Volunteers work to contain fires

By Donnie A. Lucas

Members of both local volunteer fire departments have been busy the last couple of weeks, but luckily not nearly as busy as they could be considering ongoing conditions of extreme heat and drought.

The departments have responded to at least four grass fires and two structure fires during the last couple of weeks, according to Albany VFD chief Travis Gardenhire, who said that even though structures were destroyed, volunteers worked hard to keep the fires from spreading to surrounding property.

“We have been really fortunate considering the conditions,” he said. “Thanks to the fast response time by both volunteer departments, we have been able to catch these calls early before they spread too much.”

Gardenhire credits the response to members of both the Albany VFD and the Shackelford County VFD.

“Both departments have been working together so well,” he said. “The cooperation is the best I have seen since I have been a volunteer.”

The chief urged residents to be extremely cautious about any activity that could start a fire, even just pulling over to the side of the road if the grass is tall off the shoulder.

Both structure fires occurred after regular working hours, which freed up more volunteers from both departments, most of whom have regular full-time jobs.

“During the day, we really have only three or four people who can respond quickly most of the time, even though there are several more who are members,” he said. “I think that having such quick response times has saved us from having much larger fires to deal with lately.”

Both departments responded to a trailer house fire next to the apartments on Highway 6 at the city limits on July 19 at about 11:00 p.m.. The structure was a complete loss, but it was kept from spreading to other nearby buildings.

After 7:00 p.m. on July 26, a large barn fire was reported right at the northern edge of the city limits off US 281. The interior of the barn was destroyed, including the loss of two show pigs. No cause has been determined.

“That fire could have turned into a much bigger deal because it was next to a pasture, but since it was after working hours, we had a lot of volunteers respond pretty quickly,” Gardenhire said.

He added that both the city and county departments had been on site for a grass fire on a ranch west of Albany on Cook Field Road when the call came in for the barn fire.

City firemen had already returned to town, but the county volunteers were wrapping up the grass fire when the barn was reported. They came directly from there to the structure fire, according to Gardenhire.

Drinks Needed

Gardenhire said both departments are always in need of assistance, especially considering the long-term forecast for the high temperatures and lack of rain to continue through August and well into September.

“We both need some help with things like donations of sports drinks, snacks, and water supplements,” he said. “Several local citizens have given us water lately, but we are running low on some of the other items we need.”

He added that no-sugar sports drinks like Gatorade Zero are best for rehydrating.

“We try to stay away from drinks with a lot of sugar,” he said.

Staying hydrated is a perpetual problem for firefighters, but in light of recent extreme temperatures, this is an even bigger concern than usual, especially when the volunteers are in full gear.

“We’ve had at least three firemen suffer from heat exhaustion this summer,” said the fire chief. “It’s been huge that the EMS crew has been able to roll with us for every call. They’ve been right there to check and treat anyone who has problems.”

Gardenhire said that all three firemen were able to rehydrate and even return to duty in a relatively short period of time.

Financial Donations

Financial donations are also being sought to help with the cost of fuel and tires.

Checks made out to either department are accepted at local banks, dropped off at City Hall, or sent to Albany VFD, PO Box 3025, Albany TX 76430.

Donations for the Shackelford County VFD can be left at First National Bank or mailed to PO Box 2548, Albany TX 76430.

Gardenhire said that volunteers are also welcomed by both departments.

The Albany VFW meets on the first and third Mondays of each month from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The Shackelford County VFW meets on the second and third Tuesdays each month at 7:00 p.m.