Tonight was a good reminder (by Emily Geisler)

Tonight was a good reminder of just how much our local fire department matters— and I want to take a moment to publicly recognize and thank Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District - Dolan Springs & Meadview AZ 

As most of y'all know... A significant fire broke out Saturday evening in a lot containing a large number of empty pallets. Threatening numerous properties and homes during high wind conditions.

From the time the call was received, our firefighters were on scene within 11 minutes. Which is a great response time. Especially considering the location and that they were on the complete other side of town fighting another fire when they got the call.

No homes were lost. No lives were lost. And the fire was 100% contained within a few hours.

The pallet fire was first reported to dispatch by members of the EMS team, who spotted it while on a transport to Kingman.

Our fire department covers an exceptionally large geographic area. And most of the area they serve is off-grid, which creates another challenge as there usually isn't a hydrant around and water has to be hauled in.

In spite of these challenges — and already having resources committed on another fire— crews responded quickly, contained the fire quickly, and will remain on scene until early in the morning monitoring for hot spots and flare-ups.

 A few friendly community reminders so we can help them help us and keep our community safe...

- Please respect the current burn ban. Conditions are very dry, and one unnecessary fire can tie up personnel and equipment when another emergency occurs elsewhere in our district.

-If you see smoke or fire, please report it immediately. Seconds and minutes matter. Call it in first; there will be plenty of time afterward to take pictures, post, or share information with the community. Don't assume someone else called it in.

To our firefighters, volunteers, dispatchers, and the other departments involved tonight: thank you for showing up, doing the work, and continuing to protect this community long after most of us have gone to bed.

 So very grateful and appreciative of all that you do for our community.