We lost our deputy chief a month ago to a heart attack the evening after he responded to two wildfires during the day. First was my neighbor 1/2 mile from me to the NW which was small and I think an accident (and their son is the FPD board treasurer, I'm board secretary). The second was much larger and got to I-70 and jumped to the median near exit 89 and was a burn off by farmer during a NWS red flag warning day.

https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/flags-to-fly-at-half-staff-for-fallen-pilot-grove-firefighter/article_25db05d2-00fd-11f0-9007-e3033729deb6.html

We passed a bond issue last year (75% yes) to upgrade our equipment. We have a 1993 3000 gallon tanker but our only real pumper engine is I think a 1981?  Older 1000 gallon tanker is from the early 70's.   We have a new 3000 gallon tanker/pumper on order to be delivered early summer. We plan to get a 2nd pumper used and a new(er) brush truck as the current one just a plain early 2000's 3/4 ton Chevy with small tank/reel hose/pump in the bed.

Immediate Lebanon area not unlike are area around my area (Pilot Grove) just not crop farming as pointed out so more pasture = more dry grass in the spring.   Not far away are some pretty heavy Ozark forest areas.