Search and Rescue Training. This is for the folks that will purposely and quickly come into a burning house for you with the purpose of getting you and themselves out of the structure. It is important training and valuable skills using interior search tactics to navigate obstacles in low light and no light scenarios. We are happy to have this training, taught by our own Deputy Chief Don Kuhn and Battalion Chief Phil Prater. We were also thrilled to have our dinner sponsored by some wonderful neighbors that wanted to make sure our firefighters are fed well on nights like these and to show thanks for what we do for the communities we serve and for them on recent calls to their homes. We appreciate being appreciated and pizza and dessert helps our army march on. Thanks to all of you that support us and enable us to do more. Serve beside us or supporting us ensures the mission is met. Thanks!

Road conditions seem to be slick in several places. Rain and driving have allowed some melting but we have seen reports of some improvement. Bridges continue to be slickest and slow speeds should be used for safety. It is hard to tell what is still frozen (black ice) or just wet. AWD and 4WD are certainly recommended and GOOD tires for any traction you want to maintain. Hills and curves can remain challenging so please use caution if you have to get out. Hopefully, we will see the expected melting by mid-day to get us to a level of just wet roads soon.

Here are some pics of our overnight calls for trees and limbs in the roadway due to heavy icing. These are from Stewart Road near Leatha and a couple other locations we found on the way.

Outdoor burning can be tricky. Temperature and humidity are usually predictable, but the wind isn’t always your helpful friend. Sudden bursts of wind or a surprising change in direction can carry your simple fire from leaves or brush to a fast-moving inferno that can be hard to control. Our crews have been out on several grass fires lately, in fact, we are out right now catching a runaway flame on someone’s ground. So, we ask, if you decide to burn before our next rain please stay with your fire, get a helper if needed to maintain control, ensure you have an effective fire line around your burn area, and remember to burn ONLY legal (natural) materials when weather conditions are safe (not too dry or windy). If your fire is on the run, call 911. Stay Safe!

WPFD is proud to announce a recent donation of $2,200 from First Electric Cooperative. Their Operation Round-Up grant program allows First Electric members to help support worthwhile projects in the communities they serve and scholarships for students. This donation will greatly help us with equipment purchases for a new fire truck we hope to show you in a few weeks when it arrives. Thank you First Electric!

WPFD is excited to announce a new fire apparatus, a fire truck, a pumper to be more specific, is on its way to Station #1! For many years we have made plans for the replacement of a frontline pumper at our Station #1 in the Col. Glenn area. Our current Engine 1 (E1) is a 1999 Toyne/International pumper that has served us well but is beginning to show its age. With years of saving and planning an order was made in 2021 to start the process have the new truck built by acquiring a heavy-duty chassis (the Kenworth truck cab and frame) and then having the manufacturer custom build the apparatus to our specifications. The base chassis has box/compartment sections for equipment and storage built from aluminum, then they install the water pump and plumbing that connects to the transmission. After that fittings, hooks, shelving, lighting, and more are added to our specifications. The truck is nearing the end of the construction process and is undergoing testing and final fitment of a few things like equipment doors and such. We know this truck will service our needs well and should serve our fire district and communities well for decades. Here is a sneak peek of the truck in process and we can’t wait to get it back to Arkansas and to get it into service as soon as possible.