from their injuries.
Firefighter Ryan Cox attended the funeral, where thousands turned out to pay final respects to Firefighter Hummert.
A memorial has been established to: Backstoppers, 10411 Clayton Road - Suite A5, Frontenac, Mo. 63131.
Rolla Rural Fire Protection District was among the hundreds of fire departments that attended the funeral for
Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Hummert. At approximately 5:45am on Monday, July 21, 2008, Firefighter Hummert was
fatally shot while exiting the fire truck to extinguish a car fire that had apparently been intentionally set to draw first
responders to the scene. After setting the fire, the gunman barricaded himself in an adjacent residence where he
waited to ambush the firefighters and police officers as they arrived. Two Maplewood Police Officers were also shot,
but recovered from their injuries.
Firefighter Ryan Cox attended the funeral, where thousands turned out to pay final respects to Firefighter Hummert.
A memorial has been established to: Backstoppers, 10411 Clayton Road - Suite A5, Frontenac, Mo. 63131.
AUGUST 1, 2008 - MUTUAL AID ASSIST FOR FIRE AT LICKING CHARCOAL PLANT
In the early morning hours of August 1, 2008, a fire had broken out at a local charcoal plant located near Licking in
Texas County. Mutual Aid was requested from Phelps County, including Edgar Springs and Rolla Rural Fire
Departments. RRFD responded with 2 tankers and 7 firefighters. The evening heat was starting to take a toll on the
first responding crews, who had been on the scene for some time. RRFD crews helped relieve personnel and
remained on the scene cooling piles of smoldering charcoal that was being spread out by a bulldozer.
In the early morning hours of August 1, 2008, a fire had broken out at a local charcoal plant located near Licking in
Texas County. Mutual Aid was requested from Phelps County, including Edgar Springs and Rolla Rural Fire
Departments. RRFD responded with 2 tankers and 7 firefighters. The evening heat was starting to take a toll on the
first responding crews, who had been on the scene for some time. RRFD crews helped relieve personnel and
remained on the scene cooling piles of smoldering charcoal that was being spread out by a bulldozer.
