Firefighters worried about fireworks
Local volunteer firefighters were called out Sunday afternoon to battle yet another grass fire started by lightning, this time eight miles north of Albany on CR 109.
The firefighters are also trying to stay hydrated in light of the extreme heat and are asking for donations of water and sports drinks.
Sunday Fire
“Ernie Bernstein actually saw the lightning hit,” said Shackelford County Rural VFD chief Brad Henry. “We were called out about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.”
The SCRFD responded with four brush trucks and eight firefighters. Joining them in the battle were the Albany VFD and the Texas A&M Forest Service.
“We took one brush truck, a tanker, and an engine to protect the structures,” said Albany fire chief Kyle Tischler. “Several of our firemen said that the grass out there was the tallest they have seen this year.”
One of the rural firefighters also said that the fire was the hottest they have battled recently, due to the extremely dense mesquite, and the smoke was so thick that sometimes they could not see where they were.
Jason Price was at the scene working with the sheriff’s office to close the road.
“The wind changed directions twice, and the fire threatened three structures,” he said. “Tanker 1 brought in 7,000 gallons of water and Engine 2 unloaded 1,000 gallons to help get the fire under control.”
The Texas Forest Service responded with three dozers, and according to Tischler, a local privately owned dozer was also used to control the blaze.
The fire, which burned portions of both -Schkade and Bernstein ranches, was not contained until around 10:30 p.m., even though it only covered about 82 acres.
The SCRFD’s work did not end with containment of the fire.
“The ’94 model Army five-ton truck broke down on the way back to town,” Henry said. “We had to do some ‘southern engineering’ to fabricate an air line out of old parts in the barn, but we were able to repair it well enough to drive it to town.”
Fireworks Concerns
Tischler said on Monday that he is worried about fireworks accidently starting more grass fires.
“We have been scared to death about the Fourth of July this year,” the Albany fire chief said. “Folks who haven’t used up all of their fireworks yet, please be very cautious with them!”
Gatorade Drive
Tischler added that Price, who is also a member of the Albany VFD, has set up a water and Gatorade drive.
“On Sunday the seven members of the Albany VFD that responded to the fire consumed three to six cases of water trying to stay hydrated,” Price said. “Even though the air temperature wasn’t extremely hot, the humidity was almost 100 percent, causing the need for more fluid intake. We truly need help from all of you to help keep these firefighters hydrated.”
Price is asking for donations of bottled water, Powerade Zero, or Gatorade Zero.
“We are asking for donations of the low sugar Powerade and Gatorade as some members are diabetic and need drinks without high amounts of sugar. And, while consuming water to stay hydrated is good, their bodies also need the electrolytes and other items found in Powerade or Gatorade.”
Price said that if the firefighters are dehydrated from lack of fluids, or have muscle cramps because of loss of electrolytes, or become sick from consuming too much sugar, they cannot stay on the fire line.
“If you feel moved to donate a case, a pallet, or even just a bottle, please bring it by the station on Monday, July 16 between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. or message anyone of us on the VFD and we will be glad to meet you at the station anytime that is convenient,” Price said. “We’ve already had some cases of water and a couple of packs of Gatorade donated. If we get more donated than we can use, we will share them with Moran and the SCRVFD.”
The Albany VFD meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, and members will be on hand to help unload donations on July 16, according to Tischler.
“Also, if you feel the calling to join us, there is a spot on the department for you!” Price said. “Please pick up an application and apply today!”
