Massac County Fire Protection District personnel were dispatched to a large brush fire reportedly on Waldo Church Road Aug. 14th. Upon arrival, firefighters learned that the church on fire actually was the St. Johns Church of Christ. The sanctuary already had burned to the ground and flames were moving into other parts of the building.
Firefighters said they entered the building and contained the fire in the commons area between buildings. Even so, the other side of the building sustained heavy smoke and heat damage. Parishioners, who arrived, said they were able to save some of their belongings in the building.
Massac County Fire Protection District officials expressed thanks to Joppa Fire and Brookport Fire departments for assisting with the water shuttle.
While Massac County Fire Protection District personnel were cleaning trucks at their station, they were dispatched to a natural gas leak at the intersection of North Avenue and Country Club Road. Upon arrival, they found the riser off the main gas line leaking rapidly. The gas company reportedly told them that it was releasing approximately 400 psi.
Fire District personnel said they blocked all road traffic until the gas company could correct the problem
"If you ever come across a gas leak you want to leave the area immediately and call to report," one official explained. "Try to reduce anything that can cause a spark. Your cell phone can set off a gas leak, so it’s smart to get upwind and away before calling 911."
Later in the afternoon of August 14th, a Fire District crew returned to St John's Church to check for hot spots and rekindles. They noted that although blown-in insulation effectively insulates houses, it also easily can rekindle a fire that had been extinguished. Although blown-in insulation does not cause a flame, nevertheless, it can smolder for quite some time and rekindle flammable objects.
