GRIFFITHSVILLE, W.Va. — During the early morning hours Tuesday, the calls came into the Lincoln County 911 system. Rivers were rising on the eastern side of the county and people needed help. Members of the Duval Volunteer Fire Department dutifully left the comfort of their beds and headed to the fire station.
But as they started to gear up to help others, the fire department suddenly became a victim.
“When we started trying to get things started up, the water was backing up and started coming into the station as we were getting numerous calls for water rescues,” said Fire Chief Nathan Price.
Price said the fate of the fire hall had to wait.
“It definitely hampered our ability to take care of the station at that point in time,” he said. “Life is definitely more important than pieces of equipment. We can replace a piece of equipment but you can’t replace a human person.”
All along Route 3 and 214 in the local area homes were surrounded by water and many residents were trapped as the rain continued to fall hard. The department, aided by other fire departments in the region who also assisted, performed eight swift-water rescues during the ordeal. All were saved successfully.
Back at the fire hall there was a mess to clean up. Fortunately, because of the recent high water problems, all of the fire trucks and most of the equipment had been moved to higher ground. Several ambulances were damaged when they were surrounded by the water, but the fire station itself seemed to be okay according to Price.
“Everything is concrete and block. We had a kitchen that had some damage and we lost some appliances and some of the wooden structure will have to be torn out,” he said. “We’re already back in. All of the guys who couldn’t get to work came in and helped clean up as best we could.”