Steele Fire Department

05/30/2026

Steele Fire Department Training

This week, Steele firefighters trained on locating and removing a downed firefighter from a dangerous environment.

For the drill, crews worked in a large room with blackout conditions and simulated smoke. A firefighter was placed inside as the “downed firefighter,” and crews practiced entering as a rescue team, searching the area, locating the firefighter, and removing them to safety.

Training like this is important because fire conditions can change quickly, and firefighters have to be prepared for the possibility of rescuing one of their own.

We appreciate our members who continue to put in the time and work to stay prepared for the citizens we serve and for each other.

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter Brandon Cope!

Brandon is the first member to complete the Steele Fire Department’s newly started online training program. He has already completed two classes this month to fulfill the training obligation for the month and has been on the ball from the start.

As part of our continued effort to raise the level of training within the department, members are being encouraged to complete monthly online courses in addition to our regular hands-on training. Firefighting is not just physical work. It also takes knowledge, preparation, and a willingness to keep learning.

Brandon’s effort set the pace, and he earned this month’s training prize, a Bluetooth speaker. We know it is not a huge award, but it is a small token of appreciation for taking the initiative and helping move the department forward.

Now the challenge is out there. Let’s see who steps up next!

Great job, FF Brandon Cope!

05/01/2026

Yesterday evening, the Steele Fire Department held its regular meeting and got some work done both inside and outside the station.

We want to give a big thank you to Jerry with “Jerry’s Do It All” for stepping up and helping us out. He volunteered the use of his pressure washing equipment, which made a huge difference. With that help, our firefighters were able to clean the trucks and wash out the bays, and it shows. The station is looking great!

We also want to recognize Assistant Fire Chief Randy Trimm on his reappointment for the upcoming year. We appreciate his continued leadership and commitment to the department.

In addition, our firefighters are beginning to get set up with an online training platform that will allow us to complete monthly training and keep improving as a department.

We’re proud of the work being done and thankful for the support from those willing to lend a hand when it’s needed.

04/30/2026

🎓 Recognizing Service in Steele🚒

Last night, I had the honor of recognizing graduating senior Austin Hinklin with a Distinguished Youth Volunteer Award for his service with the Steele Fire Department.

During his senior year, Austin chose to step forward and serve his community. Austin has given his time to completing CPR training, Fire Training, assisting on emergency scenes, and being present when people needed help the most. That kind of willingness, especially at his age, when he’s giving his time for what could be someone’s worst day, speaks volumes about his character.

As part of this recognition, Austin was also presented with a Fire Service graduation cord, symbolizing his commitment to serving others.

Fire Chief Jeffery Fields was unable to attend, but Lt. Logan Puckett was there on behalf of the department to help recognize Austin’s achievement.

Chief Fields shared how proud he is of Austin for stepping into a public safety role and emphasized the importance of continuing to show up, keep learning, and maintain that willingness to help others every day.

We’re proud to recognize Austin and thankful for young people like him who are willing to step up and make a difference.

Congratulations, Austin, we’re proud of you!

04/28/2026

News Release
Published by the Public Affairs Officer

Steele Fire Department was dispatched at 11:39 PM to South Pemiscot Central Elementary School after a passerby reported what appeared to be a possible fire.

On arrival, crews encountered multiple downed power lines across the roadway and significant storm damage to the structure. A large section of the roof had been compromised due to severe weather. During size-up, firefighters located a broken natural gas line at the rear of the building that was actively burning, with heavy flames present.

Due to the hazards involved and the extent of the incident, mutual aid was requested. Cooter Volunteer Fire Department , Hayti Fire Department, and Caruthersville Fire Department responded quickly. Working together, crews were able to contain the fire to the immediate area and prevent further extension into the structure.

While operations were ongoing at the school, Steele Fire were dispatched at 1:15 AM to Liberty Street for a downed and burning power line. With Steele apparatus committed to the school incident, Hayti and Caruthersville FD, already in the area, handled that call without delay.

