Parker District Fire Department

06/06/2026

Please join us in congratulating our newest Swift Water Rescue Technicians!

Six of our members recently attended and successfully completed the Swift Water Rescue Technician I & II course at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC.

This challenging course provides advanced training and hands-on experience in rescue operations involving swift-moving water environments, equipping our personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively perform water rescues when our community needs them most.

We are proud of their dedication to expanding their capabilities and continuing their commitment to serving our community at the highest level.

Congratulations, gentlemen, on this outstanding accomplishment!

05/08/2026

Please join us in welcoming five of our newest members to the department!

• Probationary Firefighter Keith Pace
• Probationary Firefighter Jason Reese
• Probationary Firefighter Tyler Carson
• Probationary Firefighter Wyatt Reeves
• Probationary Firefighter Jackson Blake

Today, we conducted live burn training to ensure these new firefighters understand and meet the expectations of both our department and the community we proudly serve. Their dedication and willingness to learn are a reflection of the future strength of our organization.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Gantt District Fire Department for their continued partnership and for allowing us to utilize their training facilities. Opportunities like these are invaluable in preparing our members for the challenges of the job.

Lastly, thank you to the members of our Training Division who took time out of their day to invest in the future of this department. Your commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of firefighters does not go unnoticed.

Please join us in congratulating these members as they begin their journey at Parker District Fire Department.

04/30/2026

The Forestry The South Carolina Forestry Commission has lifted the burn ban for Greenville County.

Although we have received some rain in the area we ask that you use extreme caution if you must conduct a controlled burn.

SCFC to lift burning ban for 7 more counties Thursday

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission will lift the State Forester's Burning Ban for an additional seven counties, effective at 7 a.m., Thursday, April 30.

Agency officials believe the combination of rain and elevated relative humidity stretching from the Midlands to the Upstate warrant removing Edgefield, Fairfield, Newberry, Lexington, McCormick, Richland and Saluda counties from outdoor burning restrictions.

Twenty-seven counties remain subject to the ban, however, highlighting the elevated fire danger that remains in a majority of the state (see map at right).

“We’re seeing relative humidities increase across the state each day as well as good RH recovery overnight, which raises the moisture level in finer forest fuels,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “Sustained winds and gusts are lower too, and the prospect of even more rain across greater portions of the state over the next week could help us get out of what has been an extended period of fire danger this year.”

Citizens who may plan to conduct outdoor burning of residential yard debris or prescribed burns in counties not subject to the burning ban must still notify the Forestry Commission before doing so:

Residential yard debris burning
State law requires citizens who live in unincorporated areas to notify the Forestry Commission before burning outdoors. In most cases, the law applies to burning leaves, limbs and branches that people clean up from their yards. Citizens who do live in city/town limits must still abide by any burning ordinances in their local jurisdictions.
Citizens can make notification online by visiting scfc.gov/notify or by calling the toll-free notification number for the county in which they live, found here: scfc.gov/protection/fire-burning/how-to-notify/.

Prescribed burning
State law requires that you notify the Forestry Commission before burning for forestry, wildlife management or agricultural purposes. This includes burning for wildfire hazard reduction, brush control, endangered species management, wildlife habitat improvement, plant disease control, crop residue removal and preparation of land for planting trees or agricultural crops. All burning for forestry, wildlife and agriculture must comply with SC Smoke Management Guidelines. To make notification, regardless of county, please call (800) 777-3473.

Shareable release:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Advisory-BurningBanToBeLiftedForPiedmontCounties-20260429.pdf

04/20/2026

The burning ban remains in effect across South Carolina.
Dry conditions, gusty winds, and low humidity are keeping wildfire risk high across the state. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a State Forester’s Burning Ban until further notice.

A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires, and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

-Get the latest wildfire updates: https://www.scfc.gov/
-Learn how to prepare: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
-Follow your local U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) for weather updates

04/20/2026

Please join us in congratulating Firefighters Jason Reese and Keith Pace on graduating from the Spartanburg ESA Recruit Academy!

Over the past ten weeks, they’ve completed more than 300 hours of demanding academic and hands-on training, earning their certification as interior firefighters. Their commitment and perseverance have truly paid off.

A special recognition goes to FF Reese for earning the Academic Award, achieving the highest academic average in a class of 29—an honor he shared with a fellow recruit. Outstanding work!

We’re proud of both of these firefighters and look forward to their continued service to our community. Welcome to the best job out there!

04/15/2026

Heavy Hydrant Hook-Ups & Flowing Big Water🔥💦

This week our Parker District Fire Department crews practiced one of the fundamentals of heavy fireground operations: mastering large-diameter hose hook-ups and flowing serious water volume.
From flowing off the hydrant with multiple large lines, to establishing strong supply lines to the pumper, to opening up the big guns. Our firefighters drilled on efficient connections, proper pressure management, and delivering the kind of water flow needed when things get intense.

Key skills practiced:

• Dual large-diameter supply hose connections to the engine
• Hydrant operations and valve control
• Pump panel management (intake & discharge pressures)
• Transitioning to master streams and heavy hand lines

Working as a coordinated team under pressure
These evolutions build the muscle memory and confidence our crews need to bring massive water to the fire when every second counts.

04/12/2026

Today, Parker District Fire Department remembers one of our own. John Lamar Headrick lost his life in the line of duty on April 12, 1988.

On the morning of April 12th, 1988, Parker District responded to a local textile mill for a structure fire. Lamar was one of the first to enter the building. After working for quite some time Lamar began to run low on air and let his brothers know he was going to exit the structure to change his air cylinder. Lamar then became disoriented and was not able to make his way outside the building.

This year is the 38th anniversary of the passing of Lamar.

04/10/2026

This Sunday marks 38 years since John Lamar Headrick's passing. Lamar's extraordinary heroism while fighting a fire at Monaghan Mill continues to inspire us. Today, active and retired members united to honor the remarkable sacrifice Lamar made. Our retired members shared moving stories about Lamar's professional and personal life, keeping his memory alive within our department. We're thankful to everyone who took time to celebrate Lamar's lasting legacy.

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

Join us in congratulating Engineer Dan Keeran on his retirement. Dan has served the Parker community for 21 Years! Congratulations Dan on your well deserved retirement!