Firefighters battle 15 blazes in 4 days (2024)

Montgomery County faced a daunting challenge from August 23 to 26, as an alarming surge of fire incidents swept through the area. The Emergency Operations Center sprang into action, coordinating responses to a staggering 15 blazes in just four days.

The Kilmichael Volunteer Fire Department was put to the test as they battled eight out of the 15 fires over three consecutive days. On Saturday, August 24, the team battled flames on Minerva Road, Hammer and Castle Road, and Robinson and Thompson Road. Their work was far from over, as Sunday, August 25, saw them return to reignited fires on Robinson and Thompson Road, and Minerva Road. The string of incidents continued into Monday, August 26, with the team responding to new outbreaks on Vaiden Kilmichael Road and Dacus Road. Particularly challenging were two extensive fires - one on Saturday and another on Monday - each requiring a grueling four-hour effort to extinguish or contain.

Their efforts were accompanied by the Winona Fire Department, which responded to four of the incidents. Their efforts began on Friday, August 23, with a call to Hwy. 82 west of Hendrex Road. Saturday, August 24, the crew tackled two separate fires on Foltz Road and S. Union St. Two of these incidents proved particularly demanding. The fires on Foltz Road and Highway 82 each required a two-hour effort to contain. The team rounded out their busy weekend on Sunday, August 25, responding to an ATV fire on Lower Milligan Springs Road - a departure from the brush and grass fires that characterized the other incidents.

The Duck Hill Volunteer Fire Department faced its own set of challenges, responding to two significant brush fires over the weekend. On Friday night, the team engaged in a four-hour battle against a blaze on Harmony Road. It consumed an area spanning approximately 20 – 25 acres. The volunteers were called into action again the following day. They tackled the second fire on Saturday on Lauren Street. While this one was a smaller area of land, it still demanded two hours of effort to contain.

On Sunday, August 25, the Stewart Volunteer Fire Department responded to a brush fire on Stewart Lodi Road. The firefighters spent approximately an hour and half containing the blaze.

The local fire departments’ efforts were significantly supported by the Mississippi Forestry Commission. Responding to six of the reported fires, the MFC played a vital role in containing the spread of these blazes. Their aid involved cutting fire lanes, creating barriers to stop the fires advance.

They assisted the KVFD with three incidents, joined forces with the WFD on one occasion, and provided support to the DHVFD in containing their two fires. Working together, they tackled the fires and stopped them from spreading further, showing why the teamwork between different agencies is crucial.

“The guys that worked Saturday were in Duck Hill before they came to us. They came straight from Duck Hill to where we were at,” KVFD Fire Chief Dave Eldridge explained. “We got that fire put out and then they were back with us at midnight with the other two. Those two guys I know worked at least 24 hours straight.”

Chief Eldridge explained that several KVFD firefighters reside outside town limits, commuting to serve the Kilmichael area.

“We really do appreciate them serving their community,” Chief Eldridge expressed with gratitude.

Firefighters across the county and the Mississippi Forestry Commission have dedicated countless hours over the past several days. Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have not gone unnoticed. Our community is undoubtedly safer and stronger because of their selfless service.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter with any county fire departments, please contact Montgomery County Fire Coordinator Allan Pratt at 662-283-1121 or reach out to your local department's Fire Chief. Your contribution could make a significant difference in our community's safety and well-being.

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