At 3:08 AM, Steele was requested for mutual aid by Cooter Fire Department to County Road 559 for a fully involved structure fire. Caruthersville Fire Department also responded. Crews assisted in suppression efforts alongside responding departments.

Steele Fire Department would like to thank all responding fire agencies for their assistance and quick response throughout the night. We also appreciate the support from the Steele Police Department and the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office. The coordination and work across multiple incidents is appreciated by our department and the community.

04/27/2026

With today, having weather is the topic we remind everyone that we do have a registry of shelters, please sign up!

🚨 Emergency Contact List for Safe Rooms, Basements, and Storm Shelters 🚨

Attention, residents of the Steele Fire District! This service covers our entire district—from the Arkansas state line to nearly Braggadocia, and from the interstate over to Dunklin County. Please help us spread the word!

We have an Emergency Contact List for citizens with safe rooms, basements, or storm shelters. This program is strictly voluntary and provided free of charge.

The purpose of this list is to provide peace of mind during catastrophic weather events. If we cannot reach you by telephone, our department will come to your residence to ensure you are not trapped inside your shelter.

To join this list, please send us a private message with the following information:

Example Submission:
• Name: John Doe
• Contact Number: (573) 555-1234
• Address: 5555 S Walnut Street, Steele, MO
• Type of Shelter: Basement
• Location of Shelter: Stairs in the kitchen, which is the most southwestern room in the home.

📢 Please share this post to help spread the word so we can better serve our community!

04/27/2026

The safe room at East Elementary School will be available for use if necessary due to tonight’s weather.

Stay weather aware and take precautions as needed.

04/13/2026

News Release
Published by the Public Affairs Officer

This evening, just before 2030 hours, the Steele Fire Department was dispatched to a fully involved structure fire in Holland at the intersection of 2nd Street and Walnut Street.

Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire conditions with immediate exposure concerns. The primary hazards included a live overhead electrical line within the operational area and the proximity of the local post office, which was at risk of extension.

During the response, access for some personnel was delayed due to a train blocking crossings within the city.

Fire crews worked to contain the fire and successfully prevented extension to all adjacent structures. No injuries were reported, and no serious damage occurred beyond the original structure.

We would like to thank the Cooter Volunteer Fire Department for their mutual aid and assistance on scene.

04/05/2026

Sparky the Fire Dog® knows Easter celebrations often happen in the kitchen. 🥚

Remember to stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep anything that can burn away from the stove.

For more cooking safety, go to: nfpa.org/cooking

03/29/2026

News Release (Two Calls For Service)
Published by the Public Affairs Officer

At approximately 4:30 PM today, the Steele Fire Department was dispatched to a reported ground fire that was advancing toward a nearby structure. Upon arrival, firefighters quickly engaged the fire, which had already extended into a nearby tree line. Crews worked to contain and suppress the fire as it began to involve multiple trees. Through coordinated efforts, firefighters were able to stop the forward progress and prevent damage to the threatened structure.

While crews were in the process of clearing the scene, at approximately 5:46 PM, a second call was received for a brush fire on Main Street near South Cooter Road. Units immediately responded from the first incident to the new location.

⸻

News Release
Published by the Public Affairs Officer

Following the initial incident, Steele Fire Department personnel responded to a second brush fire on Main Street near South Cooter Road. Upon arrival, crews observed that the fire had spread from a yard into a fence line and had extended to a neighboring property’s fence.

Patrolman Akins of the Steele Police Department was already on scene and had taken proactive measures to slow the fire’s progression. By applying water to surrounding areas, he helped cool and limit the spread until fire personnel arrived.

Firefighters quickly deployed and brought the fire under control, preventing further extension to nearby structures and properties. All units cleared the scene without further incident.

The Steele Fire Department would like to remind the public to remain mindful of current conditions. With dry vegetation and windy conditions, fires can spread rapidly and become dangerous in a short amount of time.