Here To Help In Any Way

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

This inferno burned for a week in Attalla, AL.

September 30, 2019 is a day most people will not think of as different from any other day, but in our area it was different. We watched emergency personnel come together from all over to fight one fire.

Shortly after 12:00 PM on the 30th firefighters in Attalla were called out to a fire at a warehouse off Alabama Highway 77. Little did they know what exactly they were responding to, but it didn't take long for them to realize the beast they would be fighting. An "all call" was issued, in which all fire departments in a designated distance sent trucks, firefighters, and supplies to help in the efforts.

I personally got to see countless firefighters from 10 counties fight the blaze and recovering from fighting the blaze. Departments from all over sent trucks and firefighters to help. These men and women fought long and hard. I was in awe watching their efforts.

The police and sheriff departments worked long and hard as well detouring traffic away from the fire. They had to make sure the fire trucks running to get more water could get where they needed and back to the fire. These civil servants worked hard to keep not just the roads clear but keep the scene under control and free from congestion. 

Etowah County EMA (Emergency Management Agency) and the American Red Cross were coordinating the volunteers and support. Our marketing representative for this area, Theresa Smith, went and asked where she could help like many others in community did. Bottles of water and food were delivered in spades. Local companies were donating EZ-Up canopies, tables, chairs, and their time to assist in any manner they could. Cooling stations were set up to reduce the number of firefighters hurt from the heat. With temperatures nearing triple digits the concern for dehydration and overheating was a concern. 

A full 10 days later, the smoke can still be seen if you drive by the scene of the fire, however, in much smaller size to the raging inferno it was.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County was happy to help as most of the community was. We want to extend a HUGE thank you to the 300+ firefighters who came out to fight the flames. We also want to extend a HUGE thank you to the police officers and sheriff deputies who worked to help as well. The community came together to help in a time of need in a way that makes us proud to be in the area.