From motor vehicle accidents to downed power lines and natural gas leaks, MFRD personnel were responding all over town after a major storm hit just after 3:15 pm on June 10.
“Engines and Rescue companies were dispatching left and right,” said Public Information Officer Ashley McDonald. “It was difficult to keep up with all the radio traffic.”
Believed to be the result of what is being called “straight line winds”, several homes received cosmetic damage (siding, shingles, etc.) while others were left with holes in the roof. Trees were down throughout the city and crews worked quickly to get as many out of the way as possible.
District 5 responded to a natural gas leak at 415 Tessa Court and other homes in The Cloister subdivision. Crews worked quickly to cut off gas and called Atmos Energy to the scene for assistance. “We also saw trampolines strewn about and smashed up next to homes, fences destroyed, and trees and limbs all over the place,” said District 5’s Acting Captain David Simms. “We also responded to a grill on fire.”
District 2 responded to a fire call at 1315 Knight Drive, which turned out to be downed power lines according to Assistant Fire Marshal Tracy Summar. Downed power lines also had crews responding to 4755 Franklin Road. The call came in as live wires sparking close to a house. “The power was off in the residence,” said District 9 Captain Mark McCluskey, “but the lines were still hot.” “We called Middle Tennessee Electric and asked them to make this a priority,” he added.
Traveling away from the scene and turning around in an undeveloped subdivision, McCluskey and his crew even saw a large semi trailer (sans the truck) turned over on its side. “This trailer could have been empty or may have been what construction crews used to store items on site,” said McCluskey.
Crews also responded to several motor vehicle accidents including East Northfield and Pitts Lane, 545 Rucker Lane, and 1816 Saint Andrews.
No major injuries were reported with all the activity today; however, there were a few injuries associated with the motor vehicle accidents.
“No matter what we were dispatched to or how potentially dangerous a call was, our crews did as they always do, and jumped in to assist their community. Whether it was just cutting up tree limbs, or even offering friendly advice to a homeowner, I was proud of our personnel today. They acted quickly and with bravery and professionalism,” said Shift Commander Tim Swann.
Photos of some of the damage are posted on Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s Facebook page.