On Friday afternoon, the Beulah Fire Department C-Shift was dispatched to assist the East Alabama Fire District in combating a significant woodland fire that posed a threat to several structures near I-85 and Judge Brown Road.
Upon their arrival, the fire crews collaborated with EAFD personnel to initiate fire attack and containment efforts. They employed a variety of hand tools, along with Gator-618 and backpack blowers, to control the fire’s spread. Concurrently, the crew from Tanker 614 set up a water-fill site at I-85 Exit 70, across from the Cusseta Travel Plaza. While managing the fill site, the T-614 crew received urgent reports from several passersby about a serious multi-vehicle collision involving an 18-wheeler on I-85 Northbound just before the Exit 70 off-ramp. The Rescue 619 crew, already stationed at the fill site, notified dispatch of the accident and promptly responded to the scene.
Upon their arrival, the R-619 crew encountered a multi-vehicle accident, which included one overturned vehicle and an 18-wheeler obstructing the outer northbound lane in the median. Further assessment revealed two individuals trapped inside one vehicle, one person ejected from the vehicle, and a total of four patients at the scene. The R-619 crew updated incoming units regarding the crash’s severity, prompting additional support from the Opelika Fire Department and East Alabama EMS for mutual aid. BFD crews assisted in patient extraction and provided medical care at the scene. Meanwhile, other BFD personnel continued their efforts to assist in extinguishing and containing the woodland fire.
The Beulah Fire Department remained operational in Chambers County for approximately three hours before returning to service, deploying four apparatuses and eight personnel. Simultaneously, it ensures coverage of the Beulah Community for any additional emergency calls. Below is a list of all agencies that responded to both incidents on Friday evening.
