Sandersville Georgia Fire Department

Back in the 1970s it was customary for the fire department to have live training exercises by utilizing abandoned structures for practice.

These pictures were taken in 1972 at an unknown location in Sandersville where an abandoned structure was utilized for live fire training. These events sometimes drew a crowd and the public had an opportunity to see what their local fire department was all about.

Firefighters identified in the photos:
Horace Mathis- Nozzle
Louie Riner- Backup
Barney Riner- Fire Chief, overlooking the scene

Photos courtesy of the late Jack Brooker and remastered by David Brooker.

We honor and remember their sacrifice to lay down their lives for our country and freedom. 🫡🇺🇸

Last night, members of our department and departments from all over the state had the opportunity to attend valuable training on re**er container awareness presented by Chief Rodney Wiggins from the Greene County Fire Rescue. We would like to sincerely thank Chief Wiggins for taking the time to share his knowledge, experience, and the dangers these containers can present to first responders.

This training serves as an important reminder of why continuous education and situational awareness matter in the fire service. As we learn more about the hazards associated with refrigerated shipping containers, we also honor the memory and sacrifice of Battalion Chief Chris Eddy, whose line-of-duty death brought national attention to the dangers these incidents can pose.

By spreading awareness, training together, and sharing lessons learned, we help ensure every firefighter goes home safely. Thank you again to Chief Wiggins and Greene County Fire Department for investing in the safety and preparedness of our personnel.

Great news for our South Georgia neighbors!

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/6/26)

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 12 new wildfires that burned 42.7 acres statewide.

These numbers do not include:
• The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 65% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,471 acres and remains 85% contained

Containment continues to improve, but both fires remain active and crews are still working to strengthen and secure containment lines.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
➡️ Please stay clear of active fire areas unless you live or work there
➡️ 🚁 Never fly drones near wildfires—firefighting aircraft must have clear airspace
➡️ Slow down and use caution in areas where smoke may impact visibility
➡️ Continue following guidance from local officials and emergency personnel

Even with recent progress, drought conditions continue to keep wildfire danger elevated across parts of Georgia.

📲 Stay informed:
• Wildfire information and resources: https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/
• Current wildfire activity: https://georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/

We’re thankful for the continued dedication of firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, law enforcement, emergency managers, and all of our partners helping protect Georgia communities.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

To all the firefighters across the globe, we appreciate your sacrifice, willingness, dedication, commitment, and passion to serve others. Keep up the fight and NEVER forget the purpose!

Tonight, we had the honor of hosting a retiree’s supper at the station. We enjoyed a great meal, fellowship, telling war stories, and more, as the retired firefighters of our department reminisced about their years of service.

Special thanks to Captain Mike Hargrove and Engineer Austin Garrett for prepping the low country boil meal along with Chief Boatright for bringing everyone together. We hope to continue this in the future.

Group of retiree’s in the photo (L-R):
Lt. Grayson Upton, Lt. Wesley Sheppard, Fire Chief Willie Leverett, Fire Chief Russell Riner, Captain Mark Hodges, Lt. Chuck Byrne, Lt. Tommy Jordan, and Firefighter Joe Evans.

Not pictured: Captain Darrell Lanier and Firefighter Willie Durden

🚨Reminder we are nearly a week away from this event! Please sign up! We encourage all first responders to take this class! 🚨

Re**er Container Awareness: Chief Wiggins Get ready to dive deep into the world of re**er containers with Chief Wiggins – it's going to be eye-opening!

We had another great ice cream event with the kiddos, and the trucks survived from all the sticky little hands!! We look forward to this every year and we thank Sandersville Main Street for hosting it with us!!

Oconee and Harrison Fire Departments are representing Washington County starting tomorrow for approximately 48 hours at the Brantley County Fire. They will assist with any task necessary to help get this fire under control. Prayers for their safety and thanks for their selfless service to help get this thing under control!

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 15 new wildfires, burning 21.96 acres statewide.

This does not include:
• The Pineland Rd Fire, now estimated at 32,003 acres and 10% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, now estimated at 20,933 acres and 7% contained

With ongoing drought conditions and no significant rainfall in sight, wildfire activity remains elevated across Georgia.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
➡️ If you do not need to be in or near an active fire area, please stay out
➡️ 🚁 No drones — flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can ground firefighting aircraft
➡️ Use caution on roadways where smoke may be present
➡️ Follow all instructions from local officials, including road closures and any potential evacuations

We know these fires are impacting communities across Georgia, and we are thinking of those facing uncertainty and loss. Please continue to follow guidance from local officials—your safety is the top priority.

We’re grateful for the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly, and for the strong support from our local, state, and federal partners and communities.

📲 Stay informed:
https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.