Sparks Rural Fire Dept-Central Lincoln County Fire Protection District #4

07/04/2026

05/30/2026

Join our team, email Chief Dylan Conover today at [email protected] or call 4053282023.

04/04/2026

⚠️WEATHER UPDATE 4/3/26 9:00PM⚠️

Good Evening Lincoln County!!

Our office is monitoring the weather. There is currently a Tornado Warned storm west/northwest of Moore. This storm could impact the south end of Lincoln County. We are monitoring and will provide updates as possible. Remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings.

01/30/2026

🔥🚒We are pleased to announce an important transition in leadership for our department. 🚒🔥

After a total of 18 years and 5 months of dedicated service to Sparks Fire, Chief Nick Collett has passed the torch to Chief Dylan Conover. Chief Collett became Chief in September 2014 and has been the longest-serving Chief in the history of our district. His leadership, commitment, and countless contributions have shaped Sparks Fire into the strong, reliable department it is today. We are grateful that he will continue serving as a firefighter until he retires.

Chief Dylan Conover brings a fresh, new perspective, valuable prior experience, and proven dedication to the role. He served with the Strother Fire Department from December 2018 to July 2020 before joining Sparks Fire in July 2024, where he has quickly become an active and engaged member of our team supporting fellow firefighters and contributing to our ongoing mission of protecting lives and property. His enthusiasm, hands-on approach, and commitment to volunteer service make him an excellent fit to lead Sparks Fire forward. We are excited about the innovative ideas and strong leadership he will bring to the department in the years ahead.

Alongside him, Caroline Conover (Dylan's wife) has taken over as Board Clerk/Treasurer from Misty Collett. Caroline is stepping into this key position with enthusiasm and a fresh outlook, ready to provide the reliable administrative support our department needs moving forward. Misty served as Board Clerk/Treasurer since January 1, 2020, and previously as President of the Sparks Fire Ladies Auxiliary from 2018 to early 2025.

Please join us in thanking Chief Nick Collett for his extraordinary service and Misty Collett for her many years of dedication. We extend a warm welcome to Chief Dylan Conover and Board Clerk/Treasurer Caroline Conover as this dynamic team helps guide our department into an exciting new chapter. We're proud of our legacy and energized for what's ahead.

Stay safe, stay strong, Sparks Fire. 🚒❤️

01/21/2026

BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)

❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.

❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.

❄️3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.

❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.

❄️5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.

❄️6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.

❄️7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.

❄️8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.

WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION

❄️9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.

❄️10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.

❄️11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.

❄️12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.

❄️13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.

❄️14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.

FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP

❄️15. Keep 3–5 days of NO-COOK food like peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups, cereal.

❄️16. Have manual can opener available.

❄️17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.

❄️18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”

❄️19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.

❄️20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.

HEAT AND HOME SAFETY

❄️21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.

❄️22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.

❄️23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.

❄️24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

❄️25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.

❄️26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.

VEHICLE AND TRAVEL

❄️27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.

❄️28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.

❄️29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.

❄️30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.

❄️31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.

❄️32. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted.

POWER OUTAGE PLAN

❄️33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.

❄️34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.

❄️35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.

❄️36. Know where warming centers may be in your area.

❄️37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.

❄️38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.

PETS AND LIVESTOCK

❄️39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.

❄️40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.

❄️41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.

❄️42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.

MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS

❄️43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.

❄️44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.

❄️45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.

❄️46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.

PROPERTY PROTECTION

❄️47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.

❄️48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.

❄️49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm, do it beforehand.

❄️50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.

DURING THE STORM

❄️51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.

❄️52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.

❄️53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.

❄️54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.

❄️55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.

AFTER THE STORM

❄️56. Walk carefully, ice may refreeze overnight.

❄️57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.

❄️58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.

❄️59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.

❄️60. Be patient, restoring power after ice can take several days.

KEY REALITY FOR ICE EVENTS

❄️A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.

❄️Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.

❄️Ice is more dangerous than snow for the Deep South.

FEEL FREE TO ADD OTHER TIPS AND TRICKS...