Volunteer firefighter hit by truck, airlifted to hospital in Alexandria

SABINE PARISH, La. (KSLA) - A volunteer fireman was injured while assisting a firetruck that was backing up, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office reports.

It happened Wednesday, Aug. 16 around 4:30 p.m. near White City Road and Highway 171, where crews have been working to contain wildfires in the area that sparked a few days ago. The sheriff’s office says the firefighter was helping the firetruck as it was backing up. The injured firefighter was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Alexandria. Officials say he’s expected to be alright.

Meanwhile, as of 7 p.m. Wednesday night, the fire west of Highway 171 north of Hornbeck is contained. White City Road has been reopened. Officials say the fire appears to have started in a wooded area near the railroad tracks north of White City Road.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell continues to stress the dangerous situation these dry conditions are creating. A statewide burn ban remains in place.