Silverhill Fire Department

08/18/2026

08/14/2026

We are thankful that the patient and all responders are safe! This is a great reminder to remove distractions, slow down, and be attentive to your surroundings.

Yesterday, Theodore Dawes Fire Rescue Engine 4 and a Mobile County EMS ambulance were involved in a motor vehicle accident on I-10 while in the process of operating on a medical call.

While our crews were working the scene, a passing motorist failed to recognize the emergency vehicles and struck Engine 4 and a Mobile County EMS ambulance. Thankfully, none of our firefighters, the Mobile County EMS crew, or the patient they were treating were injured. The driver of the passenger vehicle that struck Engine 4 was transported to USA Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

While we are extremely thankful everyone is okay, this incident is also an important reminder of why proper roadway incident safety matters.

We especially want to recognize our on-duty crew for following Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) safety procedures to the letter. Engine 4 was positioned intentionally to provide a protective barrier between approaching traffic and the medical scene. That positioning did exactly what it was supposed to do—the apparatus took the impact instead of our firefighters, the EMS crew, or the patient. Without that protection, the outcome of this incident could have been gravely different.

We train for situations like this because operating on the interstate is one of the most dangerous environments our personnel face. Yesterday was a very real example of why that training, discipline, and attention to procedure matter.

We also want to sincerely thank our neighboring fire departments, Mobile County EMS, fellow first responders, and members of the community who have reached out to check on our personnel and offer their support. The number of calls, messages, and offers of assistance we have received has been overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful.

Finally, please remember: when you see emergency vehicles operating on the roadway, slow down, move over, and pay attention. There are firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement officers, patients, and motorists on the other side of those warning lights.

Engines can be repaired and equipment can be replaced. People cannot.

Stay alert. Slow down. Move over. Help us make sure everyone goes home.

08/13/2026

Please join us in congratulating Chief Josh Rice and Assistant Chief Tim Jenkins on successfully completing the Alabama Fire College Fire Officer Series.

This achievement represents extensive classroom training, along with many additional hours of research, analysis, and projects.

The Officer Series develops fire service leaders from company-level supervision through chief officer leadership and administration.

These courses are also part of the National Fire Academy’s NFA-Approved State Course Program, connecting their training to nationally recognized fire service education standards.

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

08/02/2026

Tuesday night, the Silverhill Fire Department proudly recognized three of our newest firefighters for successfully graduating from the Alabama Fire College Certified Volunteer Firefighter Course.
This accomplishment represents many hours of dedication, training, and sacrifice.

Chief Rice presented each graduate with their new firefighter helmet during a special banquet.

The department would like to also recognize and thank the families who supported these firefighters throughout their journey. Your encouragement, patience, and understanding while they spent time away training made this accomplishment possible.

Please join us in congratulating our newest certified volunteer firefighters as they continue to serve our community.

05/03/2026

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) implemented its mandatory ban on open burning from May 1 to October 31 in 12 counties to reduce ozone and particle pollution.

This ban prohibits burning trees, brush, and construction debris.

The affected counties include Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby, and Talladega.

04/14/2026

📢With worsening drought conditions across the state and low relative humidity, State Forester Rick Oates has issued a statewide Fire Alert effective immediately.

Over the past weekend, 50 wildfires burned more than 2,300 acres of forestland across the state. This includes a 500-acre wildfire in Mobile County, one for 412 acres in Coosa County, one for 382 acres in Choctaw County, one for 260 acres in Washington County, and another one for 105 acres in Escambia County.

In the last 30 days, 387 wildfires have burned approximately 15,850 acres of forestland across the state.

“With no measurable rain in sight, the continued extremely dry conditions create dangerous wildfire behavior,” said Oates. “These conditions create the potential for fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer and more of the agency’s firefighting resources to contain. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.”

This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at least through Monday, April 20. Conditions will be reevaluated at that time. Permits for outdoor burning will be restricted only to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets and its citizens. To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov