Indian River first responders handle more than 33 calls during recent storm

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company responded to over 33 fire calls during the recent blizzard.

In accordance to Indian River’s Inclement Weather Plan, Chief Steven C. Deery, Jr. requested volunteer firefighters staff both fire stations (Oak Orchard and Long Neck) commencing on Sunday evening at 5 p.m. until released. 

During this time period, the crews responded to 33 emergency alerts calls which included homes or structures damaged from fallen trees, house fires, gas leaks, automatic fire alarms (AFA), vehicle accident, confined space rescue, burns, and wires down. Downed trees and snow drifts made it difficult for units to respond, Deery said.

Each incident utilized 4-Drive fire company apparatus, utility truck, or command vehicle where needed.  In total, the crews responded accordingly:  9 – automatic fire alarms incidents; 7 – electrical hazards, wires down, etc; 3 – service calls – fallen tree; 1 – structure fire assist – Millsboro; 1 – cardiac arrest; 1 – confined space rescue; carbon monoxide detector alarm; 1 – burn; and 1 – motor vehicle accident.

These duty crews were also asked to monitor the inclement weather conditions and report concerns by to the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center which included fallen trees, down wires, tidal conditions, et. al.

Necessary food, beverages, etc. were prepared by the Auxiliary for these designed duty crew standby personnel.

Illustrated herewith are various photographs of the event.

Also illustrated as some of the incident response synopsis:

• https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/55552?ss=1

• https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/55556

• https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/55557?ss=1

• https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/55559?ss=1

• https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/55560

• https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=55573

• https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=55574

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