Baxter Fire Recruiting To Enhance Community Safety
Baxter Fire Department is recruiting new volunteers and part-time staff to ensure the agency maintains the high volume of personnel required to safely manage structure fires. Fire Chief Matthew White said the department typically hosts a certification class in the fall to train new volunteers and evaluate their interest in the role. White said the […]
Putnam Fire Calling Fatal Baxter Fire An Accident
Putnam County Fire Chief Jeff Hicks said he believes a house fire that claimed the life of a 79-year-old Baxter resident was an accident. Hicks said firefighters entered the burning structure through a window and extracted Mildred Wade in just 14 minutes after receiving the initial page. He said he believes this was an accidental […]
Putnam Resident Dies In House Fire; TBI Assisting
A Putnam County resident died in a house fire Thursday night off Walnut Road. Both the Putnam County and Baxter Fire Departments responded to the fire around 9:20pm. The report included a victim inside the building. A crew entered the house through a window and removed the individual from the fire. After medical personnel initiated […]
Fighting Fires In Freezing Temperatures Is About Readiness
With two more nights of single-digit temperatures, the risk of house fires increases this weekend. Baxter Fire Lieutenant Zachary Womack said fighting fires in freezing temperatures is about making sure to be prepared ahead of time. He said ensuring equipment is in working order and hoses are not frozen is the first priority. He said […]
UC Volunteer Fire Departments Among Recipients For State Equipment And Training Grant Program
Several Upper Cumberland fire departments and rescue squads were among the 147 groups awarded funding from the state’s $5 million Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program. Baxter Fire Chief Matthew White said the grant program comes as part of the state’s efforts to help smaller departments get necessary new and upgraded equipment. White said […]
Baxter Fire Investigator Elected To State Board Combating Arson
A Baxter Fire Lieutenant and Investigator has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Arson. Investigator Zachary Womack said TACA uses a lot of effort to provide low cost arson training for volunteer fire departments in rural areas. Womack said the lack of resources in the community can lead […]
Baxter Fire Department Offering Free Smoke Alarms
The Baxter Fire Department is offering free smoke alarms and installation to anyone who wants one. Fire Chief Matthew White said residents can also request a fire safety check in their home and will test older smoke detectors that take batteries like 9 volts. White said these new detectors have a 10 year battery, so […]
Baxter FD Use Grant For New Thermal Camera To Navigate Smoke
The Baxter Fire Department is purchasing a thermal imaging camera after being awarded a Foundation for Rural Services grant Tuesday. Fire Chief Matthew White said the $5,000 camera will give fire fighters an edge when entering smoke filled buildings. “It gives us a digital picture of what is in the room even though the room […]
Baxter Fire Department Applies For Safety Grant
The Baxter Fire Department will apply for a grant for upgraded safety gear. Fire Chief Matthew White said the $1,500 grant will help cover the cost of supplying their newly hired fire fighter with new gear. “It is great help for us, because we can provide our firemen that much needed fire gear they have […]
