Promotions

Congratulations Gary Bird, Robb Watkins and Jamie Young on your recent promotions with the St. Charles Fire Department.

Retirement Announcement

"Congratulations" Gary Sides and Mark Allen on your retirement.

You will both be missed. Best Wishes as you embrace this change and begin this new Chapter in your life.

Embrace Change

Attachment causes us to believe that things can or should remain one way forever. Things are in a constant state of change. Just as you change, so do the people around you, your organization, your community, and your relationships.
Change is never easy, but if you can accept that change is inevitably occuring and embrace the change, transition can be easier. People come and go, the enviroment we operate in is constantly evolving, and new ways of doing things are discovered every day. We can hold onto the past forever, but it won't change the fact that the rest of the world is moving on around us. We need to understand ourselves to find why we resist certain challenges. If we can be open to possibilities and willing to explore them, we can solve most problems.

Fire on Kelso Court

Fire Destroys Home in St. Charles
July 1, 2010 a family has been left homeless in St. Charles after a fire ripped through their two story home just before 7 p.m.

Neighbors called 911 after noticing heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage of the home on Kelso Court in St. Charles. Neighbors originally feared that a teenage boy was still inside the home, but he was later found to be at a friend's home down the street.

Firefighters had to act quickly to extinguish the side of a neighboring home that had also ignited due to the intensity of the fire. The home sustained heavy heat damage and the family was not sure if they would be able to stay overnight in the residence.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in 30 minutes. Damage is estimated to be over $250,000. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, but is believed to be accidental. The area of fire origin appears to be in the garage of the residence.

No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Fatal Fire on Emmons Street

Child Dies is St. Charles House Fire
June 27, 2010 a 10 month old child died in an overnight duplex fire in St. Charles. Firefighters found the baby boy in his crib after entering his burning bedroom through a second floor window.
St. Charles Firefighters received a call for a house fire with a child trapped on Emmons Street just after midnight. Firefighters arrived minutes later to find the apartment fully involved in fire. The child's father was unable to make it to the second floor to save the boy due to the intense heat and smoke. He was able to direct firefighters to the bedroom window where the baby had been sleeping. Firefighters climbed a ladder and entered the window in an attempt to rescue the victim. The baby was found in his crib and pronounced dead at the scene.
Firefighters were able to save the neighboring duplex from sustaining major damage. Both occupants inside that duplex were able to escape the blaze. The fire was brought under control in less than 30 minutes. Damage is estimated at over $100,000.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The orgin of the fire appears to be on the first level of the duplex. The Missouri State Fire Marshal was requested to investigate the fatal fire.

Fire on Kircher

Firefighters Battle Condo Fire
and save Graduation Cash

June 7, 2010 a high school graduate is thankful today for Firefighters who were able to extinguish a fast moving fire at her home in the 1600 block of Kircher Drive in the City of St. Charles.

St. Charles Firefighters received a report of a building fire just before 2 p.m. on June 7, 2010. The fire was reported by several residents at the neighborhood pool who saw the flames over the top of the building. Firefighters arrived minutes later to find the rear portion of two condo's fully engulfed in flames. The fire was quickly extinguished on the exterior as firefighters entered the two condos to battle a fire that had extended to the attic of the building. The fire was brought under control in less than 30 minutes with damage limited to two units.

No one was injured in the fire as all residents and a dog were able to escape the flames and smoke prior to the arrival of Firefighters. The Red Cross responded for assistance as all residents were forced to find alternative housing. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the fire is believed to be accidental and started on the outside of one of the units.

Firefighters were able to save most of the belongings of a recent high school graduate who had all of her graduation gifts including cash and checks from family and friends in her bedroom where most of the interior damage was found. St. Charles Firefighters routinely attempt to quickly salvage valuables while continuing to fight the fire. Placing tarps over furniture and electronics in rooms below where firefighters are fighting the fire saves many valuables. The resident was very grateful to find that all of her graduation money was able to be recovered. Central County Fire and Rescue and St. Charles County Ambulance District assisted with the one alarm fire.

Battalion Chief Harry Fry retires

April 2010, Battalion Chief Harry Fry retired after working for the St. Charles Fire Department for 32 years. Enjoy your retirement Harry, you will be missed.