Kanwaka Township Road Superintendent honored for heroic efforts in containing grass fire

Kanwaka Township Road Superintendent Jeff Skinner was recognized Tuesday evening for his swift, decisive actions in helping to extinguish and contain a large grass fire on March 14 amid near hurricane-force winds.

Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 presented Skinner with a plaque at the beginning of the Kanwaka Township Board meeting, commending his proactive response.

“Mr. Skinner made significant contributions during that very dangerous fire,” Interim Fire Chief John Mathis said. “His assistance in heavy equipment helped directly in final containment, and his many hours throughout the day contributed to the protection of homes and lives.”

The fire, which burned approximately 200 acres east of Stull near North 1600 and East 400 roads, prompted Douglas County Emergency Management to activate its emergency operations center to coordinate resources and communications. Multiple fire agencies from Douglas County and the surrounding areas responded to the fire, and an evacuation order was in place for about two hours.

Mathis said that several veteran firefighters described that day, when they responded to 28 incidents including the large grass fire, as one of the worst they had ever experienced. 

Fortunately, no structures were destroyed, and no injuries were reported.

Kanwaka Township Trustee David Wulfkuhle, a longtime volunteer firefighter who served as Incident Commander during the fire, described Skinner’s assistance as exceptional.

“Jeff took it upon himself to bring our Water Tender, and later, he brought a Rubber Tire Loader to knock down burning trees along East 400 Road for safety,” Wulfkuhle said. “His proactive efforts were crucial in managing the situation effectively.”

Skinner also used a road grader to lay a “black line” for the back burn, significantly aiding containment efforts. 

“He was on the fire grounds almost the whole time, demonstrating remarkable dedication and commitment,” Wulfkuhle added.