Rutledge Fire Department

06/02/2026

Tonight was a special evening for our department as we had the opportunity to put our "new" used fire engine through its paces for the first time!

What started as an informal, impromptu training session turned into a great evening of learning, teamwork, and community. We ran the pump, checked lights and equipment, tested controls, reviewed tools, and even let a few of the kids have some fun operating the hoses. The weather couldn't have been better, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the evening while getting familiar with this much-needed addition to our fleet.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in helping us acquire this engine. A project like this does not happen without the support of many people behind the scenes.

Thank you to everyone who pays fire dues, makes donations, attends our fundraisers, and supports our department throughout the year. Your generosity and commitment make purchases like this possible and help ensure we can continue providing the best service possible to our community.

We would also like to remind everyone that we are a 100% volunteer fire department. Our members dedicate countless hours away from their families, jobs, and personal lives to train, maintain equipment, respond to emergencies, and serve this community whenever needed.

We are grateful for your continued support and trust. This new engine will help us better protect our community for years to come, and we couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you for supporting your volunteer firefighters!

Send a message to learn more

06/02/2026

Tonight was a special evening for our department as we had the opportunity to put our "new" used fire engine through its paces for the first time!

What started as an informal, impromptu training session turned into a great evening of learning, teamwork, and community. We ran the pump, checked lights and equipment, tested controls, reviewed tools, and even let a few of the kids have some fun operating the hoses. The weather couldn't have been better, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the evening while getting familiar with this much-needed addition to our fleet.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in helping us acquire this engine. A project like this does not happen without the support of many people behind the scenes.

Thank you to everyone who pays fire dues, makes donations, attends our fundraisers, and supports our department throughout the year. Your generosity and commitment make purchases like this possible and help ensure we can continue providing the best service possible to our community.

We would also like to remind everyone that we are a 100% volunteer fire department. Our members dedicate countless hours away from their families, jobs, and personal lives to train, maintain equipment, respond to emergencies, and serve this community whenever needed.

We are grateful for your continued support and trust. This new engine will help us better protect our community for years to come, and we couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you for supporting your volunteer firefighters!

05/29/2026

On this day in history May 29, 2017 Firefighter Jesse Ketchum with the City of Memphis Fire Department was responding to a grass fire when he was killed in an apparatus accident.
RIP Brother.

05/19/2026

Blood drive today Wednesday 5/19, from 1:30pm to 5:30pm at the Rutledge Community Building.
We hope to see you there. 🏥

05/07/2026

Blood Drive Rutledge Community Building
23615 Main Street, Rutledge, MO 63563
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

05/04/2026

Elevated Fire Danger Today

Strong southwest winds gusting up to 30 MPH will combine with warm temperatures and low humidity to produce an Elevated Fire Danger today. If a fire were to start under these conditions, there would be an increased threat of fire spread and be difficult to control.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Use extra caution while operating outdoor equipment and do not carelessly discard ci******es.

04/28/2026

Rutledge FD responded to a single motor vehicle accident west of route V in Knox County today.
Thanks to Knox County Ambulance District and MSHP for the quick response.
Fortunately there were not serious injuries in this accident.

04/17/2026

For today, April 17, 2026, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is coordinating resources in response to an enhanced risk of severe storms (level 3 out of 5) affecting approximately half of the state. Governor Mike Kehoe has signed Executive Order 26-11, declaring a State of Emergency and activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan.

04/17/2026

Scotland and Knox Co Severe Weather Report Friday Afternoon – Overnight (April 17–18, 2026)

🌪️ Overall Threat: Elevated to Significant We are sitting in a high-impact zone today, with multiple severe weather hazards expected as storms develop late afternoon and intensify into the evening and overnight hours.

🔴 Main Threats for us
🌪️ Tornado Risk: Moderate (5–14% zone) Tornadoes are possible, especially with stronger storms. Some tornadoes could be strong and fast-developing, particularly after sunset. Risk increases if storms remain isolated before forming lines.

💨 Damaging Winds: HIGH (45–74% probability) This is the biggest concern for Scotland and Knox Co. Storms may produce widespread damaging winds of 60–90 MPH. Isolated gusts could reach hurricane-force levels (75+ MPH). Expect potential for: Downed trees and power lines Structural damage Power outages

🌩️ Severe Storms (Overall): Enhanced Risk Area We are firmly in the Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5). Storms could organize into fast-moving lines or clusters, increasing wind threat.

⏰ Timing (Most Important) Late Afternoon (3–6 PM): Storms begin developing west of the area Evening (6–10 PM): Severe storms likely move into Memphis Overnight (10 PM – 2 AM): Continued severe threat, possibly at peak intensity

⚠️ Nighttime storms are especially dangerous because people are less aware.
⚠️ What Makes This Setup Dangerous Multiple hazards hitting at once (wind + tornadoes) Potential for rapid storm intensification Hurricane-force wind potential embedded in storms Nighttime timing reduces reaction time

🛑 What You Should Do Now ✔️ Before Storms Arrive Charge phones and backup batteries Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts Identify your safe place:
Basement if available Otherwise, lowest level, interior room, no windows
🚨 During Warnings Do NOT wait to see the storm Take shelter immediately if: Tornado Warning issued Extreme winds approaching
📻 Stay Informed Have multiple ways to get alerts: Weather app NOAA Weather Radio Local TV/radio
🧠 Bottom Line. This is not just a typical storm day. We are in a zone where: Damaging winds could be widespread and intense Tornadoes are a real possibility Storms may hit after dark

👉 Treat tonight like a serious severe weather event, not a routine thunderstorm.