Drought conditions takes a toll on firefighting in rural areas

HINTON, WV (WVNS) – A local firefighter said these drought conditions are affecting their fire control, particularly in rural areas.

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the Summers County Volunteer Fire Department helped respond to a rural wild land fire. When trying to tame the flames, the responders were forced to call in additional backup for more water.

Fire Chief Jacob Jeffries said this call for backup was partially due to lack of manpower.

“The creeks that were in the area, they were so low, they wouldn’t be able to supply the water that we needed to fight that fire actively. So, we had to call additional units to stage in a close area so we could go not so far away, draft water from their trucks and get it back to the scene quickly,” said Jeffries.

One of the issues when it comes to fighting fires in rural areas boils down to water. Jeffries told 59News that some rural areas do have fire hydrants they can pull from, but others may not.

“You have to do what’s called drafting, where we have to use the fire truck to suck water out of natural water sources like the river, creeks, ponds, so on, so forth. But with the conditions that we’ve had recently, those are limited sources,” said Jeffries.

Jeffries said that fire stations all over southern West Virginia are facing shortages on manpower. He is urging citizens to sign up to help out if they can.

At Summers County Volunteer Fire Department, they will help you get certified if you do not already have firefighter certifications. He also explained that you don’t have to be fully certified to work with them. Positions that don’t involve certification include driving the trucks and helping pump the water.

Jeffries also spoke on the state of burning in Summers County.

“Summers County Commission has implemented a burn ban for the county. That right now is enforceable by local law enforcement. So, if you are burning outdoors and we show up, you could be fined,” said Jeffries.

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