The following is a recap of the last week of activity for the Perryville Fire Department, from assistant fire/police chief Bill Jones.
June 16
At approximately 6:49 a.m., the department was called for a landing zone, which was to be set up at the Walmart parking lot. That call was disregarded as the ambulance service took the individual to the hospital instead.
Also on June 16, at approximately 4 p.m., the department was called to the transfer station east of North Highway 51, according to Jones.
“There was a hay bale on fire, and that was one of the large hay bales,” Jones said. “There was a malfunction in the baler.”
Later, at approximately 8:26 p.m. the hay bale rekindled at the same location.
“It was smoldering more than anything,” Jones said.
Two firefighters and about 450 gallons of water put the fire out for good a second time, Jones noted.
June 18
At approximately 8:48 a.m., four fire department vehicles were taken to participate in the city’s touch-a-truck event.
“It appeared to be a really good, successful event,” Jones said.
Later, at approximately 10:24 a.m., one vehicle was called for a rescue to assist with a body recovery in the 100 block of South Spring Street. The fire department provided extra lighting and ventilation, Jones noted.
June 19
At approximately 5:08 p.m. the department responded to a report of a motor vehicle fire at 110 North Progress Drive The engine compartment was fully engulfed and and it was in very close proximity to the front of the building, according to Jones.
“The front of the building was actually getting quite warm,” Jones said. “We were able to get it knocked down very quick. The department remained on scene until approximately 6:02 p.m.
June 20
Shortly before 4 p.m., the fire department responded to a call of a field fire in the river bottoms east of Highway 51. The location was north of Highway C and east of Perry County Road 234, northwest of Belgique.
Jones said it was a case of a farmer burning off a field after wheat had been harvested.
“The fire department stresses if you’re going to be doing that, call the sheriff’s department or call the fire department and let us know that you’re going to be doing it so we don’t have to run fire trucks down there because these fire trucks cost a lot of money to get out on the street and run that far,” Jones said. “It ties up a bunch of resources when they don’t call us…It’s important they let us know.”
