Thursday, June 27, 2024
The dedicated volunteers of Hood County Station 70 Volunteer Fire Department recently conducted a controlled burn on the property of Virg Thomas in Thorp Spring, demonstrating their commitment to community safety and firefighting training.
Thomas had gathered a significant amount of brush and large trees, creating a massive pile in the middle of his field. Concerned about the potential risk of the fire spreading to nearby fields or his home, he reached out to volunteer firefighter Kyle Magby, who made arrangements with Firehouse 70 to assist with the containment of the burn.
“I asked Station 70 if they could help with a controlled burn,” Thomas explained. “They sent out a truck and a couple of volunteer firemen to set the fire and ensure it didn’t get out of hand. It was a really large pile, and I wanted to make sure it was managed safely.”
The firefighters from Station 70 not only ensured the safety of the controlled burn but also used it as a training exercise for their firefighter trainees like Kolton Krottinger. The team employed a brush truck, which carries 300 gallons of water, enabling the firefighters to keep the perimeter of the burn pile wet. The volunteers monitored the fire for several hours, ensuring it stayed under control and did not threaten the surrounding area.
In appreciation of their efforts, Thomas, along with The Pearl Street Advisors, donated to Volunteer Firehouse 70. “I wanted to do something nice for them,” Thomas said. “They were out there for several hours, and their dedication deserves recognition.”
The volunteers’ focus on safety, training and service means residents can always count on them when needed. For those interested in similar assistance, Firehouse 70 can accommodate requests for controlled burns when possible, providing both safety and training benefits for their volunteer firefighters.
Firehouse 70’s willingness to help residents with controlled burns greatly benefits the community. “We usually get called out two to three times per week for controlled burns,” said Krottinger.
For more information or to support Volunteer Firehouse 70, visit the station or contact them directly. Their commitment to serving Hood County positively impacts the residents, ensuring their safety and well-being.
