Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department

10/08/2026

TAVFD responds to fast moving field fire.
On Wednesday, October 7th at about 12:16 pm, TAVFD was dispatched to a rapidly spreading field fire at our far northwest corner of our district. The first unit reported the fire extending rapidly in all directions and impinging on as many as seven structures. One firefighter deployed a handline to protect two structures, while another deployed a backpack blower to push flames away from a machine shed. A third firefighter protected the well house with a pressurized water can, while additional resources were responding.
As additional units arrived, the team worked an aggressive defensive operation to keep the fire away from structures. At the peak of the fire, seven hand lines were in use protecting structures.
Gainesville Fire Department provided mutual aid, working the southern fire line before redeploying to the northern fire line as the fire approached an older silo and surrounding structures. All buildings in the area were protected, whether occupied or vacant.
Under the very dry and the wind conditions, a structure fire poses a significant threat, with embers potentially traveling considerable distances.
There was damage to the well house and a farm implement. All units were back in service by approximately 3:51 p.m. The fire was determined to have been accidentally ignited during a hay harvesting operation. No injuries reported, unfortunately we have another brush truck out of service, this one due to a pump failure.
TAVFD command extends proud praise to all firefighters who responded. Their aggressive and coordinated efforts, along with assistance from Gainesville Fire Department, kept this fast-moving fire from the structures. Over the past 48 hours, TAVFD has also responded to multiple calls. On Tuesday, October 6, the department worked two medical calls and provided mutual aid for tanker operations at a large field fire near Thornfield, assisting neighboring partners. Later that evening, firefighters attended training and responded to a medical call afterward. From medical calls and mutual aid operations to training and today’s large field fire, our volunteers have been ready and answering the call whenever needed. We're proud of our firefighters and grateful for our mutual aid partners who work alongside us to protect our communities.

10/06/2026

The Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank Lutie School for welcoming us on Monday 9/28 .
Our TAVFD responders enjoyed sharing fire safety tips with the kindergarten class and letting the kids see what full firefighting gear looks like. Of course, no visit would be complete without a little fun. The students really enjoyed spraying the fire hose and knocking down cones. Our team loved spending time with the kids, and we truly value getting to know the young members of our community. Thank you again, Lutie School. We look forward to seeing you again. On behalf of Chief Newton and the TAVFD responders, we wish all at the Lutie School a safe and healthy school year!

10/03/2026

On Friday, October 2, at approximately 2:37 p.m., the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on State Highway N-N near County Road 634. Dispatch reported an overturned vehicle occupied by two people, with additional reports of smoke coming from the vehicle. TAVFD responded with seven firefighters, the #551 E-One Rescue/Pumper, the #581 Attack truck, and a #561 2000-gallon Tanker.
Upon arrival, firefighters secured the scene, began victim assessment for incoming EMS, checked for additional hazards. and provided traffic control while the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted their investigation and measurements. Firefighters stood by with a charged line in case of any further hazards or mishaps
All TAVFD units returned to service at approximately 3:59 p.m.
Responding to this MVA – TAVFD, Ozark County Ambulance, MSHP and Sams Wrecker Service
Friday was a busy day for the department, with three motor vehicle accidents, one canceled, and a medical call. Command is proud of the number of responders who stepped up and were available to help. We're grateful to our volunteers who continue to answer the call and serve our community when they are needed.

10/02/2026

Important: Please find the link to view the 2026 fire chiefs report.

Visit the Google Drive link here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RyBs5bSipzjtRLL-pZma0gM0re0XxkeW/view

09/29/2026

09/27/2026

TAVFD Responds to Fire Near Anglers Place
On Saturday, September 26, at approximately 1:22 p.m., the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a large plume of smoke reported at or near Anglers Place, approximately ¼ mile west of HH Highway on US 160.
The first arriving unit reported a brush fire rapidly moving in multiple directions, with fire extending to the exterior of outbuildings on the vacant property to the east. The fire had advanced to the area of a home on the property.
As additional units arrived, firefighters deployed multiple attack lines to protect and extinguish fire on the exterior of the structures while also working to stop the advancing fire spreading to the south and west.
Firefighters wearing full protective gear and SCBA conducted both a primary and secondary searches of the outbuildings. Thermal imaging cameras were also used to check for hidden heat and fire extension.
The Ozark County Sheriff's Department was contacted and deputies were requested to follow up at the scene.
TAVFD Command would like to express its sincere appreciation to the outstanding turnout of TAVFD firefighters who responded and worked together to quickly address the fire and protect the structures.
We also greatly appreciate the excellent mutual-aid response from the Gainesville Volunteer Fire Department. The cooperation and support of our neighboring department are an important part of providing effective fire protection to our communities.
Also a special thanks to the Assistant Chief from the Lazy Acres VFD who stop and assisted with the fire event.
Theodosia Area VFD, Gainesville VFD, Ozark County Sheriff’s Department and White River Electric responded to today’s fire , All Unis went back in service at 3:26pm. No injuries were reported.

09/23/2026

As we had reported earlier, the Sept 9 brush/ wildland fire took a toll on some of our aging apparatus. We've since determined that our 1984 Chevrolet, the Brush 573, is beyond economical repair and is now out of service.
With what looks like a very challenging brush and wildland season ahead, we are asking for the community's help. We're looking for a heavy-duty four-wheel drive truck, preferably something like a Ford F-350, F-450, F-550 or similar, in good mechanical condition that can be equipped for brush and wildland firefighting, including carrying a water tank and pumping equipment. Our budget is limited, so we're hoping to find something mechanically sound at a reasonable cost. And if someone in the community is able to donate a vehicle or help us acquire one at a reduced cost, we'd certainly welcome that. If you know of a truck that might work, please reach out to the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department or pass the information along. We're not looking for fancy, just something solid and dependable we can put to work protecting our community. We appreciate your continued support and understanding.
Update on the Brush 571 - affordable repairs have been made and it is back in service. Tanker 561 - Repair strategy is still being determined

09/21/2026

On Sunday Sept 20 at 5:49 pm the TAVFD was dispatched to a Motor Vehicle Accident involving a 4 wheeler ATV type vehicle at or near Century Bank on US 160.
Responders made contact with the victim on the shoulder of east bound US 160 and began immediate assessments and relayed information to incoming EMS. Responders continued with assisting EMS along with setting up an LZ for Air Evac. All units went back in service at 7:51pm. Agencies responding - TAVFD, Ozark County Ambulance, MSHP and OCSD

09/20/2026

At around 2:03 PM on Sunday Sept 20th , the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire on County Road 902. Upon arrival, firefighters quickly determined the source to be a smoldering log from a previous fire on September 8th. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished before it could spread or threaten any structures.
Due to high heat and extremely dry conditions, the Ozark County Sheriff's Department dispatched Thornfield VFD and the Gainesville VFD. With the containment, TAVFD was able to cancel mutual aid.
Ozark County Ambulance monitoring radio traffic contacted TAVFD Command and offered a rehab station for firefighter cool down and recovery. OCA are good folks that care and we thank you for the offer.
All units were back in service by 3:51 PM. Thank you to all our firefighters, Ozark County Ambulance, Gainesville VFD, Thornfield VFD and the Sheriff's Department for keeping our community safe.