Residents of Hardin County are being advised to halt outdoor burning following a series of devastating fires. In a public plea, Hardin County Fire District 3 urged the local community to refrain from burning leaves or any outdoor waste as the county grapples with dry conditions and high winds. In a 24-hour span, the district responded to three structure fires—one of which resulted in total losses of homes. An official statement posted by District Chief Richard Childers on the Hardin County Fire District 3 Facebook page highlighted the peril.
The post detailed the Hardin County Fire District 3 response efforts, noting that, "Hardin County Fire District 3 Counce/Pickwick have responded to 3 structure fires in 24 hours, 2 total losses and one structure, a vehicle and a golf cart saved." Chief Childers emphasized that despite the full use of their resources, homes were still lost due to the hazardous conditions spawned by outdoor burning. He continued to stress the risks involved, "small leaf piles turn into the loss of homes!!"
While acknowledging that permits are required for burning, Childers's statement implored the community to adhere to a higher standard of safety until conditions improve. "You have to have a permit to burn, yes, but we are asking you not to burn until we get some rain!" he asserted as per the Hardin County Fire District 3. The combination of combustible materials and currently high winds have proved to be a recipe for disaster in the county.
The fire department's message comes as a critical warning, aiming to prevent further loss and damage. Desperate for cooperation, Childers beseeched local residents, "Again please refrain from burning until we get some rain in our area," as mentioned on the Hardin County Fire District 3 Facebook post.
