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UPDATED: TOP STORY OF THE DAY - Fiery Monday
UPDATED - Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Firefighters from six agencies responded to a camper fire that spread to two garages, threatening the homes near the 8900 block of North Murphy Road.
The camper fire was initially reported to Clay County 911 Dispatch around 3:37 p.m. but was quickly spreading, threatening the homes in the area.
Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Ryan Shepard and Assistant Fire Chief Zeph Smith coordinated the response by six departments, including Van Buren, Brazil City, Posey, Center Point, and Cory.
The thick heavy black could be seen for miles, attracting the attention of curious residents driving to the area to see what was happening. Many vehicles were parked along the roads to watch.
“The fire started at the RV behind a house, spread to the homeowner’s garage, and then the neighbor’s garage,” said Smith, adding that firefighters helped evacuate people to safety. “However, there was no extension into the houses.”
The scene was made somewhat chaotic by passersby.
“At the beginning, it was a hassle; people were driving past the scene, slowing things down and blocking the way for emergency vehicles,” said Smith about the traffic congestion. “Once we had the roads closed (by Clay County Sheriff’s
Department and Brazil Police, and detoured traffic from the area) was no longer an issue.”
Fire departments have requested for years the public remains at a safe distance during an emergency, not only for their safety but for the first responders to be able to work the scene.
“We try to ask the public to stay clear of scenes and go around instead of driving by, said Smith. “If you see an emergency vehicle, please be cautious and safely leave the area.”
Especially during fires, according to Smith.
“Please don’t drive over a firehose,” said Smith. “It could be a main water supply for our scene. Driving over the hose could cause it to rupture, leaving us with no water to put out the fire.”
Duke Energy and Centerpoint Energy were also called to disconnect the utilities.
STAR Ambulance had two units on hand to provide medical assistance if needed.
Firefighters were on the scene until 6:47 p.m., when the roads were reopened for traffic.
No injuries were reported at the scene, but the fire displaced some people. the American Red Cross was notified to help anyone who might need assistance.
Shepard was out checking the area of the fire Tuesday; the fire is believed to have started as a trash fire that spread into the RV.
ORIGINAL STORY
MONDAY, February, 20,2023
Numerous fire departments responded to a structure fire, heavy thick black smoke visible for miles, in the 8900 block of North Murphey, just south of Pinckley street.
Upon arrival, firefighters requested backup from multiple other departments in Clay County. STAR Ambulance was on the scene if needed. Flames were showing and spreading as first responders attempted to clear the area. Local law enforcement was requested to clear traffic to allow emergency equipment to access the area.
Further details are limited as of press time. The Brazil Times will follow this story.