"We lost a wall and a couple of windows," said Firefighter/EMR Michael Parks. "We were lucky as far as that because there was a lot of total destruction all around."
Emergency workers began rescue and cleanup efforts immediately after the tornado hit at about 1 p.m. Thursday.
Parks said several area ambulance companies helped the department handle the EMS response to between 50 and 60 people, mostly with minor injuries such as bumps and scratches. Responders were surprised there were no fatalities and just a few critical patients, Parks said.
The department's main task since Thursday has been helping coordinate the efforts between several fire departments, police departments, the power company, transportation officials, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. "Sometimes there's too many people," Parks said.
The main cleanup issues have involved water leaks, gas leaks, fallen trees and debris. "There is a lot of damage," Parks said. "I couldn't tell you how many businesses and homes."
Parks said it has been nearly 30 years since the town experienced tornado damage this extensive.
Some of the fire departments helping out include those from Decatur, Lake Mississippi, Conehatta, Jasper County and Bulehubard, all located within about 15 miles of Newton, Parks said.
But even with so much help, workers still have a long way to go. "I'm sure it'll take several more days before we can get it all cleaned up," Parks said.
The Newton Fire Deprtment has 23 members and protects a population of 3,700 people, 60 miles east of Jackson.
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