VIENNA — The final hours of the year were already underway when the Vienna Fire Protection District (VFPD) was dispatched north of town on Dec. 31 to a residential structure fire in the 34000 block of Highway 63 North.

Vienna Fire Chief Mike Smith said the first-arriving officer reported smoke showing from the structure, and that all residents were evacuated. Engine 7101, Engine 7201, Tankers 7111 and 7211 and Truck 7121 were dispatched to the New Year’s Eve fire, according to Smith. Mutual aid was provided by Argyle Volunteer Fire Department and Freeburg Fire Department, with assistance on scene from the Maries County Sheriff’s Office and Maries Osage Ambulance. 

Smith also described what the events looked like when  on scene.

“We had a little difficulty entering the structure,” Smith said. “There was furniture and other items pushed up against the doors, but we made entry, got inside, and found where the fire originated.”

Crews used a Halligan bar and axes to gain entry into the home.

“That’s mainly what we use to pry and make entries,” Smith said. “We didn’t have to break out a chainsaw, and we were able to get in and locate the origin of the fire.”

The fire was traced to an overloaded electrical outlet. Candles had been used inside the home, though Smith said it was unclear whether they played a role. Smith said firefighters made an aggressive interior attack and successfully contained the fire to the room of origin.

The structure sustained primarily smoke and water damage. Electrical service was disconnected at the scene, and the property owner was notified that repairs would be needed before the home could be lived in again.

VFPD contacted the Red Cross on Jan. 1 to assist the residents with temporary housing and essential needs, according to Smith.

Just days later on Jan 7, Vienna firefighters were back in service again, this time assisting a call from Vichy Volunteer Fire Department that was initially reported as a brush fire. Upon arrival, crews discovered the fire had extended to a barn, prompting the call to be upgraded to a structure fire.

Vienna was requested for a tanker, additional manpower and a brush truck. Of the three barns on the property, only one was lost.

“That’s a win,” Smith said. “They did a good knockdown when they got there. It was their call, and we helped as much as we could.”

Smith credited the cooperation between departments, noting the strong working relationship with Vichy Fire and other mutual aid partners.

“We get along very well with them,” he said. “They’re a good group of guys.”

The Vienna Fire Protection District graduated eight members, strengthening the department’s ability to respond when those calls tone for service.

Graduating members include Smith, Assistant Chief Mark Buschman, Captain Allan Pollreisz, Captain Carson Hayes, Dave Long, Alex Prater, Blake Shiver and Dalton Otto.