Several departments helped extinguish fires that occurred Friday in the Licking area.
The Licking Fire Department was first called Friday to a natural cover fire at about 11:19 a.m. on Slaughter Road, signaling what was a busy day for area firefighters.
Having extinguished that fire, Licking volunteers were alerted to another natural cover fire near Highway BB and Cantrell Road. While there, it was reported the Slaughter Road blaze had reignited.
“With two large natural cover fires, high winds, low humidity and limited manpower, command requested mutual aid,” said Aaron Greathouse, fire chief.
Assisting were the Raymondville Fire Department, Roby Fire Department, Tyrone Fire Department, Houston Rural Fire Department and Missouri Conservation Department. The Texas County Sheriff’s Department and the Licking Police Department assisted with voluntary evacuations on Cantrell Road as a precautionary measure.
Command requested to initiate a region strike team of brush trucks and manpower. Lenox Fire, Montauk Fire and Rolla Rural Fire Protection District responded.
At about 5:30 p.m. units were starting to return to their jurisdictions. Licking firefighters reported to their station for water and food. All units cleared all scenes at about 7:30 p.m., Greathouse said.
He thanked all those who assisted.
I can’t imagine how much we owe our volunteer firefighters.