Posted: 8/21/07
Caledonia firemen join volunteers,
other communities to provide aid
By Tom Murphy
Special to the Argus
Caledoniaís volunteer fire department was on the giving end of aid to other fire departments in areas affected by the weekendís flood and mud slides.
While Caledonia was busy dispatching squads to Brownsville, Hokah, and Houston, fire department teams from New Albin, Lansing, and Waukon in Iowa, and from Mabel and Austin were in Caledonia to provide backup in case there was an emergency here. Gavin reported a total of 32 firemen were in Caledonia from other communities.
Caledonia Fire Chief Chuck Gavin said his unit was first called out at 10:30 p.m., Saturday, to Beaver Creek Valley State Park. There, they notified campers there was a state of "imminent evacuation." The firemen returned to the park at 2 a.m. when they evacuated people on the back side of the park to the north.
Crews were dispatched to Brownsville, Hokah, and Houston on Sunday. In Brownsville, they searched door to door to make sure everyone got out of their homes. Gavin reported they followed plows clearing mud and debris down Highway 26 to reach homes.
In Hokah, they helped evacuate people. In Houston, they helped evacuate people, run the pumps, and assist in sand bagging.
Caledonia crews continued to help in Hokah and Houston on Monday.
Sheriff explains actions
Responding to apparent criticism, Houston County Sheriff Doug Ely said his departmentís actions "were done for your safety." It is thought he was referring to decisions to have people evacuate.
He said it was not directed at any individual but was done in the interest of public safety.
Assistance available
Houston County Human Services was receiving calls right away on Monday morning asking for assistance.
Applicants will have to meet eligibility requirements and fill out emergency assistance applications.
When asked if the cap on certain requirements would be changed, governor Tim Pawlenty did not give an answer at the community meeting on Monday.
There was a report of at least eight families who have lost everything.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
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