Southwest Camden County Fire Protection District

09/11/2026

09/09/2026

STRIKE TEAM update..
All Lake Area units have returned from Laclede County as of 9pm.

09/08/2026

WILDLAND FIRE Strike Team Response

SWFPD brush engine 41 currently deployed on a strike team activation to Laclede County for a large, “out of control”wildland Fire near interstate 44. Fire agencies from throughout the lake region are responding to assist our neighbors to the south.

09/07/2026

Due to continuing extremely hot and dry conditions anticipated through this week, elevated Fire danger conditions exist. Please avoid outdoor burning, and use caution disposing of smoking materials.

09/06/2026

Scattered thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening. While not all areas will see storms, the stronger storms will produce frequent lightning and wind gusts to 60 mph. Remain weather aware if outdoors today.

08/31/2026

Extreme heat to impact the lake region for the next week and foreseeable future. In addition, this will introduce a heightened fire danger due to extremely dry vegetation.

Please use extreme caution when working outside and avoid outdoor burning.

08/31/2026

“Open Letter” to the community..

Recently, a public official made comment that the southwest Camden County fire protection district “collaborated” or was “complicit” with the organizers of the recent gathering of the Juggalos’s held at Mother Nature’s riverfront retreat.

It is not the place of a fire protection district to take a political stance on the nature or morality of any event, nor will we.

Several months ago, SWFPD was contacted by the production company, who outlined the nature and anticipated attendance of the event. Recognizing the impact on the community and the district, we as an organization deemed it necessary to undergo intense planning and preparation for the event due to the fact that it would be taking place completely within our political subdivision.

To be quite honest, it would be irresponsible and reckless on our part to NOT plan for that impact as it was our responsibility regardless.

This was a monumental task for our volunteer workforce to provide EMS and fire protection services.

To say the least, I am extremely proud and grateful for the efforts put forth by our EMTs, firefighters and paramedics who covered the event. Additionally, our mutual aid partners throughout the Lake region who stepped up, providing equipment, manpower, and logistic support making it possible.

To infer that the board of directors, command staff or volunteer employees of the Fire district “collaborated” with any organization to bring the event to our community is quite frankly dishonest and complete fiction. The fact that this came from an elected official, makes it even more ridiculous.

To be clear, I have nothing but a sense of deep pride, humility, and gratefulness to all that helped us manage what was perhaps the most challenging event that has ever taken place within our Fire district.

Sincerely,

John Scheper, MS CFO
Fire Chief
Southwest Camden County FPD

08/21/2026

The earlier reported missing woman at Mother Nature riverfront retreat has been located safe and sound and reunited with her family.

08/18/2026

With the Juggalo Gathering upon us, SWFPD is meeting the challenge. EMS crews have been on shift since Monday, Incident Command and Fire Suppression have been responding to calls since. We thank our mutual aid partners who have provided equipment and manpower.
Mid-County Fire Protection District
Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District
Lake Ozark Fire Protection District
Northwest Fire Protection District - Camden County, MO
Camden County MO Sheriff's Office
Camden County, MO Emergency Management Agency
Camden County Road and Bridge Department

Chief Scheper