North Texas firefighters are still providing aid to the communities affected by Hurricane Beryl, more than a week after it hit the Texas coast.
The fire departments of Grand Prairie, Arlington, and Flower Mound have been instrumental in fulfilling a wide range of state requirements. They have provided assistance in areas such as mutual aid, urban search and rescue, and medical aid.
John Stevenson, the Special Operations Chief of Grand Prairie Fire Department, shared that they are actively involved in Texas Task Force, which specializes in urban search and rescue operations, as well as Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF) for the state of Texas.
“We also take part in TIFMAS, which stands for the Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System. This system provides various mission packages that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the residents. Each package serves a different purpose.”
Upon arrival, the EMFT team was dispatched to the town of Livingston where they discovered that the local hospital was relying on a generator amidst power outages brought about by Hurricane Beryl.
According to Stevenson, they dispatched a captain who also happens to be a leader of the Ambulance Strike Team. The team comprises of five ambulances, each with its own leadership, and an AM bus that is equipped to cater to medical patients.
“They transported the elderly and sick to cooling stations and also helped move patients from hospitals without electricity or backup power. Additionally, they delivered portable oxygen to patients who were in need of it due to power outages.”
The EMFT team has now moved to Houston.
Stevenson stated that the mission is still ongoing today.
TIFMAS, a distinct team, can be found in the charming coastal town of Sargent.
Stevenson expressed that they could provide assistance to the fire department by allowing the fire trucks to handle 911 calls. He also mentioned that they could offer support for damaged facilities outside of their own and assist personnel who may be dealing with personal emergencies at home.
According to Stevenson, the agreement on regional partnerships between Grand Prairie and Arlington Fire was reached just a day before the deployment on July 6.
According to Stevenson, “We have reached an agreement with the Arlington Fire Department that involves bringing some of their firefighters with us when we dispatch our apparatus. We then work together and provide necessary staff for the apparatus. This regional integration strengthens our balance in this region, which is resource-rich and uniquely positioned in North Texas. This is why we can support critical missions during hurricanes and tropical storms in the Gulf Coast.”
Coastal counties still require assistance even as the 14-day mission assigned to them is coming to an end this weekend. As a result, there is a possibility that an extension may be necessary.
Stevenson stated that the 14-day mark is a crucial point in time where the decision-makers, including FEMA and the state, will determine if the mission will continue, the mission will be extended to 21 days, or the assets will be returned.
“As of today, the search is on for departments that can sustain the missions for a 21-day duration,” stated the spokesperson.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick unveiled the Senate Special Committee on Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness, Recovery, and Electricity on Wednesday.
In a statement, Patrick expressed his disappointment with the electric utility companies’ inability to restore power promptly after Hurricane Beryl. He acknowledged that Texans have every right to feel outraged by this overwhelming failure.
“The failure of electric utility companies to prepare for Hurricane Beryl cannot be tolerated, especially when the storm was so clearly heading towards Texas. To address this issue, I am appointing a committee to review the events that took place and determine why certain companies were so unprepared. As a result of this review, the Texas Senate will take measures to ensure that electric utility companies are better equipped to respond to future storms in a more effective manner.”
According to Stevenson, the leaders of Grand Prairie are willing to provide further assistance if required to address the pressing issue.
Stevenson expressed her immense pride in the city council, mayor, fire chief, and city manager for recognizing the significance of participating in agencies that provide assistance to Texans. “Supporting Texans is crucial, and I am glad that our officials understand this,” she added.
“Our services to the citizens of Grand Prairie won’t be negatively impacted as we are fully prepared to respond.”
