The recent lack of rain in our area has created the perfect conditions for the likelihood of brush fires. On Friday April 18th, the MVFD responded to a Brush Fire at 25 Lakeview Court. Upon arrival it was determined that there were actually two fires burning at the same time approximately 500 feet from each other. The first was a relatively small fire, but the second was a rapidly spreading brush fire of almost 1 acre.

The smaller fire was extinguished by crews from Engine 4, while the larger fire was extinguished by crews from Engine 3 and Engine 6. When the fire outran the reach of Engine 3’s booster line, forestry hose from Engine 6 was utilized to penetrate deeper into the woods to bring the remaining fire under control.

Engine crews remained on-scene to rake the entire perimeter of the fire with fire rakes, and to extinguish any remaining hotspots. More than 1000 gallons of water was use to extinguish this fire.

Brush fires in many ways can be more taxing to firefighters than structure fires. Navigating uneven terrain wearing 25 pound fire gear, and hauling heavy hoselines around trees and rocks on a warm day can be quite tiring. Luckily this was a fairly small fire and was easily
controlled.

Story and photos by James Redway, MVFD INC - All Rights Reserved.