Smithville Area Fire Protection District

2022 has been off to a busy start for the Smithville Area Fire Protection District. As of today, we have responded to almost 300 incidents so far this year. January saw 133 incidents and to my knowledge that must be one of our busiest months ever. February followed that up with 105 incidents and through the first 15 days of March we have responded to 60 incidents.

In February SAFD responded to a structure fire in the western portion of the district. Though the fire was contained to the exterior of the house and 1 bedroom, the accidental fire displaced the family from the home. In March SAFD responded to another structure fire, this accidental fire originated with a vehicle on fire which spread to the garage. The fire damage was limited to the vehicle and the garage, the homeowner was able to stay in the home afterwards. There has also been 1 flue fire and 2 cooking/kitchen fires, none of which caused any structural damage. Grass and brush fires continue to be a concerns until we receive some substantial rainfall and vegetation begins to green up.

Our exciting and positive news is that we are growing! One new Firefighter-EMT, Cooper Milford, started in January. On February 14th 2 additional Firefighter-EMTs, Jonathan Evans and Corey Sherlock, began serving our community. Firefighter-EMT Tyler Gebauer will have his first day on the job March 28th as well. We currently have 3 additional candidates in the final steps of the hiring process: and several more applicants starting our initial interviewing and testing steps. The hiring process takes approximately 90 days.

These new positions are the first of 12 created by the operating tax levy increase approved by voters which is allowing us to double our staffing of on-duty Firefighters as we ramp up our numbers in preparation of opening Fire Station #3 next spring.

Please watch for additional updates via our official Facebook and Twitter social media accounts.

Dave Cline, Fire Chief