Emergency responders from Montgomery County are answering the call for aid in fighting rampant wildfires in East Tennessee.
Five personnel from the Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services and 14 volunteer fire fighters are in route to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area to provide assistance to emergency workers already on scene.
“The fires in East Tennessee are devastating," said County Mayor Jim Durrett. "Our prayers are with those affected, and with our personnel headed into the area. Tennessee is known as the volunteer state for a reason, we received assistance during the flood and I’m proud that we have people willing to lend a hand when called upon. I pray for their safety and for a successful mission.”
The responders will be briefed about their mission on arrival.
“We have two ambulances and a supervisor vehicle in route to East Tennessee with teams from Metro Nashville, Wilson County EMA and Sumner County EMS," said MCEMS Director Jimmie Edwards. "They are headed to the Gatlinburg resort district to relieve assets currently operating."
“I received a call for assistance around 7:00 this morning, and by 10:00 a.m," said EMA Director Jerry Buchanan. "I had a team of 14 volunteers ready to hit the road to East Tennessee. That says a lot about the heart of our Volunteer Fire Service."
The teams do not yet know how long they will be assisting in East Tennessee.
