by Steve Dunford
In a six hour stretch between 6:00 pm and around midnight, area fire departments were busy handling several calls.
Just right at 6:00 p.m. West Frankfort Firefighters were paged to the intersection of St. Louis Street and Horrell Avenue (Deering Road) to a structure fire. Departments from West City, Benton, Zeigler, Johnston City and Abbott EMS provided mutual aid.
Between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Royalton firefighters were toned to a pole barn fire on Washington Street. Zeigler firefighters were leaving West Frankfort when the were called for mutual aid. The structure was a total loss. Christopher provided station coverage for Zeigler.
At 10:55 p.m., Benton firefighters were called to a single vehicle accident and fire on East Main Street in front of the new Dollar General with injuries.
At 11;45 p.m.. West City firefighters were called to a three vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of Route 14 and Central Street (in front of Walmart.)
I might be mistaken, but I am nearly positive that Benton and West City provided mutual aid for each other during the wrecks. Buckner Fire and Rescue also provided station coverage for West City.