Gordonville Fire Department responds to forest fire
GORDONVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) — A forest fire broke out shortly before midnight Thursday on the 4000 block of County Road 318, prompting a response from local fire departments. No injuries or property damage were reported, but the fire left behind a trail of scorched trees.
Three fire departments responded to the blaze, which spanned nearly two acres. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly two and a half hours in a challenging location, close to private property. The fire began as a controlled burn but quickly spread due to high winds.
Michael Gentry, chief of the Gordonville Fire Department, explained that the fire became uncontrollable when it was left unattended. “When we arrived on scene, I noticed there was a controlled burn, but it quickly became uncontrolled because it was not supervised,” Gentry said.
The fire was eventually extinguished using 3,000 gallons of water and the efforts of 12 firefighters. Mutual aid was called in from Jackson Fire Rescue and East County Fire for additional manpower and specialized equipment.
The fire posed a threat to nearby structures but caused no damage. Firefighters had to rely on hand tools, including chainsaws and leaf blowers, to tackle the blaze, as the area lacked easy access to water sources.
Gentry emphasized the importance of never leaving a fire unattended, particularly in windy conditions. “Always be on scene with your fire,” he said. “If it gets out of control, make sure you have a water source nearby and some way to communicate with us.”
While no one will be held responsible for the incident, Gentry urged the community to prioritize fire safety in the future.
Fire Safety Reminder: Gentry advises the public to never leave fires unattended, to keep a water source nearby, and to avoid burning during windy conditions.
