THE APEX TIMES
Fire rescue vehicle damaged after falling tree strike during Perry County flooding response; firefighter uninjured
Ball Creek Fire & Rescue said a water-rescue call during Thursday night’s flooding ended with its vehicle heavily damaged when a tree fell onto the apparatus.
A Ball Creek Fire & Rescue vehicle responding to a water-rescue call during Thursday night’s flooding in Perry County was struck by a falling tree, leaving the vehicle heavily damaged, according to LEX18.
The department said the call was related to flooding and that crews were working a water-rescue response when the tree came down on the rescue vehicle.
Despite the damage to the apparatus, the firefighter inside was unharmed, LEX18 reported. The incident drew attention to hazards for emergency responders working in fast-changing storm conditions.
Kentucky flooding can bring down trees and power lines, and debris can accumulate quickly along roads and waterways, increasing the risk to vehicles and crews arriving on scene. In this case, the tree strike occurred while the unit was engaged in active flood-response work.
Ball Creek Fire & Rescue did not indicate any injuries beyond the report that the firefighter was not hurt, and no additional injuries or damage assessments were detailed in the LEX18 account.
The department’s next steps after a vehicle impact typically include securing the scene, accounting for personnel safety, and arranging vehicle inspection and repair. LEX18’s report focused on the immediate impact and confirmed that the firefighter involved was not injured.
The incident underscores the safety challenges facing local first responders during severe weather, particularly when floodwaters and falling debris can complicate rescue operations even when teams are trained and equipped for emergency calls.
Why It Matters
- The incident highlights the immediate safety risks to emergency responders during flood and storm conditions, when falling trees and debris can threaten vehicles and personnel.
- Because the firefighter was reported unharmed, the focus shifts to equipment readiness and how departments manage operational disruptions while repairs or inspections are arranged.
- The event adds to the broader public-safety picture of flooding impacts in rural Kentucky areas, where access routes and on-scene hazards can change quickly.
Key Facts
- A Ball Creek Fire & Rescue vehicle was struck by a falling tree during a water-rescue response.
- The response occurred during Thursday night flooding in Perry County.
- The rescue vehicle was heavily damaged as a result of the tree strike.
- A firefighter on scene was unharmed, according to LEX18.