Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department

04/07/2026

5 Days left to get your orders in! You can message our page if you would like to order or talk to any member of the department or auxiliary! Order Toaday!

🔥🚒 Orange County Rural District 1 Spring Fundraiser 🚒🔥

Join us in supporting our local fire department and enjoy a delicious meal catered by Sanders Catering!

🍽 $15 per person

Meal Options:
🥩 Pork Chop or BBQ Chicken (pick one)
🥔 Mashed Potatoes
🫘 Green Beans
🥖 Roll & Butter
🍪 Dessert (Rice Krispies Treat, Chocolate Chip Cookie, or Brownie) (pick one)

📅 Important Dates:
• Start Date: February 28
• End Date: April 11
• Pickup Date: April 26

🚚 Delivery: 11 AM – 1 PM (arrangements must be made at purchase)
📦 Pickup: 12 PM – 2 PM

📍 8133 W County Road 100 S, French Lick, IN 47432

💵 Payment Options: Cash, PayPal, Venmo, Facebook Pay, or Check

If you have any questions, reach out to any OCRD1 member or someone listed on the flyer.

Come out, grab a great meal, and help support the men and women who serve our community every day! ❤️🚒

04/04/2026

*Strong partnerships make stronger responses.*
Today, our department had the opportunity to train alongside the Springs Valley Fire Department. Joint training like this allows us to sharpen our skills, improve coordination, and ensure we’re all ready when our community needs us most.
We worked through real-world scenarios, focused on teamwork, communication, and efficient operations across agencies. These trainings are a great reminder that no call is handled alone — it takes all of us working together to get the job done safely and effectively.
A big thank you to everyone involved for their time, effort, and commitment to serving our communities.
Train together. Work together. Serve together

04/04/2026

03/05/2026

Turn Around, Don't Drown

PSA: We are getting reports now from local and state roadway officials along with Law Enforcement officials that roads are starting to flood and be closed. We will try our best to keep everyone updated to the best of our ability. All roads that are closed will be posted here. If you are requiring about state highways not in Orange County , you will need to contact INDOT or 511IN.org. Most importantly TURN AROUND AND DON’T DROWN

Roads Closed:
State Highway 337 (from 625 N- Tater Road)
County Road 500 E Bridges (Harry’s Bottom)
County Road 300 E (Blue Hole Road)
Monon Street
Arnold Habig (Pluto Plant)
Adams Street (Iron bridge - Valley Street)
Old State Road 145 (Iron Bridge - New Airport Road)
County Road 550 W (behind Ames Chapel Church near 90 degree curve)

02/26/2026

For Immediate Release

February 25th, 2026

Discarded Ashes Cause 1 Acre Wildland Fire

Jackson Twp., Orange County, IN – The Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department and Springs Valley Fire Dept. were dispatched just after 2 PM for a reported wildland fire near the
7000 block of County Road 875 South in Jackson Township. Initial dispatch reports indicated an approximate ½ acre wildland fire at the time of the report. Crews arrived to find an approximate
1-acre fire and immediately began containing the fire, then transitioning into extinguishment. Additionally, US Forestry Fire Units from the Tell City Branch responded to assist with this fire.

The incident was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. There was no property damage or injuries reported with this fire. There were 5 fire apparatus and 14 firefighters on the
scene. All units were clear of the scene just after 3pm.

After speaking with the property owner, this fire was thought to have originated from hot woodstove ashes that were not properly discarded. We would like to remind citizens to always be
vigilant when discarding woodstove ashes, and to always ensure all discarded ashes have had time to properly cool before disposing of them near combustible materials.

Departments On-Scene Include:
Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department
Springs Valley Fire Department
US Forestry Fire – Tell City

Logan Best,
Chief
Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department
P: 812-216-4355

02/23/2026

Prescribed Burnes are set today in Orange County by U.S. Forest Service.

PRESCRIBED FIRE PLANNED 02.23.26

We are planning a prescribed fire today on 30 acres in Orange County. The Integra Unit is located northeast of French Lick and west of Orleans.

The goal of this fire is to maintain a wildlife opening in early successional habitat. Fire is the most economical tool to accomplish this. Many wildlife species depend on this habitat for all or a portion of their lifecycle.

Ignition is planned for 11:00 EST. The area will be temporarily closed to the public for safety. If you encounter smoke on the road, slow down and turn on your headlights.

For more on prescribed fire, including maps, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/hoosier/fire

02/21/2026

The Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department is proud to announce we’ve received a grant from Hoosier Uplands to purchase seven new 800 MHz/P25 radios (six portable and one base unit).

These radios will greatly improve communication and interoperability across Orange County, Indiana, including with agencies on the Indiana Integrated Public Safety Commission P25 system such as the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Transportation.

We are grateful to Hoosier Uplands and CEO David Miller for their support in helping us strengthen emergency communications and better serve our community. 🚒

02/15/2026

*********For Immediate Release*********

February 14th, 2026

Car Fire Due to Unattended Brush Fire

French Lick, IN – The Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department and IU Health Lifeline Unit 504 were dispatched at a quarter till 2 in the afternoon for a reported car fire near the 4500
block of County Road 1025 West in French Lick. Crews arrived to find a fully involved Volkswagen Jetta with a brush fire that was threatening a garage. Crews quickly protected the
exposures, then began extinguishing the burning car.

The incident was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. Estimated property damage totaled approximately $1,500. Approximately 1500 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire. There were 3 fire apparatus and 6 firefighters on the scene. No injuries were reported. All units were clear of the scene just after 3pm.

After speaking with the property owner, this fire was determined to have originated from an unattended brush pile fire that had spread to the vehicle. We would like to remind citizens to always be vigilant when burning brush, and to never leave a fire unattended.

Departments On-Scene Include:
Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department
IU Health Lifeline

Logan Best,
Chief
Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department
P: 812-216-4355

02/14/2026

***For Immediate Release***

February 12th, 2026

Camper Fire Just After Noon

French Lick, IN – The Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department and Springs Valley Fire Department were dispatched just past noon to a reported camper fire near the 2900 block of Old
State Road 145 in French Lick. Crews arrived to find a camper approximately 50% involved. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and kept it from spreading to nearby exposures. Estimated property damage totaled $5,000. The cause of the fire is unknown.
The property owner was not present at the time of the fire.

The fire was brought under control in under 10 minutes. Approximately 2000 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire. There were 5 fire apparatus and 10 firefighters on the scene. No injuries were reported. All units were clear of the scene just before 1pm.

Departments On-Scene Include:
Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department
Springs Valley Fire Department
IU Health Lifeline

Logan Best,
Chief
Orange County Rural District 1 Fire Department
P: 812-216-4355

01/29/2026

A little delayed, but no less heartfelt—thank you, Dollar General of French Lick!
During a recent fire, Orange County EMA Director Rick Emerick went to Dollar General asking for support of 5 cases of water for a large crew we had operating on a fire. Not only did they send support, they generously donated 10 cases of water and snacks. These drinks and snacks provided much-needed hydration and an energy boost to crews working the large structure fire. Your kindness and willingness to step up made a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for your continued support of our community.💛🖤👏

01/29/2026