VIDEO: The Wiggins Fire Department announced the arrival of its newest recruit, Ruby, a 15-week-old Dalmatian from North Carolina.

For the first time, the Helena and Escatawpa communities are now protected by their very own fully-staffed fire station.

The Ridgeland Fire Department is creating a new apprenticeship program for military veterans.

When fire crews arrived, they reported heavy black smoke and flames billowing from the front of the residence.

VIDEO: In April of 1840, Columbus Fire and Rescue started as a group of volunteers with historic equipment, including a steam engine, which is preserved at Fire Station 1.

PHOTOS: The dog, Rascal, found his way under the house and fell into the old well that is approximately 18 inches in diameter and 20 feet deep.

Some firefighters in the area have been busy battling some fires lately and they’re urging folks to be cautious when burning anything outdoors.

Thursday morning, Pine Burr was dispatched to a mutual-aid woods fire off Mississippi 13 in Marion County with structures in danger.

Biloxi firefighters will be collecting funds over the next several days with boots in hand to help the MDA.

Jackson County Emergency Management Director Earl Etheridge said the fire spanned 70 acres.