Union Fire Protection District

As we all get ready to celebrate America's 250th birthday, we'd like to send out our annual reminder to be SAFE and that it is best to leave fireworks to the professionals. In fact City of Union, Missouri is hosting a professional fireworks show tonight at Veterans Memorial Park.

Below are statistics from NFPA related to firework injuries.

Fireworks started an estimated 34,079 fires in 2024, including 3,246 structure fires, 857 vehicle fires, 29,517 outside fires, and 459 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated 59 civilian injuries and $98 million in direct property damage. There were not reported civilian deaths.
In 2024, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 14,700 people for fireworks related injuries.
A 1-month special study period between June 16, 2023 and July 16, 2023 found that nearly half of the fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments were to the extremities (35% hands and fingers, 8% legs, 5% arms) and 22% were to the head, face, and ears.
Only 11% of the fireworks fires were structure fires but these incidents accounted for 77% of the civilian deaths, 83% of the civilian injuries, and 88% of the direct property damage.
Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 32% of the estimated 2023 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2023 Fireworks Annual Report.
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fireworks #:~:text=www.nfpa.org/fireworks

This past week, UFPD has had a little fun in the sun, as well as fun in the rain. We were happy to provide firetruck showers for children and our giant flag for the Passport to 250 celebration event.

**ROADWAY REOPENED**

Highway V in the area of Clearview Rd is shut down for an undetermined amount of time. We will update when the roadway is reopened. 06/22/26 1622 hrs.

Equipment Highlight: Rope Rescue

Union Fire has an arsenal of equipment for rope rescue operations, requiring extensive training for proficient use. Each shift features firefighters trained and certified as Rope Rescue Technicians. To obtain a technician certification, firefighters must complete a 64-hour course and passed both a physical skill and written exam, as mandated by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.

Each rescue pumper is equipped with 400ft of life safety rope, harnesses, and hardware bags. This equipment allows firefighters to facilitate rappelling, ascending, hauling, high-line creation, and load securing, among other complex operations. A strict testing and replacement schedules ensure our equipment remains current, allowing our firefighters to respond effectively to various situations.

The Union Fire Protection District would like to thank KMOV and Russell Kinsaul for sharing the story of former Union Fire District Chief Russell Hamilton and helping shine a light on the realities of occupational cancer in the fire service.

Chief Hamilton’s story represents a challenge faced by firefighters across the country and a burden carried by far too many families. His service, leadership, and lasting impact on our district and community will not be forgotten.

Occupational cancer remains one of the most serious long-term health risks firefighters face, often appearing years after their service has ended. Stories like Chief Hamilton’s help bring greater awareness to the risks associated with firefighting and the importance of continued prevention, early detection, and support for firefighters and their families.

We appreciate KMOV for helping tell this important story and for recognizing the impact occupational cancer continues to have on the fire service.

Our thoughts remain with Chief Hamilton’s family, friends, all who served alongside him, and all those affected by occupational cancer.

Family of late Union Fire chief highlights hidden cancer toll among firefighters Cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters. What’s causing this is much of what surrounds people inside their homes.

This week Union Fire personnel along with other fire personnel of Franklin County, have been training on boat operations. Crews have been out in Sullivan running up and down the Meramec River training on rescue scenarios.
The water conditions have been perfect training this week. Up just enough to make it challenging but still safe for our crews.