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Volunteers remained on scene until 4 a.m.
The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Command responded to a collapsed bridge on I-85 caused by a large fire on March 31.
Police cleared the interstate and surrounding areas before the bridge collapsed to prevent any injuries. Emergency responders are still searching for the cause of the fire that caused the road to collapse and closed off three miles of the interstate. It is uncertain how long repairs of the bridge will take, which closes a major transportation route that sees over 250,000 Atlanta commuters daily.
The Metro Atlanta Area Command’s Red Shield Shelter deployed a canteen to the scene from 10 p.m.– 4 a.m., serving over 200 meals, snacks, and drinks to emergency personnel.
“We were in continuous contact with GEMA and the Fulton County Emergency Management team,” said Major Jack Butler, Emergency Disaster Director for The Salvation Army’s Georgia Division. “They were delighted we were there to provide services to emergency personnel.”
Fulton Emergency Management thanked The Salvation Army for its timely service.
“We were able to serve fire and police as they contained the disaster and made the area safe,” said Sergeant Janeane Schmidt, Director of The Salvation Army’s Metro Atlanta Red Shield Shelter. “The city of Atlanta can rest assured that The Salvation Army stands ready to help at a moment’s notice to help in times of need.”
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