Charleston Fire & Rescue

08/31/2026

CFD was dispatched to assist Branch Fire & Rescue and Oak Bend Fire & Rescue with a structure fire off Nietert Ln. Everyone was able to get out safely, but the house was badly damaged.

NOTE: During this extreme heat, remember to check your breaker boxes and electrical panels. One of the best ways to check them is with an infrared temperature gun, just like the ones they used during COVID to check our foreheads before going to the doctor.

If the temperature on the surface of a panel is over 150°F, it should be checked by a licensed professional.

During periods of extreme heat or cold, we put a heavier load on the electrical systems in our homes. This increased demand can cause additional heat buildup in electrical panels and connections.

08/31/2026

CFD had a busy weekend.
Around 3:50 p.m. Saturday, CFD was dispatched to the area of Casey’s and Sonic for a two-car accident. Drivers and passengers involved in the accident suffered only minor injuries.
CFD was dispatched today at 5:49 p.m. to assist Sebastian County with a grass/brush fire on Highway 96. The fire was estimated to be 10 acres.

08/28/2026

CFD was dispatched to Scoggins Road at 7:51 PM for a camper trailer that was completely engulfed in flames. The camper was a total loss, but fortunately, no one was injured.

08/20/2026

CFD was dispatched at 2:23pm to the 400 block of Brooklyn Road in Branch to assist Branch Fire with an active fire that burned approximately 4 to 5 acres.

Both departments had excellent response times, and the attack was flawless. Big thanks to all responding members.

Due to the extremely dry conditions and Franklin County currently being under a burn ban, please, if you see smoke or fire anywhere, don't hesitate to call 911.

08/13/2026

Thank you to Luke Verkamp from Charleston Fire and Rescue for coming to storytime this morning to read and answer kid's questions! We had a great time!

We appreciate all of your work on behalf of our community!

08/13/2026

08/07/2026

Today at 12:38 p.m., CFD was dispatched to the area of Gilsinger Road. Dispatch advised that the caller had been burning brush when the fire got out of hand and began spreading rapidly. CFD made a safe but rapid response and quickly extinguished the fire.

P.S. As a reminder, all of Franklin County has been under a burn ban since 8:00 a.m. today. The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.

08/06/2026

A BURN BAN for Franklin County goes into effect Friday morning, August 7, 2026, at 08:00 AM.

However, we urge all citizens to refrain from any burning for the rest of today as fuel moisture is very low and most grasses will now easily ignite.

07/28/2026

CFD was dispatched to the area of Sandstone Ridge Road at approximately 2:00 p.m. for a hay bales and grass fire. Charleston Fire Department was assisted by the Oak Bend/Etna Fire Department, and together crews quickly extinguished the fire. Fortunately, no equipment or structures were damaged.

05/15/2026

CFD was dispatched today at 3:36 PM to the area of Bollinger Road for an excavator that caught fire.