Firemen risk their lives to serve community
Firefighters stay at site for more than three days
Staff reporter
With more than 200 years of combined fire fighting experience, the 20+ members of the Hillsboro Fire Department is capable of responding to any type of fire emergency.
Such was the case March 7 when the call came in that Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church was on fire.
The first ones to respond donned the fire-proof bunker gear and responded to what appeared to be a small, structural fire.
Little did those firefighters know they would be in the gear for more than 24 hours.
The gear was purchased only a month prior and worn for the first time to the church fire.
Initially when the firefighters entered the smoke-filled sanctuary, the plan was to "find the fire and knock it down," said firefighter and assistant fire chief Todd Helmer.
Unfortunately, an assessment of the situation revealed the fire had gone undetected for so long, the building was engulfed.
Marion and Goessel fire departments were the first to respond and arrive to assist the Hillsboro department.
"They arrived so quickly," said Ben Steketee, Hillsboro fire chief. "They were there within minutes of the call. I was very impressed with the promptness to the mutual aid."
Spectators could see smoke puffing through a heating vent located on the northeast side of the sanctuary roof.
"In all my years as a firefighter (two with Hillsboro, 12 with McPherson) I have never seen a fire do that before," said Doug Taylor.
Steketee noted it was common in a backdraft situation which, fortunately, did not occur in this case.
A backdraft fire occurs when oxygen enters a building that has not been properly ventilated and depleted of oxygen due to the fire, causing the fire to combust.
Once other fire departments began to arrive, they were quickly dispersed to begin defensive action.
"Other church buildings and houses south of the sanctuary were sprayed with water," said Steketee.
The defensive tactics paid off.
"That fire was so hot and was moving so fast, I thought for sure there would be more homes lost," added Steketee.
One home south of the sanctuary was severely damaged by fire but other homes in the path received smoke damage rather than fire.
Firefighters from Hillsboro and other communities stayed at the scene continuously until the following Thursday morning, March 11 — nearly three and one-half days.
Law enforcement, emergency personnel, and the county's command center bus were on-site during the crisis.
Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, officers from Marion Police Department, and state troopers assisted Hillsboro police officers with traffic and crowd control.
The close proximity of the Hillsboro Fire Department building to the church, less than a block, was helpful, said Steketee.
Food was donated by local businesses and individuals allowing the firefighters to walk to the bay area of the fire department to rest and eat.
"There are so many people to thank," said Steketee.
The firefighters echoed the chief's gratitude with "we're grateful to everyone who helped."
During the response to the fire, three firefighters were injured. One suffered a serious but not life-threatening injury, another suffered a minor injury, and a third was examined due to breathing difficulty.
"Ironically, the Wednesday before the church fire, we reviewed the importance of self-safety and practiced some skills," said Steketee. The department meets the first and third Wednesdays each month.
"We typically cover this information on a regular basis," added Steketee.
Most of the fires this department responds to are controlled burns that are out of control.
"The department averages a little more than one structure fire per year," said Steketee. But when they get a call, they are prepared because of their bimonthly training meetings.
Two prospective firefighters attended the training meeting March 17.
"We have the usual turnover (moving out of town, change of jobs)," said Steketee, "but overall we have good longevity in the department."
The department boasts the only ladder truck in Marion County. The 15-year-old truck has been taken to other communities to fight fires.
Replacing equipment is an ongoing challenge, as it is for other fire departments. The department has an annual fund-raiser, Fire Ball Classic, to assist with the replacement of equipment.
Steketee also applies for grants. The new bunker gear was obtained through a grant, said Stektee.
A thermal imaging camera is on Stektee's list of future purchases. A mid-priced camera costs around $15,000.
"It would have helped (with the church fire)," said Stektee, "especially if there had been someone inside."
A pumper and truck also are in need of being replaced, said Steketee. He has applied for a grant for additional equipment.
Money is not a motive for being a firefighter. The volunteers are paid $10 per run and $10 for each of the twice monthly meetings.
"Hillsboro is very fortunate to have dedicated people in the department," said Steketee.
