Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District

10/14/2026

Fall weather can make roads more dangerous than many drivers realize. Rain, cooler temperatures, and wet leaves can quickly reduce traction and visibility, increasing the risk of losing control or being involved in a crash.

When driving on wet roads, slow down, increase your following distance, turn on your headlights, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Also remember that wet leaves can be just as slick as ice. A few extra precautions can go a long way in helping keep you and others safe this fall.

10/13/2026

Today’s Tool Tuesday highlights a TOOL that everyone uses — or should be using — the Smoke Alarm!

How do smoke alarms work?
In simple terms, smoke alarms are designed to sense smoke long before you can. Depending on the type, they detect either tiny particles from a smoldering fire or quick-burning flames. When smoke enters the alarm, it triggers a loud alert — giving you and your family the precious seconds needed to react and get to safety.

We’re focusing on smoke alarms this week because as winter settles in and heaters, fireplaces, and space heaters start running, the risk of home fires increases. Having working smoke alarms on every level of your home — and testing them regularly — is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family.

Luckily, if you don't have any smoke alarms, WRFPD teams up with the American Red Cross to provide and install smoke alarms into homes. For more information, give us a call (573-774-5449)!

Stay safe, stay warm, and make sure your smoke alarms are ready for the season!

10/13/2026

10/11/2026

Our department has had a full and productive week of training, focusing on sharpening the skills that keep our crews prepared for any call. This week’s sessions covered a wide range of important topics, including:

• General Company-Level Operations
• District Knowledge & Familiarization
• Hose Deployment & Management Training
• Medical Assessment Training
• SCBA Familiarization Training
• Building Construction Training
• Rural Water Supply Training
• Wildfire Training (Burn Lines & Back Burns)

Each of these trainings helps ensure that our firefighters are not only technically proficient but also ready to respond with confidence, safety, and professionalism.

We are proud of the dedication shown by our members as they continue to learn, adapt, and train for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Stay tuned here for more updates as we share the work being done to better serve our community.

10/10/2026

When charging on a plane, keep portable charging devices on the tray
table. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments and never
charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails,
it is important for the flight crew to be able to respond quickly. For more
info: fpw.org.

10/09/2026

Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools
outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These
batteries store more energy, and fires can grow quickly if they
fail. For more info: fpw.org.

10/08/2026

Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in
longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery. For
more info: fpw.org.

10/07/2026

Stop using your device right away if the battery smells strange, is
warm to the touch, makes popping noises, changes in shape or
color, or if you see smoke. If it is safe, move the device away
from anything that can catch fire. A damaged battery can
overheat and start a fire. For more info: fpw.org.

10/06/2026

Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds,
couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can
cause a battery to overheat. For more info: fpw.org.

10/05/2026

Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones
approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire. For more info:
fpw.org.