An adult male and two children were treated for reportedly minor burns after escaping a burning boat on the Sabine River east of the Hwy. 271 bridge Monday afternoon.
A group of Gladewater firefighters was on the water and en route to the abandoned boat shortly before 4 p.m. April 21. According to a witness on scene, the primary goal was to recover the vessel and ensure there was no additional fire risk.
First responders were dispatched to 1000 River Road South for the ‘Boat on Fire’ call at 3:40 p.m., staging on the boat ramp at the 271 bridge as a pillar of oily smoke rose over the trees downriver.
The boat’s three occupants managed to reach the launch and were soon being cared for by Christus EMS personnel on scene.
GFD personnel have been steadily gaining more experience in water rescues in recent years, especially with a new recreational paddle trail in development for the Sabine. Gladewater is the first spot on the planned route, and GFD Fire Chief Mike Simmons has set a priority for local personnel to be ready to respond once the project officially opens.
Notably, Saturday (April 26) is scheduled for two emergency drills in Gladewater, spearheaded by GFD with the Gregg County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Find more details in this week’s edition of the Mirror.