DECATUR COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) -- A blaze broke out at GSM Outdoors in Parsons Friday afternoon, drawing emergency personnel from across Decatur County, as well as neighboring counties.

According to Decatur County Emergency Management, a 911 call came in just before 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29 about a structure fire at GSM Outdoors, but when crews arrived at the scene, they knew they'd need additional resources, so an "all-call" was issued to fire departments across the county, even the Decatur County Sheriff's Office Fire Brigade. In addition, nearby residents were asked to evacuate as a precaution.

Officials said support was also requested from surrounding agencies, including the Lexington Fire Department, the Madison County Fire Department, the Chester County Fire Department, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the National Weather Service (for weather and smoke plume monitoring). 

Meanwhile, Decatur County EMS said it was called to stand by at GSM Outdoors at the request of the Parsons Fire Department and the Decaturville Fire Department before the situation evolved. 

"What began as single stand-by, quickly escalated into a large-scale, multi-agency operation. The fire spread quickly and grew in intensity, requiring multiple personnel to be evaluated, treated, and transported by our EMS professionals," the agency wrote on social media. "To ensure that we could focus the necessary attention on those bravely fighting the fire—while also continuing to provide care for other medical emergencies across our county—Decatur County EMS requested assistance from neighboring counties and outside resources."

According to officials, in addition to Decatur County EMS, the following agencies helped at the scene with medical triage and treatment, as well as other emergency calls across the county: 

• Henderson County EMS
• Perry County EMS
• Hardin County EMS
• Medical Center EMS
• Houston County EMS
• Tennessee Department of Health Division of EMS
• Jackson-Madison County Health Department
• Air Evac 141 (which was temporarily evacuated for safety since its base is near GSM Outdoors)
• Air Evac 123

In addition, the Parsons Police Department, the Decaturville Police Department, and the sheriff's office ensured safety and security at the scene while the Dickson County Rescue Squad supplied critical items to set up emergency stations, along with ATVs so crews could respond quickly to those in need. The Utility Department, Lexington Electric, and Decatur County 911 also provided crucial assistance.

The number of injuries varies among the reports from different agencies. For example, the City of Parsons Police Department and Fire Department posted Friday evening that two public safety officers and one firefighter were injured but stable. Several hours later, the Bath Springs Fire Department reported three injured firefighters were transported to local hospitals while others were cared for by Decatur County EMS. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 30, Decatur County Emergency Management announced several firefighters suffered minor burns and heat exhaustion, adding that a few who were brought to Henderson County Community Hospital were in good condition, and others were treated at the scene by EMS crews.

"This incident highlights the strength of teamwork and mutual aid. Agencies from across West Tennessee came together to protect lives and property, and we are proud to serve alongside them," Decatur County Emergency Management wrote. "Thank you to every responder, agency, and volunteer who contributed to this effort. Be it food donated, drinks donated or doing all you could to help It’s this spirit of cooperation that makes Decatur County and West Tennessee so special."

The City of Parsons posted a statement on Facebook Saturday afternoon, saying, in part, "The City of Parsons wants to thank every fire department, police officer, emergency management team, medical staff, city employees, and volunteers who worked so hard during yesterday’s fire at GSM. Your quick response, teamwork, and dedication mean more than we can ever say. We are so grateful for each of you. In moments like these, we are reminded of the strength of our community and the power of neighbors helping neighbors."

According to officials, the fire may be down, but the scene is still active and restricted, so community members are asked to keep their distance and give crews the necessary space to continue their work.

Decautur County Emergency Management confirmed the structure was still smoldering and smoking Saturday afternoon, saying that may continue for a few days. The factory manager and operators told officials no hazardous chemicals were stored within GSM Outdoors' Parsons facility, but Selmer Fire Department was asked to do air monitoring tests around the scene and downwind in nearby neighborhoods as a precaution. No hazards were found.

Meanwhile, Air Evac 141 said its aircraft and crew safely relocated to the Beech River Regional Airport, but due to the base's proximity to GSM Outdoors, its teams will be displaced until the crew quarters and hanger are cleared and deemed safe to return.

The Bath Springs Fire Department said the cause of the fire is still unknown, but it's under investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/multiple-injuries-reported-among-first-responders-following-large-scale-structure-fire-in-decatur-county/