Aurora Fire Department

09/12/2026

09/12/2026

Over the past several days, members of the Aurora City Fire Department trained alongside our counterparts from the Monett City Fire Department and other area agencies to strengthen and expand our confined-space rescue capabilities.

The training, provided through MERC and SEMA, was instructed by Mike Schultz of Emergency Operations Solutions in Jefferson City, Missouri. Participants enhanced their skills in knots, rope rigging, search-and-rescue systems, on-site incident management, and other critical confined-space rescue operations.

It was an outstanding learning experience and a valuable opportunity to train with neighboring departments. Thank you to everyone who sponsored, organized, and hosted this important class.

08/15/2026

This past week, the Aurora Police and Fire Departments conducted joint training for an active-assailant incident. Training together strengthens the partnership between our agencies and helps ensure police, fire, and EMS personnel can operate as one coordinated team during a complex emergency.

According to the FBI, 34 active-shooter incidents were designated in the United States in 2025. While we hope an incident like this never occurs in our community, joint training improves communication, coordinated rescue, patient care, and responder safety.

We are proud of the dedication shown by both departments as we continue preparing to protect and serve the citizens of Aurora.

08/11/2026

Yesterday afternoon, Aurora City Fire Department responded to Marionville to assist with a large residential structure fire on O’Dell Street.

Aurora firefighters worked alongside numerous area departments in extreme heat to bring the fire under control and complete overhaul operations. Despite the combined efforts, the residence and several outbuildings were unfortunately a total loss.

We are thankful the occupants made it out safely and appreciate the outstanding cooperation among the 11 fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, auxiliary members, neighbors, and community members who supported crews throughout the incident.

08/11/2026

MC-306/DOT-406 cargo tanks routinely deliver gasoline and diesel to local service stations, so a crash, rollover, leak, or fire can quickly become a high-consequence hazardous-materials incident. These tankers are among the most common large-capacity fuel transports on U.S. roadways, making hands-on firefighter training especially valuable.

Last week, firefighters had the opportunity to participate in MC-306/DOT-406 tanker emergency-response training hosted by Southern Stone Fire Protection District. The training emphasized recognizing tanker construction and safety features, identifying the product and remaining load, controlling ignition sources, and understanding response considerations for spills, rollovers, and fires.

Training like this strengthens our ability to make safe, informed decisions early in an incident—protecting responders, the public, and the environment when fuel transports are involved.

07/26/2026

The City of Aurora Fire Department participated today in a grain bin rescue training class in Lebanon, Missouri, taught by the MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute. The department is one of only two fire departments in Lawrence County equipped with a grain bin rescue tube and the additional equipment needed to perform a grain bin rescue.

The class included hands-on training in grain bin cutting, self-rescue techniques, and victim rescue operations. The department’s grain rescue cache includes a grain bin rescue tube, auger, ropes, rigging hardware, and personal protective equipment such as harnesses, helmets, and gloves. Grain bin rescue training commonly involves specialized tools like rescue tubes, augers, ropes, and rigging equipment to protect both victims and rescuers.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July! Fireworks are a lot of fun, but they send thousands of people to the ER every year, so enjoying them safely is important. Always follow local laws, keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby, and light fireworks one at a time on a flat, clear surface away from buildings, dry grass, and vehicles. Never let young children handle fireworks, and make sure older kids are closely supervised—sparklers burn hot enough to cause serious burns. If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t relight or approach it; wait at least 20 minutes and then soak it completely in water before throwing it away. Have a happy Fourth, enjoy the show, and please stay safe!

06/28/2026

On Thursday, June 25, the City of Aurora, Aurora Fire Department, the Mooneyham family, and members of the fire service community honored a firefighter and captain whose entire career has been defined by service, commitment, and quiet professionalism. For years, when the tones dropped and the stakes were high, he was the steady voice, the calm presence, and the example others followed.

This department will deeply miss his experience and leadership. He has trained new firefighters, guided officers, and helped shape the culture of this organization through his actions more than his words. The countless calls he has answered, the difficult decisions he has made, and the moments of mentorship around the kitchen table have all left a lasting mark on this department.

As a small token of our appreciation and respect, the department presented him with his captain’s badge and his white helmet. These are symbols of the responsibility he carried, the trust we placed in him, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Captain Curt Mooneyham, thank you for your years of dedication, your leadership, and your friendship. On behalf of the Aurora Fire Department, we wish you a long, healthy, and well‑earned retirement. You will always be part of this family. On Saturday, Captain Mooneyham retired from the City of Aurora Fire Department, taking his last ride.

Thank you for all who attended!

06/24/2026

One thing many in our community many not know is that the fire department cleans our side of the PFF Building ourselves. On Saturdays, we stay vigilant about taking care of our quarters: we vacuum, dust, wipe down all the counters, clean the kitchen, clean and disinfect the bathrooms, tidy the bunkroom, and mop the floors. Throughout the year, we’ll also clean the ceiling lights and wash all the windows.

It’s all part of the job and part of taking pride in where we work and serve.