Columbia Fire & Rescue Crews Return From Texas Fires

Issue #822

September 22, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Partly sunny w/ high of 74, low of 65

🚒 Columbia Fire & Rescue Crews Return From Texas Fires

👉 9/26: Columbia Comic Book & Toy Expo

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Fire & Rescue Crews Return From Texas Fires

The City of Columbia is recognizing six Columbia Fire & Rescue (CFR) firefighters following their deployment to Texas, where they assisted with efforts to contain the Ross Fire as part of Tennessee Strike Team 1100.

CFR deployed on August 30 through the Tennessee Emergency Mutual Aid Assistance Compact (T-MAC), sending Captains Joey Norman, Jon Hardy and Will Craft, along with Firefighters Nicholas Weatherly, Ethan Pitton and Garrick Paley. The team also deployed with Engine 1 and Support 1.

“We are incredibly proud of these six Columbia firefighters for answering the call to serve and representing our community so well,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “Their willingness to travel hundreds of miles from home to help communities in need speaks to the dedication and spirit of service that defines Columbia Fire & Rescue.”

The Ross Fire grew to approximately 90,400 acres and presented challenging conditions for crews working to protect communities and contain the wildfire. When Columbia crews arrived, the fire was approximately 30% contained. By the time of their departure, containment had increased to 87%.

Throughout the deployment, CFR personnel worked alongside firefighters and emergency responders from Tennessee and Texas, often working 14- to 16-hour shifts in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. Columbia crews assisted with structure and property protection, patrolled fire lines for hot spots, coordinated with aerial firefighting resources and responded to additional fire activity threatening nearby communities.

The deployment also provided CFR personnel with valuable experience in wildland firefighting operations while strengthening partnerships with emergency response agencies across state lines.

“The dedication demonstrated by our Columbia Fire & Rescue personnel during this deployment reflects the very best of public service,” said Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “Our crews worked long hours in extremely difficult conditions, and we are incredibly proud of the professionalism and commitment they demonstrated while assisting the people of Texas.”

The City of Columbia extends its appreciation to the six CFR personnel who answered the call to serve and to the Columbia firefighters who remained at home to ensure continued emergency response and fire protection throughout the community during the deployment.

The City also thanks the Texas communities, emergency personnel and businesses that supported responding firefighters throughout the deployment. Their hospitality and assistance helped ensure crews had the resources they needed while working far from home.

The City of Columbia is proud of Columbia Fire & Rescue and grateful for the opportunity to support fellow communities during a significant emergency.

9/26: Columbia Comic Book & Toy Expo

The Columbia Comic Book & Toy Expo returns to the Columbia National Guard Armory this Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Vendors will have comic books spanning 1940 to the present, along with toys, Pokemon, horror collectibles, Funko Pops and LEGO. Admission is $5 at the door.

Inside the expo, The Board Room offers a dedicated gaming space sponsored and organized by Muletown Hobbies and Games. Drop in any time for board games and casual Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon play, or grab a seat at one of the tabletop RPG one-shots led by experienced Game Masters, with beginners welcome. There's also open play for trading card games throughout the day, where every participant gets a booster pack and players can compete for rare promo cards. Seats for the RPG sessions are limited and first come, first served, so check out the full Board Room schedule before you go.

National Guard Armory
844 N. James Campbell Blvd.

Find more information here and here.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, September 23rd

  • Vet2Vet Meet Up at Twisted Copper Brewing Company - 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 24th

Friday, September 25th - “Dolly Day!” Find special events in Nashville here

Saturday, September 26th

Sunday, September 20th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, September 22
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6-9 PM

Thursday, September 24
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM
Justine Blanchet - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM

Friday, September 25
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Golden Soul Revue - Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Bayou Blues Jam - Southern Bayou Kitchen, 7 PM
Hit Songwriter Show - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Zachariah Smith - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
Austin Byrd - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Brandon Bartley - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, September 26
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Crossbridges - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Boomerang - Corner of Woodland & E 7th St, 3-5 PM
Mustard & Biscuits - Grinder's Switch Winery, 5-7 PM
Box of Rox - Corner of Woodland & E 7th St, 6-8 PM
Rob Roscoe and Larkin & Leigh - 2-3 Pleasant St, 6-9 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Un-Redacted + Colonsay - 104 East St, 7:30 PM
Song Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Real Deal Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Radio Farm - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Hippies & Cowboys - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Six String Revolver - The Boondox, 8 PM
Vintage Voltage - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, September 27
Phillips Music - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

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