South Fulton Fire Rescue Receives Donation from OmniTRAX

Department of Public Affairs - News Stories

South Fulton Fire Rescue Receives Donation from OmniTRAX

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the City of South Fulton Fire Rescue Department received a generous donation of $1,000 from OmniTRAX. OmniTRAX manages 28 rail lines throughout the country, including 27 miles of track that service the businesses along Fulton Industrial Boulevard. Their company brings in the raw materials needed by many of those businesses to manufacture their products.

The donation was made to the department in gratitude for their support during the railroad's fire season. Josh Sanderson, General Manager for OmniTRAX, explained, "During dry seasons, dying vegetation, vagrant refuse, and other debris can pose a significant fire risk. Sparks from passing trains can cause 'spot fires,' and because much of the rail line is not easily accessible from roadways, those small spot fires can quickly escalate."

In industrial areas like Fulton Industrial Boulevard, spot fires also pose a significant risk as there is rarely someone present in the buildings after business hours to see and report the fire. The South Fulton Fire Rescue Department worked with OmniTRAX to help them set up a fire rig, which can move up and down the tracks getting water to locations along the rail line that a traditional fire engine can't access. That fire rig can save valuable time during the event of a spot fire, mitigating risk and property damage.

Chief Chad Jones thanked OmniTRAX for the donation and for their partnership in managing fire risk along their rail line. Funds from the donation will be used to purchase safety program equipment for the South Fulton Fire Rescue Department.