Search and Rescue Operations in Georgia During Major Floods » Griffin and Spalding County

The Spalding County Fire Department has 50 paid personnel and 12 volunteers staffing 5 stations. On July 5, 1994 Chief David White noted that Atlanta weathercasters were reporting localized flooding along the Chatahoochy River and Nancy Creek (events that usually took at least two weeks of steady rain.) Sensing that problems were about to occur, Chief White began preplanning for recovery efforts along the Spalding County waterways.

Since the Flint River cuts the district in half, Chief White stationed extra firefighters and equipment on the west side of the river. But since Station Three was only 150 yards from the river he ordered the duty crew to closely watch the river. He also planned potential evacuation of the station. Then Chief White contacted nearby Fayette County, so he could house his personnel in their station at Brooks, Georgia. He also sent a private ambulance to the west side of the river, and ordered personnel to secure the LP gas tanks at the station.

By the morning of July 6th, Station Three was submerged in four feet of water and had to be abandoned.

The next 48 hours were the most critical for Spalding County. Police and fire units made approximately 30 rescues. The county also suffered two fatalities. The flooding caused 57 bridges and a number of roads to wash out. Ten of the bridges still remained impassable six months later.

Incidents included two vehicles being washed away in a low-water crossing; four residents trapped in a house; animal rescues; and a mutual-aid request from nearby Henry County’s Dive Team to search for two teenagers in a cheap raft on the Tuolugu River. The teenagers were later found dead in a debris pile.

Rescue workers, who had no previous training in river rescue, found themselves getting on-the-job training. After discovering that only a few feet of water could move a car, and that fast-flowing water would sweep someone wading in water only hip-deep, firefighters rigged ropes to help rescue 18 stranded residents across flooded Wildcat Creek.

Using a flood plain map from the State of Georgia which showed the projected flood plains at various levels, rescuers were able to identify and predict problem areas. However, many local residents refused to stay out of the sewage contaminated water. Officials finally had to threaten arrest to keep the residents safe.

The City of Griffin utilized the County convict crews and road department equipment for levees and sandbagging operations. Helicopters from the Department of Natural Resources, Decalb and Clayton Counties were used for search and surveillance. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources sent five boats to assist local agencies.

The water levels rose and receded so quickly in the Griffin area that the local Emergency Operations Center was not activated, which meant that Georgia Emergency Management Agency aid was not utilized.

Next » Macon Bibb Fire Department - Chiefs Hinson and J.P. Hartley