Olney turns out for firefighters

The Olney Volunteer Fire Department was overwhelmed with gratitude – and supplies – after Olney’s businesses and townspeople flooded the firehouse with water, Gatorade, and snacks as firefighters battled the Campbell Ranch wildfire. The OVFD asked those who want to make a monetary donation to the all-volunteer department to help offset the wear and tear to equipment from a long and busy fire season that is far from over, OVFD Secretary Mathew Ickert said.

“We are in pretty good shape on the water and Gatorade but are still accepting donations.” Mr. Ickert said. Olney firefighters took the brunt of the battle against the Campbell Ranch fire, which broke out Thursday afternoon – just two days after the Texas A&M University Forestry Service raised the State Wildfire Preparedness Level to Level 4.

The heightened preparedness was due to the recent increase in wildfire activity across the state and the growing potential for wildfires to become more severe, making them harder to control, the agency said. Olney firefighters fought flames that hot winds fanned over their heads, in temperatures that soared over 110 degrees F.

The community joined the fight by dropping off cases of hydrating beverages, baby wipes, food, and other snacks.

On Saturday afternoon, Allsups Corporation donated 80 cases of water, Gatorade, and snacks to OVFD. The Olney Police Department organized a brigade of volunteers with trucks and SUVs to transport the donations to the fire station.

“Thank you does not seem enough for the outpouring of support and love we have received!” the department wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday evening. “The past few days have been grueling. To come home to the firehouse and see the abundance of donations is overwhelming! We are blessed by good, good people in this world!”

“... at this time we do NOT need any more donations of water, Gatorade/Powerade, or any other supplies previously listed,” the post continued.

Mr. Ickert said monetary donations can be made by check and sent to the OVFD at PO Box 352, Olney, Texas 76374, or made online at olneyfire.weebly.com/ donations, the post said.