Hurst Fire Rescue

03/30/2026

This afternoon, Brush 1913 & UTV-1 responded for a large brush fire in Buckner in Franklin County as part as a MABAS all call request. Approximately 40+ acres burned.

03/29/2026

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS AND PORTIONS
OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI...

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
until 7 PM CDT this evening.

* Affected Area...In Illinois, Fire Weather Zones 075, 076, 080,
081, 082, 084, 085, 086, 088, 089 and 092. In Missouri, Fire
Weather Zones 076, 086, 087, 100, 109, 110 and 111.

* Winds...South 13 to 18 mph with gusts up to 27 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 20 percent.

* 10 Hour Fuels...as low as 6 to 8 percent amidst ongoing drought
conditions.

* Impacts...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

03/25/2026

Thinking about making a difference in your community and becoming a volunteer firefighter and 1st responder?

The Southern Illinois Regional EMS System is hosting a hybrid EMR class this spring. The class consists of online coursework and in-person sessions. The in-person sessions are hosted at the Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro.

The class begins with an orientation session on Monday, April 13, 2026 and finishes with the in-person final exams on June 8, 2026. The in-person schedule is listed below:

Monday 04/13/2026, 0800-1200: Orientation
Monday 05/04/2026, 0800-1200: Practical #1
Monday 05/18/2026, 0800-1200: Practical #2
Monday 06/01/2026, 0800-1200: Practical #3
Monday 06/08/2026, 0800-1200: Final Exams

If interested in joining our department and becoming an EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) contact us here, come to our station on Tuesdays at 6pm, or email Chief Tom Gottschalk at [email protected]

03/15/2026

03/15/2026

Msg from Williamson County IL Emergency Management Agency: Tornado Watch in effect for Williamson County, Illinois on March 15, 2026, until 11:00 PM Central Daylight Time. Stay informed by monitoring local news or the provided website link. Be ready to take protective action if the watch turns into a warning. Ensure you're prepared to move to a safe location like a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building if necessary...See full msg

01/22/2026

A Milk & Bread WARNING has been issued for our area for the impending winter storm to hit this weekend.

Here’s some tips and tricks to prevent fire hazards during cold weather. It is going to be down right cold with the snow with wind chills forecasted below zero!

12/28/2025

Msg from Williamson County IL Emergency Management Agency: Tornado Watch from 12/28/2025 2:47 PM to 8:00 PM CST for Williamson County, IL. https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=122411173.

12/17/2025

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of former Fire Chief and member of Hurst Fire, Benny Harrison, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Benny served with HFD for several years as well as a police officer with Hurst PD. Please be with your thoughts and prayers with Benny’s family.