Van Buren firefighters assisted by White County departments

At 7:02 p.m., Jan. 20, 2025, Piney Volunteer Fire Department, in Van Buren County, was dispatched to a report of a porch on fire and spreading to the house on Mountain Crest Drive.

Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and reported the structure was heavily engulfed in flames. Piney quickly requested help from Dunlap Fire Department and White County Firefighters Association South Group.

Fire department personnel arrived on scene to find the structure engulfed in flames. Efforts were made to protect other nearby structures and the vehicles.  The house was a complete loss.

Firefighting efforts were hampered by the extreme cold. Temps were in the single digits. The water was freezing where it dripped, making a slip hazard. Water in the hoses had to be left running at all times to prevent them freezing completely. Special precautions had to be taken to prevent the truck water pumps from freezing. Gauges froze and were damaged.

Also responding to the scene were Spencer Fire Rescue, Fall Creek Falls Fire Department, Rocky River Fire Department, Doyle Volunteer Fire Department, and Van Buren County Emergency Service. 

South Group firefighters, in White County, quickly developed a plan for response to the incident in Van Buren County and remaining coverage for the south end of the county. Doyle Volunteer Fire Department responded with two apparatuses and seven personnel, while Central View Volunteer Fire Department - Walling/Quebeck/Mt. Gilead stood by for area coverage with an additional seven personnel.

From Piney Volunteer Fire Department, “Thank you to all the fire departments that responded to help. Van Buren Highway Department for coming to salt the snowy, icy drive, and Spencer First Baptist Church for providing hot drinks, water, and pizza. I apologize for missing anyone that helped and I missed recognizing you.”