Maryville Fire hosts statewide training course

By Phil Cobb | October 9, 2025 |

PHOTO BY KOLTON JONES
Firefighters inspect and learn about a local MFA Oil propane truck to become familiar with the equipment while at a training Saturday.

MARYVILLE, Mo. — On Saturday, the Maryville Fire Department hosted a statewide training course about how to handle liquefied petroleum (propane and butane) gas emergencies.

In partnership with the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute, the comprehensive training included eight hours of classroom instruction and three hours of live fire exercises, Maryville Fire Chief Jace Pine said in an email. This training, fully funded by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, is the first of three training courses from the institute that the local fire department plans to host over the next year.

During the classroom portion, Pine said firefighters studied the properties of propane and how it compares to natural gas. They learned about the different types of containers it may be stored in — from standard grill tanks to industrial bulk applications — and the operational safety limits for each. Emphasized during the session were strategies and tactics for dealing with tanks exposed to fire, how to handle indoor and outdoor leaks, preventing explosions and recognizing early warning signs of potential problems.

In order to help firefighters familiarize themselves with equipment actually located and used within the community, Jimmy Dow, MFA Oil service technician, and Kolton Jones, MFA business development representative, set up a bobtail propane truck at the asphalt lot north of the Maryville R-II bus barn. They walked local firefighters through the truck’s setup and supplied propane for the live fire training, helping crews safely simulate and respond to propane-related emergencies.

Open to departments across the state, six instructors guided the training, including three members from the Maryville FD. Twenty-one firefighters from MFD and the Polk and Jackson townships along with the Barnard, Stanberry, St. Joseph, DeKalb and Union Star fire departments took part in the training.

“This training was a significant step forward in preparing our firefighters to manage hazardous situations safely and effectively,” Pine said in an email. “I am proud of the work our department and our regional partners accomplished, and I am grateful to our community for their continued support and understanding as we train to serve.”

While this type of incident isn’t often encountered by local firefighters, Pine said “it is critical they have the training and experience to respond effectively, ensuring that we protect the community and that every firefighter goes home safe.”

PHOTO BY JACE PINE
Firefighters take part in the classroom portion of a statewide training event held at the R.Keith Wood Public Safety Facility on Saturday.