The Hecker Fire Department was called around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 to a house fire on Monroe Street in Hecker. The Red Bud Fire Department was called for mutual aide and both departments were on scene for several hours. Red Bud Fire Chief Sean Landgraf reported that while the house was deemed a total loss, the occupant and his dogs were able to safely get out. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Photo courtesy of the Republic-Times.