Forestdale Fire District

Thank a firefighter today! Today is International Firefighter Day!

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April 20, 2000 - LODD
Firefighter Rickey Levi Davis, 33
Center Point Fire Rescue, Alabama
Firefighter/Paramedic Davis and members of his department were dispatched to a report of a fire in a single-family residential structure that included a full basement. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke showing from the structure and found that the fire was in the basement. Firefighters attempted to reach the fire through the garage door (which opened into the basement) but were unsuccessful in locating the seat of the fire. A positive-pressure fan was placed at the garage door. Another team of three firefighters, including Firefighter/Paramedic Davis, advanced an attack line through the front door of the residence. On their initial entry into the residence, they were unable to locate any fire. The crew withdrew, found that a positive-pressure fan had been placed at the front door, and returned to explore another area of the house. Firefighter/Paramedic Davis was at the nozzle as the hoseline was advanced into the second entry on the main floor of the residence. As the line was advanced, Firefighter/Paramedic Davis fell through the floor into the area of the basement that was involved in fire. Other firefighters helped Firefighter/Paramedic Davis as he attempted to jump back to the first floor from the basement but his efforts were unsuccessful. Firefighters attempted to lower a scuttle hole ladder into the hole but the location of the hole and the sagging of the first floor into the basement prevented its use. Firefighters instructed Firefighter/Paramedic Davis to use the hoseline to protect himself as they attempted to rescue him through the basement. An attack team entered the basement and fought their way to the room that contained Firefighter/Paramedic Davis. He was removed from the basement and received ALS medical treatment immediately. He was transported by ground and air ambulances to a hospital in nearby Birmingham. He was treated in the emergency room but was pronounced dead. The cause of death was listed as hyperthermia (thermal injuries). The carboxyhemoglobin level that was found in Firefighter/Paramedic Davis’ blood was less than 5 percent. He was burned over roughly one-third of his body. It is estimated that 12 to 15 minutes passed from the time Firefighter/Paramedic Davis fell into the basement until he was located and removed from the structure. Firefighter/Paramedic Davis was the first firefighter fatality for Center Point Fire/Rescue. Davis, a five-year career firefighter with Center Point Fire/Rescue, also worked as a firefighter/paramedic with the Homewood Fire Department. He had served in the U.S. Navy.

EXTREME FIRE DANGER! NO OUTDOOR BURNING AND BE CAUTIOUS OF ACCIDENTAL FIRES!

PSA: For your information;

(Share) SB269 passed the Senate but some opposition (NOT BCBS) is trying to kill it in the House. The true facts are in picture below. The video link of the bad practice is in the comments . BCBS is not fighting this bill, valuing public safety and protecting its members from balance billing. Call your local Representative today to get this bill passed.

Slow Down. Move Over.

This morning around 5:30 AM, West Blount Fire & EMS crews responded to a crash on Interstate 65.

As we always do on interstate incidents, our firefighter positioned the truck at an angle to block traffic and protect the scene. This isn’t random, it’s a safety tactic designed to shield responders and patients from oncoming traffic.

Sadly, that precaution became necessary almost immediately.

Just seconds after the firefighter stepped out of the truck, a passing vehicle struck the apparatus.

Thankfully everyone is okay, and the firefighter did everything exactly by the book.

But this should serve as a reminder:

🚨 Slow down when you see emergency vehicles.
🚨 Move over when possible.
🚨 Pay attention.

Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and tow operators are often working just feet from traffic traveling 70+ mph.

This is now the second time one of our fire apparatus has been hit on Interstate 65 while protecting a scene.

The angled truck you see on the interstate is there to protect lives, including yours.

Please help us make sure everyone goes home safely.

PSA: ALL LANES OF I-22 west bound past EXIT 91 Are completely shut down due to an MVA. Please avoid this area as emergency crews operate!

The Business Office will be closed tomorrow January 26th due to inclement weather. Also the Board meeting scheduled for tomorrow night has been cancelled and rescheduled for Thursday, January 29th at 5pm. Stay safe out there!

Possibility for Winter Storm over the weekend. Be weather aware and the time to prepare is now. Ice accumulation could limit emergency services response.

This past Tuesday night, we celebrated our annual Christmas Family Fellowship. There was a good turnout but missed several due to prior commitments. This was my 35th year and my kids have grown up attending this event and there are always lots of memories made. It is always great to meet and get to know the guys we live with a third of our lives, or more sometimes. Forestdale Fire District and our families wish everyone and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy Nee Year.

Fire Dues Sale
There will be a Fire Dues Sale held on December 30, 2025 on the steps of the Jefferson county Courthouse, Birmingham, at 12:00pm. If you are interested in more information, please contact our Business office for details at 205-798-5611 or [email protected].