Alabama Firefighters Head to Coast Ahead of Isaias
Water rescue crews and fire engines deploy before landfall, ready to help coastal communities once conditions allow
TL;DR: Central Alabama firefighters headed to the Gulf Coast ahead of Hurricane Isaias. Rescue teams staged on both sides of Mobile Bay, with fire crews joining the response.
Central Alabama firefighters began deploying Thursday, Oct. 8, ahead of Hurricane Isaias, placing rescue crews and fire engines near communities that could need help after landfall, ABC 33/40 reported.
A 16-member water rescue team from Trussville, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills was assigned to stage near Foley. A second team from Hoover and Calera would cover the Mobile side of the bay. Crews brought power boats, trained rescue swimmers and backup communications gear. Their mission includes reaching people trapped by floodwater and storm surge.
Vestavia Hills Fire Lt. Terrell Robinson said the work reflects why firefighters chose the job.
“This is kind of what we do. We got into the job to help, so I think it comes natural to us,” Robinson told ABC 33/40.
The effort also includes fire engines from Chelsea, Auburn, Morris, Irondale and Pelham, plus a rescue transport unit from Cahaba Valley.
According to the City of Pelham, its contribution is one engine and four firefighters assigned to Strike Team 111. That 24-member team was scheduled to deploy Friday, Oct. 9, and remain available through Monday, Oct. 12, based on conditions and need.
The deployment marks the first time crews have been positioned before a storm under the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Consortium. The agreement grew out of Hurricane Sally in 2020 to improve how departments share crews and equipment during major disasters.
Vestavia Hills Fire Chief Marvin Green is overseeing the effort with State and local emergency agencies. Crews will shelter in safe staging areas while the storm passes, then move into affected communities when conditions permit. Their duties include fighting fires, providing emergency medical care and helping local responders handle other calls.
