Last fall was a blur of ridge-top infernos, smoke-filled valleys, non-stop alarms and sleepless nights for members of the Putney Volunteer Fire Department. When the outbreak of wildfires happened in Harlan County starting in October and lasting through November, the biggest fires were reported in Putney Fire Department's district.
"I don't know what we would have done without the assistance of other fire departments within the county and the state, as well as the help of the National Guard," said Putney Volunteer Fire Department Chief Shawn Hightower. "It ran us ragged. It just about depleted this small station. We're grateful for emergency funding to offset some costs, but last fall just goes to show how important our small fire departments are and how badly volunteer firefighters are still needed."