The Highlandville Rural Fire Protection District worked a pair of massive fires, the second of which occurred earlier this week off of Curbow Road near Galena.
The full release from the district along with a caution to postpone outdoor burning is below:
On Monday, October 12, Highlandville Fire was dispatched at 3:37 p.m. to a large natural cover fire in the 1300 block of Curbow Road. Crews worked into the night, completing the call around 10:00 p.m.
Driven by winds gusting to 30 mph, the fast-moving fire crossed the river and spread through pasture, threatening nearby homes. The incident also involved a structure fire. As conditions escalated, Region D Mutual Aid was activated, bringing firefighters and resources from across the region.
Brush trucks, tankers, and engine crews fought the fire and protected homes while Missouri Department of Conservation bulldozers cut containment lines. Drones from Logan-Rogersville Fire and Nixa Police gave command an aerial view of the fire. Logan-Rogersville’s Captain Wescoat identified hidden hot spots and two fire line breaches, helping direct ground crews where they were needed.
Cox 511 provided ambulance support and care for firefighters, and Christian County Citizens Corps supported crews on scene.
This was our second massive acreage fire in just three days—October 9 and October 12. The October 9 fire burned more than 200 acres and threatened homes, barns, and livestock. This fire burned approximately 130 acres and destroyed a house on the property as well.
The rain we are currently receiving will help conditions, but please know we still have dangerously dry conditions. As rain showers dry out, dry vegetation and strong winds can turn a small fire into an emergency within moments. Fire can cross fences, roads, ditches, and even rivers.
PLEASE POSTPONE ALL OUTDOOR BURNING UNTER FURTHER NOTICE. Burning brush, trash, or a field is not worth putting your neighbors, their homes, livestock, and responding firefighters at risk. Even routine work involving equipment can ignite dry vegetation. Please use extreme caution and wait for substantial rainfall and safer wind conditions before considering a burn.
We are deeply grateful to every agency that answered the call:
FIRE DEPARTMENTS:
Highlandville Rural Fire Protection District
Nixa Fire Protection District
Nixa Firefighters Local 152�
Sparta Fire Protection District
Clever Fire Protection District
Billings Fire Protection District
Southern Stone County Fire Protection District
Brookline Fire Protection District
North Stone Northeast Barry County Fire Protection District
Western Taney County Fire Protection District
Strafford Fire Protection District
Ebenezer Fire Protection District
Southern Webster County Fire Protection District
Logan Rogersville Fire Protection District
Willard Fire Protection District�
Battlefield Fire Protection District
SUPPORTING AGENCIES�
Christian County Ambulance District
Cox 511
Christian County Emergency Management
Stone County Emergency Management
Christian County Citizens Corps
Nixa Police Department�
Stone County Sheriff’s
Missouri Department of Conservation
Thank you to the firefighters, ambulance personnel, law enforcement officers, emergency management personnel, conservation crews, and volunteers who worked together throughout this incident. Your assistance made a tremendous difference.
Help us protect our community: please do not burn, and share this warning.
