FIRE-RESCUE
DOTHAN
ALABAMA
Dothan Fire
Department
600 Columbia Hwy
Dothan,
For Immediate Release
Dothan Fire Department to
Host Statewide Disaster Response Exercise When disaster strikes, readiness saves lives. This statewide exercise will put Alabama Mutual Aid System rescue teams to the test, sharpening their skills and strengthening their ability to
respond together.
DOTHAN, Ala. – October 3, 2026 – Approximately 150 firefighters from across Alabama will gather in Dothan October 4-7 for a statewide training exercise focused
on rescuing and helping communities after a major disaster. Hosted by the Dothan Fire Department at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center, the Alabama Mutual Aid System (AMAS) exercise will allow rescue teams to practice
working together under realistic disaster conditions. This exercise will bring together specialized Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams from around the state to respond to a simulated large-scale disaster. Through realistic scenarios, firefighters will practice rescuing victims from collapsed structures,
confined spaces, and trenches, while also conducting searches across large areas. Teams will begin arriving Sunday afternoon, October 4, to establish a base camp and prepare for 72 hours of self-sustained operations. This approach reflects the conditions responders may face when deploying to disaster areas where local
resources are limited. The Alabama Fire College will provide exercise facilitators, and evaluators will assess team performance, coordination, and overall readiness. Their findings will help participating agencies identify strengths and where improvement is needed for future
disaster response efforts. AMAS consists of seven US&R Task Forces that provide specialized rescue services throughout Alabama. The system also includes hazardous materials response teams trained to handle dangerous spills, releases, and other hazardous incidents, such as incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Locally, Hazardous Materials
Team 8 operates out of Dothan Fire Department Station 2. Held annually in communities across the state, the exercise allows teams to maintain their skills, evaluate equipment and rescue techniques, and strengthen working
relationships among responding agencies. Hosting this year’s exercise allows Dothan to support statewide emergency preparedness while strengthening partnerships communities depend on when
disaster strikes.
Exercise Point of Contact:
Deputy Chief Pete Webb
Dothan Fire Department
Phone: (334) 798-3696
Email: pwebb@dothan.org
