10/08/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19jQ18YU3u/?mibextid=wwXIfr
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2026
Alabama Fire Departments Deploying Fire and Water Rescue Teams to Gulf Coast Ahead of Hurricane Isiah
VESTAVIA HILLS, AL – Fire departments from across Alabama are preparing to deploy fire suppression and water rescue resources to the Gulf Coast ahead of Hurricane Isiah. The deployment is being coordinated through the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Consortium (AAFCMAC) in anticipation of potential impacts from the storm.
A five-engine team, supported by a Battalion Chief and a rescue transport unit, is being assembled with personnel and apparatus from the following departments:
Chelsea Fire Department – Battalion Chief and Fire Engine
Auburn Fire Department – Fire Engine
Opelika Fire Department - Fire Engine
Morris Fire Department – Fire Engine
Irondale Fire Department – Fire Engine
Pelham Fire Department – Fire Engine
Cahaba Valley Fire Department – Rescue Transport Unit
In addition to the engine team, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Trussville, Vestavia Hills, and Calera Fire Departments are preparing to deploy specialized water rescue teams to support potential flooding and swiftwater rescue operations.
This deployment marks the first time resources have been pre-deployed under the AAFCMAC mutual aid agreement, which was established following Hurricane Sally in 2020. The agreement was developed to improve coordination, resource sharing, and the ability of Alabama fire departments to rapidly mobilize personnel and equipment during major emergencies and disasters.
Participating teams are scheduled to depart Thursday, October 8, and remain deployed through Sunday, October 11, depending on weather conditions, operational needs, and requests for assistance.
The teams will be prepared to assist local emergency responders with fire suppression, emergency medical services, water rescue, and other response operations as conditions permit. Personnel will be positioned in safe locations during the storm and deployed into affected communities when conditions allow.
The AAFCMAC continues to coordinate with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, local emergency management agencies, and participating fire departments to ensure resources are deployed efficiently and safely.
Media Contact:
Members of the media seeking additional information or interviews with participating departments are encouraged to contact the respective department’s Public Information Officer (PIO).
About the AAFCMAC:
The Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Consortium is a statewide network of participating fire departments committed to providing coordinated mutual aid assistance during major emergencies and disasters. The consortium facilitates the mobilization of fire suppression, technical rescue, emergency medical, and specialized response resources to support communities throughout Alabama and beyond.
