Local firefighters assist with storm cleanup in East Bernstadt

As the cleanup began from the tornado that tore through the East Bernstadt community in northern Laurel County Friday night, area volunteer firefighters from Woodbine, West Knox, Keavy, Lily and Campground were among those who answered the call for help.

"They said they needed manpower and chainsaws," said Doug Warfield, a captain at the Woodbine Fire Department and one of the seven Woodbine Firefighters who were back Tuesday to provide more help.

Working from 8 or 9 a.m. until it gets too dark to see, the firefighters have been spread out across the area about five miles north of London where the tornado cut a path of destruction six miles long, cutting up downed trees. When the job began, the goal was to clear paths so residents could get out of their homes. With that accomplished, firefighters are now working to clear downed trees and moving the remains to the roadside so they can be hauled away.

"They called this morning (Tuesday) and said they needed the manpower," Warfield said. "We brought seven people along with our van and special operations vehicle."

While Adam Jackson and Shelby Hampton cut and cleared trees, Joseph Creech and Noel Perkins used the special operations vehicle, which the department has converted from an ambulance, to haul water and other supplies to the areas where firefighters from across the state, Ky. Transportation Cabinet workers, utility workers and volunteers are working. Rob Hill and Christina Hampton have been at the East Bernstadt Fire Department, which is serving as the command post during the cleanup, to help coordinate communications throughout the relief effort.

"We put out the request and brought whoever was able to go," Warfield said. "We will come back every day they need us."

Warfield said even with the seven firefighters away, the department has sufficient manpower to answer any calls. In addition, Woodbine and Oak Grove have a mutual aid agreement, so additional help is just a radio call away.

West Knox Fire Chief Daryl Baker said eight West Knox Firefighters were on the scene Sunday, pitching in to clear debris.

"As you looked around, one home would be slightly damaged and the next one would be nowhere to be found," Baker said. "You would see places where there were the blocks for a trailer but no trailer in sight."

The hardest part about cleaning was the scope of the damage.

"You are so overwhelmed by the damage, you just don’t know where to start," Baker said.

During the cleanup, Baker said firefighters had the chance to speak with some of the residents who had to ride out the storm. One resident told the firefighters how he had been home with his three children when the storm hit.

"The trailer they were in was carried across the street, about 100 feet, and smashed into some trees," Baker said. "The trailer was left as only a pile of rubble with a family’s memories buried in it. If you hadn’t known it was a trailer, you would have had a tough time telling what it was."

In addition to the professional volunteers, Baker noted the number of individuals who have come from across the state and even from out of the state to lend a hand in the cleanup.

"Once we started working, we met people that had driven from Barbourville, Livingston and were told about people that had come from as far away as Tennessee," Baker noted, adding that organizers said anyone who is able is welcome to come back and help.

He added that there is no doubt in his mind that if the situation was reversed, volunteer firefighters from East Bernstadt and other communities in that area would be calling asking what they could do to help.

There are 300 to 500 volunteer firefighters in Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties," Baker noted. "They are quality people. Whether it was a fire, a wreck or a disaster like this, I wouldn’t hesitate to work with any of them."

Laurel County Emergency Management Director Albert Hale said it has been great to see the efforts the volunteers have made to come and help the people who are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives in the wake of the tornado.

"We are very appreciative," Hale said.

The item most needed at the moment is plastic totes in which the victims can store personal effects as they sort through the rubble.

A warehouse has been opened off of Ky. 490 near the junction of Ky. 3094 where the totes may be delivered. Hale asked that the totes be dropped off before dark.