Station 22 Blue/Utica VFD

05/21/2026

Thank you Kara Kuykendall!!!

04/15/2026

The Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department, Station 22, would like to show our support for our neighbors at the Kemp Volunteer Fire Department and encourage everyone in the community to come out and attend their upcoming fundraiser.

Events like these are more than just a gathering—they help provide critical funding for equipment, training, and resources that allow volunteer firefighters to continue protecting their communities.

If you have the opportunity, come out, show your support, and help make a difference. Strong departments build strong communities, and we’re proud to stand alongside Kemp VFD.

We hope to see you there.

04/13/2026

Station 22 recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

To our dispatchers—thank you for being the calm in the chaos and the voice behind every call. Your dedication keeps us moving and our community safe.

We couldn’t do it without you.

04/08/2026

On behalf of the Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department, Station 22:

Today, we extend our deepest condolences to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the family, friends, and fellow troopers grieving the loss of one of their own.

This is more than a loss to an agency—it is a loss felt across the entire emergency response community. Every call, every mile, every shift connects us, and tragedies like this remind us of the risks carried by those who serve.

Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Please know that our department stands ready to support in any way we can—today and in the days ahead.

Stay strong. We stand with you.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EFQPJBHfM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It is with deep sorrow the Oklahoma Highway Patrol announces the line of duty death of Trooper Vernon Brake.

On April 8, 2026, at 11:27 a.m., a vehicle traveling southbound on I-35 lost control for an unknown reason and crossed the center cable barrier. The vehicle struck Trooper Brake, who was traveling in the northbound lanes just south of Hefner Road in Oklahoma City.

Trooper Brake was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the other involved vehicle, along with a four-year-old passenger, were also pronounced deceased at the scene.

Trooper Brake was a graduate of the 56th OHP Academy in 2006 and has proudly served the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for nearly 20 years, with a significant amount of time assigned to Troop S (commercial motor vehicle enforcement). After his graduation from the academy, he also served in Oklahoma and Logan Counties.

Trooper Brake is survived by his wife and two children.

Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with his family as well as the family of the other driver involved.

OHP's Traffic Homicide Unit (THU) is conducting the investigation into the crash.

03/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17CKAvfhtq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today, we stand with our brothers and sisters at Goldsby Fire Department as they mourn the loss of two of their own.

There are no words that can truly ease a loss like this. Two firefighters answered the call to serve their community, and in doing so, became part of a family that stretches far beyond one department.

From all of us at the Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department, we send our deepest prayers, respect, and support to the families, friends, and every member of Goldsby Fire. We grieve with you, and we stand with you.

In this line of work, we are never just neighboring departments—we are one family.

Rest easy, brothers. We’ll take it from here. 🚒

Our hearts are heavy for Goldsby today.
Two brave firefighters gave their lives while answering the call, serving their community with courage and selflessness.
Their sacrifice is a stark reminder of the dangers our firefighters face every day. When duty calls, they go—regardless of the hour or the risk.
We stand with the Goldsby Fire Department, mourning alongside their families, their colleagues, and the entire fire service community.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

02/24/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AXP5cb4oi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/19/2026

02/19/2026

Oklahoma Fire Conditions Update 2/18/2016

🚨 Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department – Public Safety Advisory 🚨

The Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department would like to address the current burning conditions in our area and strongly urge the public to use extreme caution.

While some may believe recent rainfall has reduced fire danger, the reality on the ground tells a very different story.

⸻

⚠️ Current Conditions Create a Perfect Storm
• Saturated Soil & Standing Water: Many areas remain heavily saturated, with standing water present in low-lying fields and pastures.
• Dry Surface Fuels: Despite wet ground conditions, the top layer of grass has been dried by strong winds, making it highly combustible.
• Rapid Fire Spread: This dry surface fuel can ignite quickly and spread rapidly, especially with gusting winds.
• Heavy Apparatus Risk: Our brush units carry 3,500+ pounds of water, not including the weight of the trucks themselves. In muddy conditions, these vehicles can become stuck very quickly.
• Increased Firefighter Hazard: When apparatus becomes immobilized, crews can be placed in dangerous situations where fire can overtake equipment and personnel.

⸻

🌲 Cedar Trees: A Major Threat

We are seeing significant fire behavior in cedar trees, which burn intensely and rapidly — often described as going up “like candlesticks.” When ignited, they:
• Produce extremely high flame lengths
• Generate heavy ember showers
• Cast burning embers well ahead of the main fire line
• Create spot fires that rapidly expand the incident footprint

These embers can “seed” new fires hundreds of feet away, turning a manageable grass fire into a fast-moving and unpredictable wildfire.

⸻

🚒 What This Means for Our Community

As volunteer firefighters, we respond with limited resources and equipment. Current ground conditions combined with wind-driven dry fuels create a situation where:
• Fires can spread faster than expected
• Access becomes limited due to mud
• Equipment can become stuck
• Firefighter safety is significantly compromised

⸻

🔥 Our Request to the Public

At this time, we strongly discourage any outdoor burning.

If burning is absolutely necessary and legally permitted:
• Monitor weather conditions closely
• Never burn on windy days
• Have water and suppression tools immediately available
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Ensure you have adequate firebreaks

Unattended or poorly planned burns can quickly escalate beyond control under current conditions.

Our priority is protecting lives, property, and our firefighters. We ask for your cooperation and sound judgment during this high-risk period.

If you see smoke or an uncontrolled fire, call 911 immediately.

Respectfully,
Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department

02/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18BmFkWwUM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/16/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM YOUR PHILADELPHIA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚨

Yes… you’re seeing that correctly.

Today, your volunteers were dispatched to a toilet on fire that had been illegally dumped and then set ablaze along the side of the road.

We wish we were kidding.

While the picture might give you a chuckle, here’s the serious side of it:

🔥 Burning trash — especially along roadways — is dangerous.
🔥 It can quickly spread to grass, fences, hay, or structures.
🔥 It pulls emergency resources away from real emergencies.

Every time we roll trucks, that’s fuel, equipment wear, and volunteer manpower that could be needed for a house fire, medical emergency, or vehicle accident somewhere else in the district.

There are proper disposal methods for unwanted items — including toilets.
Burning your “crap” on the side of the road isn’t one of them.

We are proud to serve this community. We will respond — whether it’s a structure fire, a wreck, a grass fire… or yes, a flaming porcelain throne.

But let’s work together to prevent unnecessary calls.

🚫 Don’t illegally dump.
🚫 Don’t burn trash.
✅ Dispose of items properly.

Help us keep our resources ready for when someone’s life truly depends on it.

— Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department