EUFAULA, Ala. -- When the deadly storms roared through southwest Alabama Sunday night, more than homes and businesses were impacted. The men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping others safe had to do the same for themselves.
First responders in Eufaula, Alabama found themselves in the storm’s path. The Eufaula Fire Department posted pictures of how their Northside Station looked after the storm left. The building appears to a total loss with twisted metal and insulation collapsed and strewn everywhere.
“Our station and our fire apparatus can be replaced, but our fellow firefighters can not be,” the post said.
They are filled with gratitude and they are safe.
“We are so thankful that our two took care of each other through their time of fear and they escaped injury free,” the post read.
The department is receiving an abundance of support from the community and other fire departments. The Hackelburg, Ala. Fire Department wrote “Brothers and Sisters, we have been where you are now, we were there in 2011, if there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know! We have you all covered in prayer!”
Eufaula sits on the border with Georgia, separated by the Walter F. George Reservoir. North of Eufaula, in Lee County, Ala. the devastation is still not fully realized.
At least 23 people are confirmed dead and Sheriff Jay Jones said he is expecting that number to increase as crews begin rescue and recovery. The number of people missing are double digits and more 100 people will create search and rescue teams to comb through the rubble that’s spread out over this rural area.
Jones said the youngest victim in Lee County was just six-years-old.
