Roganville and Tri-Community VFD's worked together Friday to put out woods/grass fire

Tri-Community VFD PIO Paul Rutledge

Today, at approximately 4:30, we were dispatched to assist the Roganville Volunteer Fire Department with a rapidly spreading woods and grass fire.

Paul Rutledge

Upon arrival, we found the fire progressing quickly, from a combination of dry vegetation and gusty winds. These conditions are particularly dangerous and have created a heightened risk for fires to spread, especially in areas with dry grass and brush.

The dry grass, coupled with the recent frost, has created an ideal environment for fires to ignite and spread rapidly. The frost affected vegetation causing dehydration and damage to plants, leaving them dry and brittle. This makes them much more susceptible to ignition, even with small sparks or heat sources. These conditions are further amplified by the high winds we are currently experiencing, which can quickly carry embers and spread flames over large areas. With little moisture left in the plants, they can ignite at a much faster rate than usual, making it extremely difficult to control fires once they’ve started.

To fight this fire, we responded with Brush 1, Brush 2, and Tanker 1, supported by 9 personnel. Our team deployed backpack pumps, hand tools, and redlines to establish a perimeter and help contain the fire. Additionally, we set up water supplies for all the apparatus on scene to ensure continued fire suppression efforts.

Unit 61 was in command of the operation, overseeing the coordination between our department and the Roganville VFD to effectively combat the fire.

Given the current conditions, we urge everyone to refrain from burning or using any open flames, as the environment is exceptionally dry and dangerous. Even small activities, like lighting a campfire or disposing of a cigarette, could unintentionally spark a fire that could spread uncontrollably in the current dry and windy conditions. The fire danger is high, and we ask for the public’s cooperation in minimizing risks during this period.