Southwest Rankin Fire Department

06/02/2026

04/25/2026

Our guys got an early start this morning, working to ensure the roads across our district are safe and passable following the recent storms.

This is just another example of the commitment our department has to serving and protecting the people we call neighbors. Every call, every response, and every hour spent is made possible by individuals who choose to volunteer their time for something bigger than themselves.

If you’re out driving today, please use caution. Watch for debris, downed limbs, and emergency personnel working in affected areas.

04/24/2026

Consider making the trip out to Walters Volunteer Fire Station this weekend ! Volunteer Departments rely heavily on community support at fundraisers to fund life saving equipment. While these guys aren’t next door to us, there could come a day that we might need them at a moments notice.

It’s that time of year again! Mark your calendars for Saturday April 25, 2026 for our spring fish fry. We will be serving fresh, never frozen, Mississippi farm raised catfish, fries, hush puppies, and cole slaw. We will be serving from 4-7 pm.
As everyone knows, prices have gone up at the grocery stores and suppliers. However, we discussed raising our price by $1 per plate to help cover the increased costs, but decided that our great tasting fish plates will remain at the same bargain price we’ve had for years, $13/plate. We trust that our community will come through as always and support us in a big way. Come see us at 125 Walters Rd., Pelahatchie, MS.

04/12/2026

Public Notice:

On the afternoon of April 11 at approximately 2:30 PM, Southwest and Florence Fire Departments were dispatched to the area of Ward Road and W. Tucker Road in reference to a woods fire, along with a report of one patient experiencing smoke inhalation.

Upon arrival, units discovered approximately four acres burning in an old cutover. Southwest units located the patient and began assessment and care, while other crews initiated fire suppression efforts.

As crews advanced further into the area and determined the fire’s size and complexity, additional fire departments were requested to assist with manpower and water supply. Rankin County EOC also responded, deploying their skid steer “FireBox” unit.

After approximately one hour of firefighting operations, the fire was successfully contained. The Mississippi Forestry Commission was requested to respond with a dozer to cut fire lanes in areas inaccessible to fire personnel. The final size of the fire was determined to be between 5-6 acres.

No firefighters were injured during the incident. The patient suffering from smoke inhalation was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Southwest Fire Department would like to extend its appreciation to Rankin County EOC, the Mississippi Forestry Commission, and the Florence, Star, and Cleary Fire Departments for their dedicated service to our community.

04/06/2026

The county-wide burn ban has been OFFICIALLY LIFTED.

This decision was made earlier today by the Rankin County Board of Supervisors after careful consideration of current conditions.

A few Safety Reminders:
• Never leave fires unattended
• Keep a water source or tools nearby
• Avoid burning during windy conditions
• Be mindful of surrounding structures and vegetation

Let’s work together to keep Rankin County safe.

04/04/2026

Notice: the previous Burn Ban has been extended until May 1st. We understand the frustrations, but we ask that everyone hang in there and hold off on burning. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

03/16/2026

UPDATE:

Although we received a significant amount of rain recently, it has not been enough to cancel the burn ban. With that being said, Rankin County is still under a burn ban until April 2nd. Thank you for being patient!

01/01/2026

Back in Service! 🚒

Today, SW personnel completed the installation of our new QTAC skid unit into Brush Truck 2 and placed the apparatus back in service.

This upgrade significantly improves our operational capabilities. The QTAC 200HP features a high-pressure pump system that delivers efficient water flow for rapid knockdown, along with drafting capabilities and integrated foam induction to improve our suppression effectiveness on stubborn fires. The unit’s low profile design also improves equipment access, stability, and overall ease of operation.

Brush Truck 2 is routinely utilized for grass and woods fires, as well as smaller fires such as vehicles, sheds and dumpster fires It is also used for roadway-related incidents such as storm damage and the occasional frozen roadway response (only a couple times a year here in MS 😉)