Decatur Fire Department

05/28/2026

✅ Public Service Update ✅

The gas leak in the 17000 block of State Highway 58 N has been repaired and the incident has been resolved.

Decatur Fire Department, Meigs County Emergency Services, and Tennessee Natural Gas worked together to quickly address the situation and ensure the safety of the community.

There is no longer any danger to the public, and normal travel can resume in the area.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation while crews worked to mitigate the leak.

05/28/2026

🚨 Public Service Announcement 🚨
UPDATE. GAS LEAK HAS BEEN REPAIRED.

There is currently a gas leak in the 17000 block of State Highway 58 N.

At this time, the Decatur Fire Department, Meigs County Emergency Services, and Tennessee Natural Gas are on scene working the incident.

Please avoid the area and use caution if traveling nearby to allow emergency personnel room to operate safely.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

05/20/2026

View Doyle Fugate's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/19/2026

💔 It is with great difficulty and heavy hearts that Meigs County Emergency Services announces the passing of MCSD 816 Doyle Fugate.

Doyle was a tremendous asset to Meigs County and served this community with pride, dedication, and compassion. At this time, all station flags are to be placed at Half Staff in honor of his service and memory.

Doyle was the kind of person who was the same every single time you saw him — always smiling, always kind, and always happy to see you. He carried a light with him that made even the hardest days a little easier. His presence, laughter, and servant’s heart left an impact on so many that will never be forgotten.

He was more than just an officer; he was someone this community trusted, respected, and loved. The kind of person who leaves footprints that can never truly be filled.

While our hearts grieve the loss here on Earth, we find comfort in knowing the dream team is back together again. What a reunion Heaven must be having.

Doyle, thank you for your service, your friendship, and the countless lives you touched throughout this county. Your watch may have ended here, but your legacy will continue through all of us.

We’ll take it from here, brother. 💙🖤

Funeral arrangements will be shared with members and the public once they become available.

Please keep the Fugate family, the Meigs County Sheriff’s Department, and all of Doyle’s friends and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

05/16/2026

Mark your calendars 🗓️ Burn permits are not required in Tennessee from May 16 through October 14.

Every year, the Tennessee Division of Forestry requires free burn permits from October 15 through May 15. Why those dates? That window is Tennessee's wildfire season, when drier conditions, fallen leaves and lower humidity make it easier for a small backyard fire to escape and turn into something much bigger.

Permits help us track outdoor burning during the riskiest months and keep our forests and neighborhoods safer, while also communicating with the public (that's you!) about when and where it is safe enough to burn at any given time.

Once we move into late spring, summer and early fall, greener vegetation and higher humidity reduce the fire risk... which is why permits aren't required during that stretch.

A few things to keep in mind before you strike a match:

🔥 Some cities and counties have their own burning rules year-round. Always check with your local government before lighting it up.
🔥 Never leave a fire unattended and always have water or tools nearby to control it.
🔥 Watch the wind. Even on a "safe" day, gusts can carry embers farther than you'd think.

Burn permit season may be ending, but fire safety doesn't take a break. Stay smart and stay safe out there, Tennessee! 🌲

05/14/2026

☀️ Summertime is almost here and we know everybody is ready to get those pools opened up! Unfortunately, this is also the time of year the fire department starts getting “Hey y’all got a tanker truck?” phone calls. 😂

As much as we love helping the community, most fire departments — including us — DO NOT fill swimming pools. Our trucks, pumps, and hoses are designed for emergencies, training, and fire suppression… not turning your backyard into Margaritaville. 🏖️

There’s also the small issue of liability. Our insurance company tends to frown upon us accidentally turning your pool liner into a Slip ’N Slide disaster or washing your deck halfway into the neighbor’s yard. 😅

And trust us… you probably don’t want “fire truck water” in your pool anyway. The inside of fire hoses and tanks are made for firefighting, not luxury swimming experiences. The water might come out looking less like “Caribbean Blue” and more like “Gas Station Coffee.” ☕🚒

So unless your pool is actively on fire… we probably can’t help.
(And please don’t set your pool on fire just so we’ll show up. That paperwork alone sounds exhausting.)

We hope everyone has a fantastic, safe summer full of sunshine, cookouts, and cannonballs! 🌊☀️🇺🇸

05/06/2026

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Decatur Fire Department held one of its monthly training meetings at the Meigs County Emergency Operations Center. This month’s training was conducted alongside the ongoing 64-Hour Introduction to Firefighting course currently taking place for new members and recruits.

During the training, members focused on water operations and gained hands-on experience with the fundamentals of water supply, apparatus operations, and flowing water between units. Trainings such as these help strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively serve the citizens of our community.

We are proud to continue investing in training opportunities for both new and experienced firefighters as we work to maintain a high level of preparedness throughout our department.

05/05/2026

04/11/2026

🔥 FIRE WEATHER ALERT THIS WEEKEND 🔥

Elevated fire danger conditions are expected this weekend due to drought, dry fuels, and wind. A small spark can lead to a rapidly spreading wildfire.

Here's how you can help keep our community safe:
✅ Do not burn without a burn permit; we will not issue permits where conditions are unsafe
✅ Avoid outdoor burning
✅ Don't park vehicles on dry grass
✅ Keep grills and fire pits away from structures
✅ Make sure ci******es are fully extinguished

If you see smoke or flames, call 911 immediately. Do not assume someone else has already reported it.

Stay safe out there. 🙏

NOTE: This photo is from a fire earlier this year that is now out.

02/08/2026

🔥 Decatur Fire Department Annual Banquet 🔥

Tonight, the Decatur Fire Department proudly hosted our annual Fire Department Banquet—a special evening dedicated to honoring the men and women who serve our community and the families who stand beside them. This night is always about more than awards; it’s about fellowship, appreciation, and taking time to celebrate the bonds that make our fire family so strong. ❤️🚒

We are proud to recognize our award recipients for this year:
🏆 Top Firefighter: Isaiah Garrett
🚑 Top Responder: Bradley Godsey

These individuals exemplify dedication, professionalism, and a true commitment to serving others, and we are incredibly grateful for all they do.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to 911 Director Stephanie Dunn, Alderman Lynn Ottinger, and Alderman Bryan Peaden for taking the time to attend and show their continued support for our department and our firefighters. 🤝

A special thank-you goes to VEC for graciously allowing us to use their facility and helping make this evening possible.

From our fire family to our community—thank you for your ongoing support. Nights like this remind us why we serve and who we serve for. We are truly blessed. ❤️🔥