Buffalo MO: Knowing the need for controlled burning and the definite planning and control required for safe and successful outcomes, the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF) has partnered with a regional Fire District of Southern Dallas County Missouri to provide a specialized piece of equipment tailored for these types of agricultural fires. QUWF has provided a customed designed Wylie Fire Control Wagon.
The Wylie Fire Control Wagon, made in the U.S.A, is a specialized piece of equipment carrying 500 gallons of potable water to the remote fire scene on a heavy-duty dual axle trailer. It can lay down a wet line, fight on scene fires with its 2-inch hoses or refill smaller water tanks, then pump fill itself from streams or ponds as it has its own engine and pump.
“We wanted to share the equipment with the fire fighters who are the first responders and give them equipment uniquely designed for field and forest fires common to agricultural areas and specifically made for it” states Craig Alderman of QUWF. “We had a slight delay in making this happen as the Fire Wagon needed a full restoration at the factory in Oklahoma ensuring it was in top shape for its new role with all new components including the main pump, engine and all hoses/valves. We will be supplying additional large pick-up truck tanks that can be used to refill the Fire Wagon on scene keeping the focus on the fire” Craig explains.
“We absolutely are profoundly grateful to QUWF for this piece of firefighting equipment, normally well beyond our rural budget parameters. The features are perfect for rural Missouri and we have already put it to use on several fires in the region. Further, having it totally examined and refurbished at the Wylie factory makes it a brand-new Fire Wagon” stated Dave Moore, Chief of the Fire Division.
Many rural fire departments and regional departments can use the controlled burn fires as practice training when coordinated. All should check with their local departments. Whenever burning is scheduled, always notify the local 911 control center so they can inform anyone calling in seeing smoke.