Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

At 2:31 PM, the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported brush/wildland fire north of Highway 160 at or near CR 905.
When the first TAVFD unit arrived, firefighters were confronted with a large, rapidly advancing fire that was moving and building in multiple directions.
This was an extremely challenging fire.
• A fire that had already gained a significant head start
• Extremely dry conditions
• Hot, dry and variable winds
• Constantly changing wind direction
• Heavy fuel loads, including hay rolls and wooded areas
• Multiple homes and structures in the potential path of the fire
• Poor access in areas
• Limited water resources
The priority was protecting homes and structures,
The fire ultimately consumed more than 100 acres.
A pickup, an RV trailer and hay rolls were lost. Advancing fire was blocked for all homes.
And while the first fire was still an active operation, another brush fire was reported along Highway 160 near CR 829.
TAVFD resources had to break away from the first operation and respond to the second fire.
No structural damage was reported at the second fire.
There were no reported firefighter injuries. However, the extreme temperatures and demanding conditions pushed several firefighters close to heat exhaustion. All units went back in service at 10:56pm
As always, our mutual partners - Gainesville VFD and Pontiac/Price VFD had an excellent response!
Fires of this magnitude take a toll on fire trucks and equipment.
TAVFD apparatus ranges from approximately 25 to 43 years old.
Unfortunately, we have two brush trucks out of service for repairs and our main tanker is in need of repairs,
These repairs are funded with the dues that are paid, we receive no tax dollars
Our annual TAVFD dues drive began September 1. we need the community's support to keep those trucks on the road.
AND PLEASE — DON'T BURN.

09/03/2026

At 11:46 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire on County Road 905 approx. 1 mile north of Highway 160. The first unit reported a fully involved vehicle with fire extending into about one acre of grass and brush moving towards nearby structures. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, stopping its advance before it reached any structures. No structures were damaged, and units returned to service at 1:06 p.m. No injuries were reported. Please refrain from any intentional outdoor burning. Conditions are extremely dry, and the extreme temperatures make fire suppression operations especially challenging and dangerous for our firefighters.

09/03/2026

Training together. Serving together.
Despite the heat, Tuesday, September 1, Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department trained with one of our valued auto-mutual aid partners, Gainesville VFD.
Focusing on water supply to aerial ladder operations, this exercise strengthened the relationships so critical in protecting lives and property. In our rural communities, automatic mutual aid isn't just important, it's essential. Theodosia VFD is proud of our volunteers who give their time and energy to train and improve. Volunteers working hard to help make their VFD strong and the community safer- that's what it's all about.
Evening topics
• Carbon Monoxide Detector Response
• Auto-mutual Aid training for tanker support and connection requirements of GVFD Pumper and Aerial Ladder

08/26/2026

Several members of the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department recently participated in a two-day propane tank fire training hosted by the Gainesville Volunteer Fire Department. The training covered a range of techniques and safety practices for managing propane incidents. The TAVFD command is deeply grateful to our responders who gave their personal time to attend. Your dedication and commitment make the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department stronger and our community safer."

07/18/2026

On Thursday, July 16th at 3:39 PM, the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle accident with unknown injuries on State Highway NN near County Road 634. First units on scene found a single vehicle off the roadway, with no injuries reported.
While responding to the NN scene, TAVFD was dispatched to a multi-vehicle accident with injuries on Highway160 near County Road 603, also known as Locust Road. Responding units reported one vehicle off the north side of the westbound lane, and a second vehicle off the road into a field on the south side of Highway 160. It was determined that the vehicle in the field was unoccupied, with no driver nearby. Highway 160 remained closed in both directions while crews conducted a primary search along the path of the second vehicle, due to concerns about possible ejected occupants. Law enforcement later advised that contact had been made with the driver, allowing the search to be terminated and a single lane of traffic to reopen. All responders on scene expressed appreciation to the traveling public for their patience and understanding during the extended closure.
Agencies responding - Gainesville Volunteer Fire Dept, Pontiac/Price Volunteer Fire Department, Ozark County Ambulance, Ozark County Sheriff's Department, MSHP, and Rons Towing
All units went back into service at 5:52pm

07/08/2026

We had a busy and productive training session on Tuesday at the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Newton led a valuable discussion on how to read smoke quickly upon arrival. We also welcomed a briefing from Michael Grubbs of the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department dispatch, who walked us through effective communication with dispatchers. After that, we broke into smaller groups for hands-on training with our Jaws of Life tools and our E1 pumper. During the session, we received a call for a medical, which gave two of our newer responders —currently studying EMT—a chance for real field experience. They were part of the initial assessments, coordinated with dispatch, with use of a landline when our radios and cell service dropped. We were able to visit one of our remote landing zones and brief on radio communications with air evac pilots on coordinates to the LZ. Also discussed - our role at the LZ along with safe approaches to helicopter, patient load and safe exit from the aircraft .
Overall, it was a fantastic evening. We are so grateful for our dedicated responders, and we’re always looking for others to join this amazing team!

07/05/2026

The Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Lost Woods Golf Course for inviting us to be a part of their 4th of July celebration. We are always deeply grateful for these opportunities, as they allow us to connect with the community we proudly serve. Seeing the children’s faces light up for their glow rings and safety stickers, sharing safety information , and providing a first aid station—these moments remind us why we do what we do. And of course, seeing kids climb aboard the fire truck and dream big is always a joy. Thank you again for a wonderful evening—we look forward to being part of many more events in the future.

06/28/2026

The Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department is grateful today for the opportunity to support a local business and our community during one of the 2026 Fourth of July celebrations. We were able to stage at the event, providing glow rings and safety stickers to children, visiting with the public, and offering a first aid and water station as needed. The only first aid this year was a little one that was not happy about a mosquito bite but a band- aid and glow ring seemed to fix everything. We are truly grateful for that opportunity. A special thank you to Theodosia Marina Resort for inviting us. We look forward to seeing everyone at future events!