Dear Editor:
Local volunteer fire departments have fought dozens of fires so far this summer, and quick, aggressive responses usually keep them from growing larger. The remote, rugged terrain of the 4K Ranch Fire, however, resulted in an out-of-control blaze that volunteers fought for days. The fire is believed to have started from a personal vehicle driving or idling in a pasture.
San Saba County VFDs battled the blaze in a coordinated effort with McCullough County units, the Texas A&M Forest Service, and the US Forest Service. The Cherokee, Elm Grove, Fredonia, Richland Springs, San Saba, Brady, Placid, Pontotoc, and Rochelle VFDs’ resources were stretched to the limit before the fire was contained. Firefighters gained traction on the fire when pipeline company Pumpco arrived with large dozers to clear fire breaks.
Tremendous support from the community provided a much-needed morale boost to the firefighters. County officials did a fantastic job through its deputies and dispatch personnel, keeping volunteers informed and directing resources. City of San Saba officials monitored the situation closely and actively supported several of its employees who fought the fire as VFD members.
The San Saba Volunteer Fire Department would also like to thank the following:
TxDOT (provided fuel and supplies on scene, as well as several VFD member employees)
Agro Fuels (fuel supplies on scene)
Pumpco
Salvation Army and R.I.S.E. (provided food and drinks on scene)
Stewardson Livestock (water trucks)
Regan Kirk Company
Hamilton EMS (responded on scene for an injured firefighter) San Saba Chevron (ice)
Sonic Drive-In (provided hamburgers for the Tuesday fire meeting. Members didn’t get to enjoy them for long before being called out on another fire)
Countless others donated to the effort, including Napoli’s Italian Restaurant, Yates Farms, Drew Daniel, and many anonymous donors. If we have forgotten to acknowledge you, forgive us as the situation was chaotic. But you know who you are, and we are deeply grateful.
At least two volunteer firefighters have been hurt while fighting recent blazes in the County. Please exercise extreme caution with all outdoor activity during this dry period.
Chris Stewart
Chief, San Saba
Volunteer Fire Dept.