Two firefighters and an electric contract worker were injured byfalling trees and limbs during response in Monday’s HurricaneGustav-driven stormy weather.

The two firefighters were hospitalized after a tree fell ontheir fire engine Monday afternoon as they responded to calls inthe county.

Lincoln County Civil Defense Director and Fire CoordinatorClifford Galey said the two East Lincoln volunteer firefighters,who were not identified, were clearing downed limbs and debris fromthe roadway when a pine tree landed on the truck.

“They were responding to a call, and as they were turningaround, a large pine tree fell on the cab of the truck,” Galeysaid.

Both firefighters were taken by ambulance to King’s Daughter’sMedical Center. One was treated and released and the other isremained hospitalized and in fair condition.

At almost the exact same time as the accident, Lincoln CountyCivil Defense issued a statement to all volunteer firefighters tostay off the road until the weather lightened up.

“That was because of the weather at the time, we had some 50-60mile an hour winds and heavy rain, and it just wasn’t safe to be onthe roads at that time,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Magnolia Electric Power Association contract workerwas injured by a falling limb, Magnolia EPA Member ServicesDirector Lucy Shell said.

“A tree fell on one of our contract guys in Pike County, andfrom what I understand he did go by ambulance to the hospital,”Shell said.

She said the worker, who also was not identified, was scratchedup but had no broken bones or other serious injuries.

“He came in for work today, and his foreman sent him home,” shesaid. “I’d love for our customers to understand just how much theseguys want to be out fixing these lines.”