TAVFD works to extinguish brush fire
TAVFD photo. These outbuildings were damaged after a brush fire broke out last Saturday afternoon.
The Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fast-moving brush fire near Anglers Place on Highway 160 on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 1:22 p.m. after a large plume of smoke was reported about a quarter-mile west of HH Highway.
The first arriving unit reported a brush fire spreading rapidly in multiple directions. Flames had reached the exterior of outbuildings on a vacant property to the east, and the fire had advanced into the area of a home on the property.
As additional units arrived, firefighters deployed multiple attack lines to extinguish flames on the structures and protect the buildings while working to stop the fire’s spread to the south and west.
Firefighters wearing full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus conducted primary and secondary searches of the outbuildings. Thermal imaging cameras were also used to check for hidden heat and possible fire extension.
The Ozark County Sheriff’s Department was contacted and deputies were asked to follow up at the scene. White River Electric Cooperative also responded.
The Theodosia Area VFD expressed appreciation for the strong turnout of its firefighters and the assistance provided by the Gainesville Volunteer Fire Department. The department also thanked an assistant chief from the Lazy Acres Volunteer Fire Department who stopped to help.
The departments’ cooperation and mutual-aid support are important to providing effective fire protection to the surrounding communities, TAVFD officials said.
All units returned to service at 3:26 p.m. No injuries were reported.