Nine hour response to fire on Slaughter Road results in four cases of heat exhaustion

Licking Rural Fire Department (LRFD) was alerted to a grass fire on Slaughter Road Thursday afternoon, resulting in a nine hour call-out that included four fire departments, Missouri Dept. of Conservation (MDC), the Texas County Emergency Response Team (TCERT), Texas County Memorial Hospital EMS and the Licking Fire Department Auxiliary.

Licking Fire Chief Bobby Hearty reported the call was received at 1:10 a.m., and firefighters were on scene by 1:30 p.m. A trash fire had gotten out of control and about 10 acres were involved and an automobile was burning when they arrived. By the end of the evening, thanks to dry conditions and wind, a total of about 126 acres had been involved, according to Chief Hearty. The wind shifted directions several times, keeping firefighters busy trying to get around it. When it got into a pine thicket, it really took off.

Due to the fire occurring on a weekday, during the work day, two firefighters arrived on scene initially, with more coming as able throughout the incident. LRFD had two tankers, two brush trucks and their jeep on scene before the fire was contained. The number on site from all responding agencies rose to around 30 before the fire was controlled.

Mutual aid was provided by Roby Fire Department, which provided a brush truck and firefighters; Raymondville Fire Department, which brought two brush trucks and a pumper, along with firefighters; Houston Rural Fire Department, which had a brush truck and manpower; and MDC, which had two bulldozers, a side-by-side and manpower. The TCERT team also flew a drone over the involved area, keeping firefighters alerted to new hot spots or rekindled areas. Firefighters cleared the scene at around 10:30 p.m.

In addition to direct fire response, the TCERT team established an area to tend to firefighters throughout the response, and the LRFD Auxiliary responded with water, Gatorade, cold wet towels and food to sustain firefighters throughout the event.

No structures were lost during the fire, but several were evacuated. The National Weather Service reported temperatures in Licking peaked at 102 degrees Thursday afternoon. These dangerously high temperatures, combined with the heat of the fire, was especially damaging to firefighters who were wearing necessary protective fire gear at the scene. Four firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion—two firefighters from the Roby Fire Department were evaluated and treated by EMS at the scene but refused further treatment; a Licking firefighter and a Raymondville firefighter were taken care of by the TCERT team.

LRFD returned to the scene Saturday for a possible rekindle. Though you may see smoke from the area for a while, as long as it is surrounded by blackened areas, the fire will have nowhere to travel, advised Chief Hearty.

Chief Hearty expressed his appreciation to all the mutual aid agencies, the TCERT team and TCMH EMS, the Auxiliary for picking up food and water and staying to help where needed, and everyone else who pitched in and helped in any way. Firefighters were very grateful for pizzas donated by Rinne Fast & Friendly and Casey’s General Store.

Thursday’s fire depleted the water and Gatorade supplies for the firefighters, and donations of bottled water, Gatorade and Powerade were being accepted by the Auxiliary to replenish their stock. Town & Country Supermarket and Licking Residential Care donated water Thursday evening and Friday. Other items that can be donated to help firefighters include non-perishable items like snack crackers, Vienna sausages, chips and other snacks that can be consumed at the scene. When the department is out on a long call, perishable items like lunch meats, bread, pizzas, etc., can be dropped off at the fire station with a member of the Auxiliary, who will have them delivered to the firefighters. You can call Jackie Duncan at 573-889-8167 for more information about donations.

Chief Hearty asked that citizens please use common sense in these conditions to avoid starting a fire.

• Don’t burn anything right now; it is too dry.

• Check the safety chains on trailers to make sure they are not dragging on the highway and creating sparks.

• Watch brakes and tires on vehicles and trailers to ensure brakes aren’t getting hot or tires aren’t flat, allowing rims to contact the pavement and cause sparks.

• Use caution driving in fields, as catalytic converters get hot and can cause fires.

• Don’t brush hog or use equipment that can create a spark and cause grass or brush to catch fire.

• Keep trees and brush cleared away from your house to make it easier to protect the home in case of a grass fire.

Don’t miss the Licking Fire Department’s Open House on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Firefighters will have their equipment on display and will answer questions and give tours of their vehicles. An Air Evac helicopter is scheduled to be there from 11 to 2 p.m. In addition, a simulation of a fire in a house will be set up and kids can “knock down” the fire using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Also see 911 dispatch, the Texas County Health Department, the Licking Police Department and others. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served. Rural fire dues will be accepted that day as well.