Again it was proven how our small town, rural communities come together when needed. A wildfire began northwest of my hometown of Burr Oak last week and quickly spread thanks to the lack of moisture and the strong winds. The hometown fire department quickly answered the call. As the fire continued to spread northward, more than 16 fire departments were called in to help. As the word spread about the fire, farmers from miles away and locally came driving their tractors and disks to work the ground to save homes, buildings and other properties. Volunteers came to help where they could by either helping contain the fire or bringing food and bottled water to the local fire station and at the cafe to feed the firefighters. EMS crews were on the scene to help as needed.
As the news spread, prayers were requested for safety for the volunteers and for the property that was on target with the moving fire. People came into the area to move livestock in the pasturelands the fire was targeting. The tractors and disks moved around the houses and fields, with at least one of those tractors and disks being caught in the fire and destroyed. The fire came so close to a building that it melted the gutters. Another place buildings were destroyed. Livestock was lost in the fire along with farm machinery, vehicles, tools, fences, pasturelands and trees. As darkness fell, the fire was contained but the hot spots remained. Firemen took turns checking the rest of the night. All continued in their prayers the wind would stay calm and the fire would remain contained.
We are thankful for all the volunteers who rallied and gave of themselves, their property and their time helping fight this fire. As of Monday, it was reported the fire was 85 percent contained and more than 10,000 acres had been burned. The firemen kept watch on the smoldering trees and hay bales. Thankfully there was only one person who sustained an injury while helping battle the fire, and it was reported the injury was not a serious one.
As Country Roads has posted before, it is wonderful how in times of need, people in the rural areas come together to help. Perhaps it’s a farmer dealing with a major injury or illness and needs his crop harvested, the neighbors are quick to come to the farmer’s fields with their combines and trucks to get the job done. It may be a death in the family and the neighbors and friends bring meals, help with chores, and offer support as needed. There is nothing like the fellowship and support in a rural community.
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