Multiple Emergencies Challenge Emergency Services in Orange Beach

R. Ken Cooper • January 23, 2024

Orange Beach’s First Responders Take On A String of Emergencies

Orange Beach Fire Dept.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Emergency services in Orange Beach experienced a hectic afternoon/evening Monday, starting with a severe vehicle accident on Canal Road, near the Orange Beach Middle/High School. The incident, described as a near head-on collision, required an extended extrication operation. As a result, one patient was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital by AirCare, while another was transported by Orange Beach Fire & Rescue to South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.


Shortly after managing the traffic accident, emergency crews were dispatched to a reported fire at the Dollar General store on Canal Road. The nature and extent of this fire have not been released at this time. This incident was closely followed by an elevator entrapment, a fire alarm, and another medical emergency that necessitated an additional patient being flown out by helicopter.


The series of emergencies tested the response capabilities and coordination of the local emergency services. Orange Beach Fire & Rescue was at the forefront, handling multiple challenging situations in quick succession. Their efforts were bolstered by the support from neighboring Gulf Shores Fire services and Medstar AirCare, who provided assistance during the day's events.


This article will be updated if more information becomes available.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Tropical Storm Birtha's Current Position
By K. Cooper July 22, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, was located due south of Dauphin Island and just southwest of Orange Beach as of 4 a.m. CDT this morning. The NWS National Hurricane Center in Miami issued Advisory 12, placing the storm's center near lati
Gulf Shores International Airport
By Erica Thomas July 22, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Officials with the Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA) broke ground on a $15 million terminal expansion in response to “extraordinary” passenger growth.
Extension - Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities
By K. Cooper July 22, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Watching a cluster of balloons drift over the Gulf may feel like a fitting tribute or a joyful celebration, but researchers say the practice causes lasting harm to wildlife and the environment. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System published a report, warning that every balloon released
Bertha is the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season
By K. Cooper July 21, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Tropical Storm Bertha was about 175 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama, as of 7 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued Intermediate Advisory 8A at that time, placing the storm's center near latitude 28.8 North, longitude 86.2 West. Maximum sustain
Judi Bolton Wheat Honored at American Legion Post in Foley
By K. Cooper July 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — An Elberta woman has been named the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year for the State of Alabama. Judi Wheat received the honor at a recent district meeting at American Legion Post 99 in Foley. Alabama State American Legion Auxiliary President Carla Biniecki presented the award. Famil
Irwin Street Speed Limit Reduced
By Guy Busby July 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley has lowered the speed limit on Irwin Street to improve access for low-speed vehicles. The Foley City Council gave final approval to an ordinance implementing the change. The new limit is 35 miles per hour, down from 40 miles per hour. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the lower limit wi
Orange Beach City Hall
By K. Cooper July 21, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is taking its next step toward environmental preservation. The City Council will vote on a resolution awarding an $84,297.04 bid to Integrated Aqua Systems, Inc., for life-support equipment at the Coastal Alabama Sea Turtle Facility. This project underscores the city's commitm
Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.
By Jessica A. Taylor July 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Around here, paradise doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all itinerary — and thank goodness for that. One day, you’re chasing treasure with pirates and princesses; the next, you're cruising down Fort Morgan Road with sandy feet and nowhere particularly urgent to be. Add in a whimsical stop
Gulf Shores City Hall
By K. Cooper July 20, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores plans to revamp its seasonal displays as the city's current holiday decorations rapidly deteriorate due to age, harsh conditions, and storage constraints. Public works officials recommend shifting from a diluted citywide approach to a concentrated, professionally managed design
Foley City Hall
By K. Cooper July 20, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is positioning its municipal airport for growth as city leaders prepare to advance plans for a new terminal building. The infrastructure push is the main topic in the slate of transit, drainage, and community enhancements aimed at reinforcing the city's long-term development stewardship.
Show More