Sheriff warns against looters as Carter County begins tornado recovery efforts

Van Buren Fire Chief Curt Majors Saturday morning reported a dozen buildings were destroyed and several others damaged in the Carter County communities of Fremont and Van Buren.

The National Weather Service reported the county was impacted by an EF-3 tornado with peak wind speeds of 165 mph. It traveled a path of 17.5 miles, starting three miles southwest of Fremont in Carter County and ending five miles west-northwest of Garwood in Reynolds County.

“It was a pretty wild night,” Majors said. “Crews are actively clearing county roads today.”

Primarily, the damage was along Highways D and M, Majors said.

One firefighter and his son were trapped in their safe room but were rescued and are OK, Majors said.

Carter County EMA. Carter County Sheriff’s Department reported over the weekend that from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. until further notice, deputies will be stopping and talking with folks in affected areas.

“If you’re not a property owner or requested by the property owner do not go near affected areas,” Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell said. “The town of Fremont is to only be accessed by property owners or verified people that have been given permission.

“This effort is to help property owners that suffered damage and keep thieves who are willing to capitalize on suffering away. We will not tolerate anyone messing around with our citizens' properties. If caught expect to see our jail cell.”

Help was coming into the county from many fronts by Saturday.

Bootleggers BBQ set up in Fremont Monday to serve lunch, with staff saying, “If your home is damaged, you are out of power, or working on storm cleanup, stop and see (us)!” They expected to serve between 150-200 meals.

Donations of food, water and cleaning supplies were available Sunday at Fremont Fire Department.

Convoy of Hope provided hygiene kits, tarps and cleaning supplies at Van Buren’s First Assembly of God on Sunday as well.

Carter County Nutrition Center offered lunchon Sunday for those impacted by the storm or volunteers.

Reporting by staff writers Barbara Ann Horton and Donna Farley.