July 18, 2006

Firefighters provide coverage at fair

       As with annual tradition, firefighters from the White River Township Fire Department provided fire and emergency medical services at the Johnson County Fair throughout the day today.  During each day of the fair, a different fire department in Johnson County is asked to send a group of firefighters and equipment to provide on-site fire service coverage.  This year, the day was co-staffed with firefighters from the Needham Fire Department.  Additionally, White River provides coverage for both nights of the Demolition Derby, another long-standing tradition for the department.

         Business was slightly up with temperatures reaching well into the 90's and high humidity but fortunately no significant fires or serious injuries were reported.  There were some tense moments though when a severe thunderstorm rolled through the fairgrounds prompting officials to shut down the fair and ask patrons to seek shelter immediately.  Heavy rain, vivid lightning, and winds in excess of sixty miles-per-hour caused damage throughout the fairgrounds including a massive tent being blown down that was used by carnival operators.  A tree also fell onto a parked vehicle but no one was inside.  After the storm lifted, cleanup began and the fair re-opened.  One carnival worker suffered a possible broken arm as a result of the storm and was later treated at the hospital.

         More information about the Johnson County Fair can be found on its web site by clicking HERE.
 

           
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