RUFF fire

visited a devastated small village of around 40 residents in Wooldridge-Cooper County, Missouri in October 2022. The fire started in a nearby grain field, quickly spreading due to extreme drought conditions and temperatures over 20 degrees above normal.

The fire destroyed almost 25 buildings, including homes, and displaced several families. The Baptist church building sustained the most damage, with firefighters able to save the stained glass windows but not the walls and ceilings, which suffered extensive water damage. Fortunately, no one was killed, but several people suffered burns, and one person was hospitalized.

Firefighters from over 30 different agencies worked tirelessly to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas. The smoke from the fire caused the closure of Interstate 70 for two hours. The American Red Cross quickly set up an emergency shelter to help those displaced by the fire.

In the aftermath of the fire, an insurance investigator from the claims department arrived on the scene to determine the cause of the fire and investigate the extent of the damage. When asked about the fire's progression, the investigator responded that “the winds can do  crazy things”. Wasn’t the wind this day blowing from the“south to north?” at 20 - 40 mph? Upon speaking with a resident who claimed that “the fire did not start where the combine was located, but rather by a barn where the farmer had driven the combine from”,  The investigator was surprised by this revelation.

The community has suffered a devastating loss, how will the residents overcome this tragedy?

Stay tuned for more information on this story as we work to bring you the latest updates on this tragic event in Wooldridge, Missouri.

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RUFF FIRE is dedicated to challenging the status quo of the fire service. We believe, like the tiny particles dancing in a fire explained by the PENAM+ framework (Protons, Electrons, Neutrons, Atoms, and Molecules), that a fresh approach is key. Traditional ways are no longer enough. We must delve deeper into the science of fire, utilizing innovative technology and tactics to safeguard lives and property. As Einstein stated, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." The fire service needs a revolution, and RUFF FIRE is here to lead the charge.

At RUFF FIRE, we're committed to pushing boundaries. We actively experiment and embrace transformative advancements, all grounded in a scientific understanding of fire. Our goal? To save lives and protect property through groundbreaking ways. With unwavering determination, RUFF FIRE stands ready to pioneer a new era in fire service. Together, let's break the cycle of inefficiency and forge a safer future, informed by the fascinating dance of particles that is fire.