Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department

08/28/2026

It is with great sadness that the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Lifetime Member Kelly Tillis.

Kelly joined the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department in the 1980s and dedicated decades of his life to serving our community. He was also a longtime member of the Cross Lanes Volunteer Ambulance Service

Throughout his years with our department, Kelly served in many capacities. He volunteered his time as a firefighter and EMS First Responder, answering the call whenever his community needed him.

In more recent years, Kelly devoted countless hours to the Red Light Express, our department’s fundraising group. His hard work, dedication, and willingness to give his time played an important role in supporting the continued success of our department.

Kelly was more than a member of the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department—he was one of the individuals who helped build it into what it is today. His dedication, service, and friendship will forever be a part of our department’s history.

While we mourn his passing, we are grateful for the many years of service and sacrifice Kelly gave to his community and to the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

Kelly Tillis will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on through the department he helped build and the countless lives he touched along the way.

08/17/2026

Cross Lanes residents, if you were affected by the recent flooding please take the time to fill this out.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2026

Charleston, WV – The Kanawha County Commission is beginning the process of assessing property damage resulting from the widespread flash flooding that occurred across Kanawha County on Sunday, August 16.

Residents who experienced property damage from the flooding are encouraged to complete the West Virginia Emergency Management Division Weather Damage Survey. Information collected through the survey will help local and state emergency management officials assess the overall impact of the flooding and document damage throughout the county.

Residents can complete the survey online by visiting this link:

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/de033ec0327f4a5db41884eb5fc0974b?fbclid=IwY2xjawTv5a5wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTlKTFphdnRlT0o1QXVxampzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEesnqxHZTPhY0SJWzwHTM1mrd3blewV01siuL4Ar2haBZExzx6UoztN7Q_ulI_aem_AUTFvxmWkRJGYZaO1QVAAQ

Residents should provide their 911 address and, when possible, include photographs documenting the damage. Anyone who is unable to complete the online survey may report their damage by contacting Kanawha County Planning and Development at 304-357-0570.

Additional assistance with completing the survey is available by calling 2-1-1 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Residents may also contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 for assistance.

The Kanawha County Commission emphasizes that completing the damage survey is not an application for financial assistance. The information collected is being used to assess the overall impact of the flooding. If financial assistance or other disaster assistance becomes available, Kanawha County residents will be notified.
“We want to make sure we have an accurate picture of the damage caused by Sunday’s flooding,” said Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango. “Even if you are unsure whether your damage will qualify for assistance, we encourage residents to report it. Having accurate information about the extent of the damage is important as we work with state and emergency management officials to determine what assistance may be available.”

Commissioner Natalie Tennant encouraged residents throughout the county to take the time to report any damage they experienced.

“Sunday’s flooding affected communities across Kanawha County, and we know many residents are still dealing with the aftermath,” Tennant said. “It is important that we document as much of the damage as possible. I encourage anyone who experienced flooding or property damage to complete the survey, even if you are uncertain about what assistance may be available. Every report helps us better understand the needs of our communities and advocate for our residents.”

Residents are encouraged to report damage as soon as possible and to share the survey information with neighbors who may have been affected.

08/16/2026

Due to heavy rainfall over the past several hours, multiple roadways and areas are experiencing flooding and high water in Cross Lanes.

⚠️ NEVER attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around and find an alternate route. Water can be deeper, faster-moving, and more dangerous than it appears.

Our fire department units have responded to several reported water rescues throughout the area.

08/12/2026

Yesterday, August 11, 2026, members of the Tyler Mountain Fire Department responded to several emergency calls as multiple rounds of storms moved through our area.

Some of these incidents required Swift Water Rescue Technicians from our department to assist civilians who became stranded in high water.

We cannot emphasize this enough: If you encounter a roadway covered by high water, DO NOT attempt to drive through it.

It can be extremely difficult to determine the depth of floodwater or the condition of the roadway underneath. Just a small amount of moving water can create a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.

07/21/2026

⚠️ Cross Lanes Community Weather Alert ⚠️

The Tyler Mountain Fire Department encourages all residents to remain weather aware today due to the potential for severe weather across our area.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and early evening and may produce:

* Damaging straight-line winds
* Isolated tornadoes
* Heavy rainfall leading to localized flash flooding
* Hail in some storms

Now is the time to prepare. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially if you plan to be outdoors. Review your household’s severe weather safety plan and know where to take shelter should a warning be issued.

Stay informed, remain alert, and monitor changing weather conditions throughout the day.

07/06/2026

While Rescue Engine 231 looked its best during today’s parade, it didn’t stay parked for long.

This evening, Engine 231 was back in service, responding to one of several motor vehicle crashes on Interstate 64.

Our members not only dedicated countless hours preparing the truck for the parade, but also put in the work responding to more than 10 emergency incidents through out the day.

Whether representing our department with pride or serving our community during emergencies, our volunteers remain committed whenever they’re needed. Thank you to every member who gave their time and effort today to keep our community safe and bring home an award.

07/05/2026

Today at the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta Fire Truck Parade, the Tyler Mountain Fire Department was honored to receive 3rd Place for Best Appearing Rescue.

Our Rescue Engine 231 proudly brought the trophy home. Although 231 is now over 20 years old, it continues to faithfully serve the Cross Lanes community and our surrounding mutual aid partners every day. This recognition is a testament to the pride our members take in maintaining our apparatus and representing our department with professionalism.

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

Today from 10-3 annual open house/Hotdog sale

05/01/2026

TYLER MOUNTAIN FIRE DEPARTMENT
STRUCTURE FIRE – BIG TYLER RD

Yesterday evening at approximately 7:56 PM, units responded to a residential structure fire in the 4800 block of Big Tyler Road in the lower end of our district in Tyler Mountain.

Crews operated on scene for several hours due to multiple additions to the structure, which made extinguishment more complex. With no hydrants in the immediate area, Tanker 236 was utilized for water supply operations. Big Tyler Rd was shut down for several hours during this time.

We would like to thank the Dunbar Fire Department, Nitro Fire Department, and Institute Fire Department for their assistance.