Fire departments work together to battle many blazes

One look at this week’s (03/25/26) Ozark County Sheriff’s Department dispatch report is enough to make a local residents grateful for the county’s volunteer firefighters, men and women who receive no pay, yet drop everything at a moment’s notice to respond to a neighbor in need.

It also underscores the importance of mutual aid between fire departments because one thing is certain, no single department could handle the load alone.

By the Times’ count, the unedited dispatch report covering a 7-day period from March 15-22 includes the word “fire” more than 115 times, with firefighters responding to more than 20 confirmed blazes. Calls ranged from residents reporting smoke that ultimately posed no threat to full-scale emergencies where lives and homes were in danger.

While each incident left its mark, two fires in particular drew nearly every department in the county, along with assistance from across county lines, in a united fight against the flames.

Barn fire threatens nearby home

One of the largest fires occurred last Wednesday, March 18, in the Gainesville area, at an parcel of land that sits behind the Gainesville Veterinary Hospital and The Center.

The 911 call came in at 2:12 p.m. that day, reporting the out-of-control fire on County Road 804, which had spread toward County Road 806. The blaze, believed to have started from burning trash or debris, quickly escalated. The caller frantically told the dispatcher that the barn had caught fire, and two people were inside but uninjured.

The dispatcher immediately began toning out multiple fire departments as volunteers from across the county left their daily routines and rushed to assist. As fire engines, tankers and brush trucks arrived, the flames continued to spread, consuming everything in their path.

Gainesville Fire Chief Kevin Piland said the individuals reported to be inside the barn were working to remove cattle. They were able to safely get the animals out and exited the structure without injury.

Firefighters from multiple departments  began arriving and worked seamlessly together. “I watched all these men and women from several different departments work as one,” said Bakersfield Fire Chief Greg Watts afterward. “It didn’t matter what each individual was assigned to do, not one was complaining.”

Piland said the top priority is always saving lives and protecting homes. So, while the barn was on fire, firefighters first focused on stopping the fast-moving grass fire that was advancing toward the residence. They successfully halted the flames within about 10 feet of the house.

Crews then worked to extinguish fires that had ignited nearby implements, boats and vehicles before turning their attention back to the barn. Despite their efforts, the structure was a total loss.

Other responding departments worked the fire’s perimeter to contain its spread. Even so, the blaze burned across roughly 80 acres, including portions of neighboring properties.

Departments assisting in the firefighting efforts that day included Gainesville, Pontiac, Oakland-Promised Land, Lick Creek, Tecumseh, Bakersfield, Caney Mountain and Wasola. Piland said most departments typically respond with one to four firefighters, not nearly enough to take on a massive fire by themselves. But together, the departments work as a larger team. Also assisting were the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ozark County Sheriff’s Office and Ozark County Ambulance.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s office sent an investigator to the scene, who determined the fire was accidental in nature, Piland said. 

Dozer deck reignites, burns 50 acres

The second major fire of the week came Sunday, March 22, near the intersection of County Roads 102 and 103, in an area that sits between Gainesville and Caney Mountain Conservation Area.

The first report came into the 911 dispatch line at 3:43 p.m., when a caller said a field was on fire. Officials said the blaze began when a previously burned dozer deck reignited amid gusty winds and dry conditions, a combination that quickly allowed the fire to grow and spread.

Once again, multiple fire departments were toned out as crews rushed to the scene. Piland said firefighters worked to keep the blaze from reaching two nearby homes while also dealing with spot fires, including a fire truck tire that ignited in an area of already burned grass.

After about three hours, crews brought the fire under control and cleared the scene. But by 7:30 p.m., another call came in reporting the fire had flared back up, sending many firefighters back for a second round.

This time, the blaze intensified, with flames reaching an estimated 40 to 50 feet into the air, Piland said. The Missouri Department of Conservation again assisted, using a dozer to cut fire lines in an effort to contain the spread.

“But the wind was so bad, the fire was just jumping them,” Piland said. “It was a real mess.”

Firefighters were able to save another home along Highway 181 and continued battling the flames across surrounding acreage. Crews worked until nearly midnight before finally extinguishing the fire.

Piland estimated approximately 50 acres were burned.

Fire department who helped that night included Caney Mountain, Gainesville, Lick Creek, Wasola, Tecumseh, Caulfield, Bakersfield, Oakland Promise Land and Pontiac VFDs. The Ozark County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri Department of Conservation were also there. 

What firefighters want residents to know

Piland and other area fire chiefs are urging residents to carefully consider conditions before starting any outdoor fire. Within city limits, a burn permit may be required. They also ask residents to notify the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office at 417-679-4633 before conducting a controlled burn, so dispatchers are aware and firefighters are not unnecessarily sent to investigate smoke. Most importantly, Piland stressed that anyone who starts a fire should remain on site until it is completely extinguished. 

As always, local volunteer fire departments remain in desperate need of additional help. Anyone interested in serving their community is encouraged to contact their nearest department.