On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Hartford Township Fire Department received an emergency call regarding a brush/grass fire near North County Line Road and Roberts Road NW in Hartford Township.
Fire Chief John Hill responded and quickly assessed the situation. Chief determined that a large field of partially harvested corn and standing corn was on fire and quickly spreading toward a wooded area.
Chief immediately sounded the alarm to call in mutual aid units from other surrounding fire departments.
Responding were Central Ohio Joint Fire District, Monroe Township Fire Department, Homer Volunteer Fire Department, Utica Volunteer Fire Department, BST&G Joint Fire District, Berlin Township Fire Department, Porter-Kingston Fire Department, Harlem Township Fire Department, Newton Township Fire Department, along with several off duty Hartford Township Fire Department personnel that received the call.
Chief Hill employed correct strategy and with massive teamwork from all involved, the woods were saved which prevented the spread of the fire to nearby structures.
Several acres of corn were lost, while damaging, it was certainly much less than the potential outcome.
In situations like this, it is always valuable to employ tanker trucks to bring the water to site.
Rural areas are many times not in immediate access to water lines and fire hydrants to service necessary events.
Chief Hill, all other chief’s, crews, and supporting personnel, your contributions to the successful containment and outcomes of the day are certainly recognized and valued.
A Huge Salute to Fire and Emergency Response Teams that rapidly demonstrated your
importance to the area … Thank You!
Rodney Newell, Farm Owner
Eddie Powell, MBA
Hartford Township