Updated March 20, 2:30 p.m.:
The City of Opelika has released the names of the two firefighters injured in Friday's training exercise. One is still being treated for his injuries, and the other has returned to work.
Henry Williford sustained injuries due to smoke inhalation, and David Davis sustained injuries due to second-degree burns on his hands and arms.
According to a post on the City's Facebook page, Davis, who is being treated at UAB Medical Center, had his wraps removed Monday and was scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday. The family has been returning his phone calls for him during his treatments, and they say he is doing well.
Davis was airlifted to UAB Medical Center shortly after the incident. He has been with the Opelika fire department for 11 years, and a release from the fire department asks the community to keep him in their prayers. His injuries are not life-threatening.
Fire Chief Byron Prather said in a release, "He has a long road ahead of him, but Davis is a very motivated individual and we know he'll return to work as soon as he has fully recovered."
Williford was taken by ambulance to Midtown Hospital in Columbus, Ga., and returned to work on Monday morning.
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Two Opelika firefighters were injured during a training exercise on Thursday afternoon.
Opelika police Capt. Bobby Kilgore described the injuries as “serious,” and said that one firefighter suffered from smoke inhalation and the other from serious burns, according to the Opelika-Auburn News.
The fire department has not yet released the names of the men involved in order to protect their privacy.
A GoFundMe page has been established by Opelika firefighter Capt. Dennis Hanson for fellow firefighter Capt. David Davis. As of Saturday, the page had raised $5,766. The initial goal was set at $5,000 but has been adjusted to $10,000.
According to the Opelika Fire Department’s website, the Fire Department is "constantly training its own personnel and conducts an annual State Certified Fire Fighter Class which local and fire departments statewide can send personnel for training.”
The two firefighters sustained serious injuries on March 15 due to a mishap at one of these training exercises around 4 p.m. at 2700 Anderson Road.
It is not yet known what caused the accident or how the injuries will affect the department and its operations.
Alabama Fire Marshal’s office is currently investigating the accident.
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